The term “gut health” gets thrown around a lot, but what does it really mean and why is the gut an important part of our health? How do you achieve a healthy intestine and what affects your intestine? These are some of the questions we will answer below, along with a few more. So, let's become gut health experts together!...

Your gut microbiome is the foundation of your health. Good gut health means having a balance between good (helpful) and bad (potentially harmful) bacteria and yeast in your digestive system.

Basically, yes. This is because the health of the gut microbiota (the microorganisms in your gastrointestinal system, or GI tract for short) exists to support the functionality of:

• The digestive tract
• The immune system
• The endocrine system
• The cardiovascular system
• The skeletal system
• Brain
• and the skin

So quite a bit! Two-thirds of the body's immune system resides in the gut and 95% of the "feel-good" hormone, serotonin, is produced in the gut, not the brain as many of us think. Without a healthy gut microbiome, overall health is not possible.

There are many tips for good gut health, but since everyone's gut is different, it's about finding what works for you. Some healthy foods and lifestyle habits are the main factors that can improve your intestinal health naturally, such as:

• Eat foods rich in fiber and probiotics, such as beans, lentils, whole grains, yogurts, tempeh, and kefir.
• Supplements, such as turmeric, live friendly bacteria, and apple cider vinegar.
• Frequent exercise: You've heard this before, but exercise is important for your overall health and well-being. In terms of gut health, being more physically active can lead to a healthier gut, support your digestion, and even improve your mood.
• Limit your alcohol consumption: Have you ever had an upset stomach after a night of drinking? Well, you won't be alone, as alcohol can have a negative effect on the healthy bacteria in your gut microbiome, which can lead to symptoms like bloating, excessive gas, and diarrhea.
• Reduce stress levels: Sometimes stress can slow down digestion, causing bloating, pain, and constipation or diarrhea.

Check out our article on the 18 Best Foods for Gut Health! But here's a quick rundown of some of our favorite foods for gut health:

• Avocado
• Lentils
• black beans
• Oatmeal
• chia seeds
• Almonds
• Garlic
• And more!

The symptoms of an unhealthy gut can be quite common, with more people having them than you realize. Some signs to look for to determine if your gut needs some extra love are:

• Stomach pain or cramps
• Swelling
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Heartburn

The 6 common signs of a healthy gut are:

• Regular, pain-free bowel movements
• Constant energy
• Normal amount of gas and bloating
• Healthy intestinal transit time
• Mental clarity
• Healthy reactions to food and stress

The theory behind detoxifying your stomach is to try to eliminate any waste and toxins from your colon. Here are some tips on how to detoxify your stomach:

• Drink a lot of water
• Eat foods rich in fiber
• Try drinking water with honey and lemon, juices and smoothies, or organic and herbal teas
• Eat ginger or take ginger supplements
• Add resistant starches to your meals
• Try intermittent fasting

There is a connection between your gut and your brain, sometimes known as the mind-gut connection, the brain-gut connection, or the brain-gut axis. You may notice that when you feel anxious or stressed, you also experience intestinal symptoms, such as loss of appetite, stomach pain, or diarrhea. Research has also shown that some digestive conditions, such as IBS and celiac disease, are linked to both anxiety and depression. Keep an eye out for any signs of gut health associated with anxiety or depression and be sure to consult your GP so you can take the necessary steps together.

If you have an unhealthy gut, it can have an impact on your overall health and therefore your skin. This is because the balance of your gut microbiota needs to be optimal for skin health. So, if your gut health is not the best, it can manifest itself in the following skin conditions:

• acne breakouts
• Dry Skin
• Psoriasis
• Inflammation
• Atopic dermatitis (eczema)
• Rosacea

We suggest talking to a dermatologist or trying to follow ways to help your gut health as mentioned above.

Most of us love the warm summer weather, but have you ever noticed that with the heat can come bloating? That's because when we're exposed to higher temperatures, the bad bacteria in our gut can expand, hence the bloating. Here are some tips on how you can help reduce swelling in the heat:

• Drink a lot of water
• Keep moving: High temperatures may make us tend to stay indoors, but the less we move, our digestive systems often move less too.
• Avoid carbonated drinks
• Get enough sleep: Sometimes when it's too hot it can affect how much we sleep, which can then lead to sleep deprivation and cravings for processed foods, leading to more bloating.

Conclusion

We hope your burning questions about gut health have been answered and you're now ready to find ways to improve your gut health or keep it in optimal condition. However, if you are really concerned about the health of your gut, we always recommend speaking to your GP to rule out any underlying problems.

Sources:

1. https://www.parkview.com/blog/the-importance-of-gut-health#:~:text=What%20is%20gut%20health%3F,yeast%20in%20your%20digestive%20system
2. https://unbunfoods.com/blogs/latest/why-gut-health-holds-the-key-to-overall-health#:~:text=Two%2Dthirds%20of%20the%20body's,overall%20health%20is %20truly%20impossible
3. https://www.benefiber.com/fiber-in-your-life/daily-fiber-intake/top-10-high-fiber-foods/
4. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/11-super-healthy-probiotic-foods
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7. https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/facts/health-effects-of-alcohol/effects-on-the-body/is-alcohol-harming-your-stomach
8. https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/digestive-health/five-lifestyle-tips-for-a-healthy-tummy/#:~:text=In%20some%20people%2C% 20stress%20slows,ulcers%20and%20irritable%20bowel%20syndrome
9. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs/symptoms/
10. https://www.everlywell.com/blog/food-allergy/signs-of-healthy-gut/
11. https://bebodywise.com/blog/how-to-clean-stomach/
12. https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/the-gut-brain-connection
13. https://nowpatient.com/healthy-living-and-wellness/how-can-gut-health-affect-your-skin-and-why
14. https://patient.info/news-and-features/why-does-my-stomach-bloat-in-hot-weather