Gut Health Effects

“Gut health is the key to overall health” – Kris Carr

Gut health can affect your body system in many ways. It can often lead to diseases or illness when out of balance. Gut bacteria are usually thought of as causing disruption within your bowels. While it can be bowel conditions, including constipation or diarrhea, it can wreak havoc on other body systems. Your metabolism can be compromised and lead to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. Too much or too little bacteria in your gut can also cause anxiety and depression. It can also lead to inflammation throughout your body. This is believed to cause issues with those who have arthritis in particular. More research is being done to determine the full effects.

Researchers continue to determine all the ways gut bacteria can contribute to how our bodies function. It is important for us to build good bacteria within our gut to safeguard ourselves the best we can.

You can read here about my personal gut health journey and why I am choosing to focus on this topic. 

What is leaky gut syndrome?

Leaky Gut Syndrome means there are holes in the lining of the intestines. That allows particles such as food, toxins, waste, and more, into the bloodstream. When this happens, the liver begins working to rid these unwanted particles from the bloodstream. However, because these holes are continuing to allow them through, our livers cannot keep up with the demand. This then causes your immune system to begin fighting and causing inflammation throughout the body as tissue cells begin absorbing these elements. Once the body begins to fight the elements coming through into the bloodstream, we begin having allergies to the foods we eat. This can then lead to conditions such as Celiac Disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Crohn’s disease, and many others.

Symptoms of Leaky Gut can be:

• sensitivities to foods such as dairy and gluten
• bowel issues including irritable bowel syndrome and ulcerative colitis
• autoimmune diseases
• thyroid issues
• nutrients not absorbing properly
• skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema
• brain issues including anxiety or depression

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How can you heal your gut?

There are many ways to go about healing your gut. Usually combining multiple options is the best plan of attack. It is important to remember, this is a lifestyle change and not a fast-fix diet situation.

• Begin with an elimination or anti-inflammatory diet. This will determine if there are any food sensitives that could be causing distress to your body.
• Increasing your fiber intake through real food is also essential in the healing process. Try mixing multiple foods in a smoothie. There are different products out there targeting increasing your fiber. While they can be useful, make sure to discuss with your medical provider if that is the route you should take.
• Have your blood checked to ensure your body is running at optimal levels. If there are any out of whack, determine the best vitamins and supplements to improve them. 
• A daily, good probiotic is also vital to improving your gut health. You can also consider including apple cider vinegar, kombucha, sauerkraut, and yogurt.
• Adding a digestive enzyme can also prove to be of benefit. These help your body to properly break down nutrients and absorb as they should.

It is important to note, many products on the market these days touting their benefits of good gut health. Some of them can be of benefit but please always discuss with your medical provider before trying any supplements.

Disclaimer: I am not a medical provider, please discuss all medical treatments with your practitioner before making any changes to your supplement routine.

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