Whether you’re dealing with an autoimmune condition, have frustrating digestive issues, struggle with weight loss, or just don’t feel quite right, the problem could be coming from your gut. You may be wondering– why is gut health important? Read on to discover the connection between the gut and the rest of your body, signs your gut is unhappy, and steps you can take to support a healthy gut.
Why is gut health important?
Your gut is central to nearly every aspect of overall health. The GI tract consists of your esophagus, stomach, large and small intestines, as well as other vital organs such as the gallbladder, pancreas, and liver. Of course, its main job is to break down food, absorb nutrients, and get rid of waste; however, it also communities with your brain and immune system to control cravings, metabolism, mood, weight management, liver detoxification, inflammation, and disease prevention.
What negatively affects gut health?
Chronic stress is one of the biggest factors that can impact your gut health. Finding ways to manage stress is crucial not just for your mental health but also for your physical well-being. Additionally, chronic inflammation and poor gut health go hand in hand. Inflammation is caused when there’s too much toxic buildup in the body, resulting in pain, fatigue, and changes in mood. This also triggers autoimmune activity, where your body begins to attack itself, like Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis (UC), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and irritable bowel disease (IBD).
What are symptoms of poor gut health?
Common signs of an unhappy gut are gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, but those aren’t the only symptoms that could indicate something’s wrong with your gut. Other symptoms could include:
- Insomnia
- Fatigue
- Heartburn
- Diabetes
- Brain fog
- Chronic pain
- Headaches/migraines
- Autoimmune diseases
- Depression or anxiety
What are some ways to improve gut health?
Expand your fruit and vegetable intake: some of the best foods for gut health include apples, pears, onions, mushrooms, asparagus, dark leafy greens, etc.
Add more fiber to your diet: whole grains, oats, nuts, seeds, lentils, and beans are fantastic sources of fiber, a nutrient necessary for healthy digestion and intestinal function. Plus, when paired with protein and healthy fats, keeps you fuller longer.
Include nutritional supplements: sometimes your body needs an extra boost of nutrients that it can’t always get from diet alone. Nutrients such as L-Glutamine support optimal gut health, as well as probiotic supplements to keep your gut bacteria healthy and thriving.
Reach for water first: Before drinking all of your calories through sugary sodas, energy drinks, and other caffeinated beverages, opt for water. Staying hydrated is key for flushing out toxins and supporting digestion.
Get your 7 hours: Yes, your gut health really is connected to your sleep quality! Adults need at least 7 hours of sleep each night, and irregular sleeping patterns coupled with stress can trigger unwanted gut issues.
Stay physically active: Exercising regularly also fuels your metabolism and gut health, releases endorphins to boost your mood, and supports weight management.
We hope that this guide to the question– why is gut health important? Was helpful! Interested in more gut-related health content? Read about how to detox your liver naturally with our 7-day detox kit!
