Importance of a Healthy Gut
Importance of a Healthy Gut
Did you know that trillions of bacteria live in your digestive tract? And, they actually play a vital role in helping you stay healthy? Your gut health and your immune system are closely linked. Even your mood, autoimmune diseases, skin conditions are related to your gut. Each of us houses about 300 to 500 different species of bacteria (gut microbiome) in our digestive tract. While some of these are harmful, many are beneficial and necessary to keep us healthy. Humans and microbes have existed symbiotically for millions of years. Infact without the gut microbiome, humans would ind it very difficult to survive. As a foetus you are first exposed to microbes when you pass through your mother’s birth canal. With age, the gut microbiome diversifies, including many different types of microbial species. Higher microbiome diversity, the healthier you are! More importantly, the food you eat affects the diversity of your gut microbiome. As the microbiome grows, it affects your body in numerous ways. It helps in digesting fibre, helps control the immune system and brain health. High stress levels, inadequate sleep, consuming processed and high sugar foods, antibiotics, can all damage the gut microbiome. In some cases, this can further affect the brain, heart, immune system, skin, ability to absorb nutrients, even going as far as developing cancer. Gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhoea, heartburn can all be pointing towards an unhealthy gut. High intake of refined sugars can cause increased inflammation in the body. Inflammation is usually the starting point for a number of other diseases. Unintentional weight changes, sleep disorders, constant fatigue, skin irritation, food intolerances, are all signs of an unhealthy gut. Deepa Rajani The Magic In You About Us Connect with Us 16 views 0 comments Autoimmune conditions are also linked to an unhealthy gut, which increases systemic inflammation, thereby affecting the proper functioning of the immune system.
Tips to have a healthy gut:
1. Lessen your stress levels – Meditate, regular walks,
yoga, decrease caffeine intake.
2. Get at least 7 to 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep
3. Eating slowly and chewing your food helps in better
digestion and absorption of nutrients
4. Drink plenty of water
5. Add a probiotic supplement to your diet
6. Check for food intolerances
7. Reduce processed high sugar, high fat foods. Include plant-based foods and lean protein.
8. To promote growth of beneficial bacteria, include whole grains, bananas, greens, onions, garlic, yogurt, kefir, kimchi, and sauerkraut etc.
9. And lastly, to stay healthy, ‘goglutenfree’!
