Chances are, you’ve been hearing a lot about gut health lately, and with good reason. Gut health is essential for overall health and well-being, but you may be asking yourself “what is it?”
The gut, or gastrointestinal tract, is home to trillions of bacteria and other microorganisms, collectively known as the gut microbiome. These microorganisms play a crucial role in many bodily functions, including digestion, immunity, and metabolism. When the gut microbiome is healthy, it can help protect against disease and promote overall health. However, when the gut microbiome is out of balance, it can lead to a variety of health issues. So how do you achieve and maintain proper gut health?
One of the primary functions of the gut microbiome is to aid in digestion. The gut microbiome helps to break down and absorb nutrients from the food we eat. It also produces short-chain fatty acids, which are important for maintaining a healthy colon and preventing colon cancer.
It also plays a role in the immune system, helping to protect against harmful bacteria and viruses and can even influence the body’s immune response to infections and allergies. A healthy gut microbiome can also help to reduce inflammation in the body, which is a contributing factor in many chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
The gut microbiome is also involved in metabolism and weight regulation. Research has shown that the it can influence the way the body stores and utilizes energy from food. It can also affect appetite and food cravings, which can play a role in weight gain or loss.
There are several ways to promote a healthy gut. One of the most important is through a healthy diet that is high in fibre and fermented foods, such as yogurt and sauerkraut. It is also important to reduce the intake of processed foods and added sugars, as these can disrupt the balance of the gut microbiome. Exercise, stress management, and getting enough sleep can also contribute to a healthy gut microbiome.
While these factors play an important role in maintaining a healthy gut, sometimes our hormones can make it difficult to regulate the system. At Aeon Future Health, our team are able to help you identify exactly what is causing an imbalance in your gut health and how we can properly adjust and ensure equilibrium.
