Gut health refers to the condition of our gastrointestinal (GI) system, which includes the stomach, intestines, and other organs involved in digestion.
The GI system, as we’ve studied since childhood, is responsible for breaking down food into nutrients, absorbing those nutrients into the body, and eliminating waste. When the health of our gut is compromised, it can lead to a number of health problems – which we might expect – including digestive disorders, immune system disorders, and even mental health issues. .
“Gut Health” can be seen Everywhere. The phrase has become a wellness buzzword on TikTok with the hashtag #guthealth, but experts say it’s more than that.
According to Dr. Aditya Srinivasan, a gastroenterologist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York, gut health is not just a hot topic but an important part of health. Affects Everything from obesity to cancer rates. Even mental health can be affected.
“The main reason it’s becoming so common is that more and more data (and) understanding of what’s going on in our gut or (gastrointestinal) tract is related to all kinds of huge health outcomes — that More than we might normally think of GI problems like ulcers, gas bloating or colon cancer. CBS News He said referring to it.
The importance of gut health lies in the fact that our gut is home to millions, perhaps trillions, of microorganisms, collectively known as the gut microbiome. These microorganisms include bacteria, viruses, and fungi and play an important role in maintaining our overall health. They help digest food, produce vitamins and maintain a healthy immune system.
A healthy gut microbiome can also positively impact our mental health, as it produces neurotransmitters that influence mood and behavior.
“When people talk about gut health, they’re talking about the microbiome at large and its interactions with various physiological processes.” CBS News said Shilpa Ravela, assistant professor of medicine and transplant gastroenterologist at Columbia University.
According to Ravella, one of the most important ways the microbiome affects health is through its effects on our immune system.
From conception to death, our microbiome really influences the development of our immune system. And this is important because, as we now understand, inflammation has a significant impact on our health. Inflammation, whether chronic or low-level, is linked to almost all of our contemporary diseases. So, when you have an unbalanced or dysbiotic gut flora, your body has more of this inflammation.
So, contrary to what many people may believe, the digestive tract is more than just a tube through which food passes.
There are many factors that can affect gut health, including diet, stress, medication use, and exposure to toxins. Eating a healthy, balanced diet with plenty of fiber, fruits and vegetables, and fermented foods can help promote a healthy gut microbiome. Managing stress levels, getting enough sleep, and avoiding unnecessary antibiotics can also have a positive effect on gut health.
A study published in 2021 discovered that the gut microbiome may be able to predict whether a person with rheumatoid arthritis will rapidly improve their disease. The relationship between healthy microbiota and diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and other diseases is still being studied.
There are many products on the market that claim to improve gut health, including drinks aimed at people who want to do just that. Scientists’ perspectives on probiotic supplements are also changing at the same time. Many experts now claim that these items may not be as beneficial as previously thought.