The Digest

Gut health, gut flora, gut bacteria, #gutgoals…yes, guts have officially made it to hashtag status. Gut health has been an increasingly hot topic in recent years, and for good reason. It turns out that our gut is more than just a place to store food and eliminate waste; it's a complex system that can have a major impact on our overall health and wellbeing. So, what exactly is gut health, and why should you care? Buckle up, because we're about to dive deep into the wonderful world of your gut.

First things first: what is the gut, exactly?

The gut is a long, twisting tube that starts at your mouth and ends at your, well, it ends where the sun don’t shine. From input to output. Along the way, your gut is responsible for digesting food, absorbing nutrients, and eliminating waste. But the gut is much more than just a simple tube; it's also home to trillions of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms collectively known as the gut microbiome.

This is where it starts to get interesting. The bacteria and other microorganisms in your gut play a crucial role in many aspects of your health, from immune function to mental health. In fact, research has shown that an imbalance in the gut microbiome, known as dysbiosis, may be linked to a variety of health problems, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, and even depression.

So, what can you do to promote a healthy gut microbiome?

There are a few key things to keep in mind:

• Eat a healthy diet. Your gut microbiome thrives on fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. These foods help feed the good bacteria in your gut, promoting a healthy balance of microorganisms.

• Take care of your mental health. Stress and other emotional factors can have a major impact on your gut health, so it's important to prioritize self-care and stress management. Take a slow, deep breath—it’s good for your gut!

• Take a probiotic. Probiotics contain live bacteria and yeasts that can help promote a healthy gut microbiome. We’re partial to Akkermansia, often called the keystone strain for gut health. Research has shown that this next generation beneficial strain strengthens the gut lining and works as a promising therapeutic tool against metabolic diseases such as obesity and diabetes.

• Avoid antibiotics unless absolutely necessary. Antibiotics can disrupt the balance of your gut microbiome, so it's best to avoid them unless you really need them.

Now, I know what you're thinking: "This all sounds great, but what does it have to do with me?"

Well, the answer is simple: your gut health is crucial to your overall health. In fact, research has shown that a healthy gut microbiome may be linked to a lower risk of many chronic diseases, including heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer's disease.

But don't just take our word for it. Check out these gut-wrenching stats and facts on what makes those gut bugs so important:

• In the United States alone, over 60 million people suffer from digestive disorders like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and Crohn's disease. 

• Roughly 11.3% of the U.S. population suffers from a digestive disease.

• 70% of your immune system is located in your gut.

• Statistically, women experience more digestive problems than men, with up to 73% of women reporting gastrointestinal symptoms ranging from abdominal pain and diarrhea to nausea and vomiting related to their menstrual cycle.

• The gut-brain axis, which refers to the relationship between the gut and the brain, is thought to play a major role in mental health. Research has shown that people with depression and anxiety tend to have different gut microbiomes than those without these conditions.

• In fact, your gut health is intricately linked to your mental health. Recent research has shown that the gut microbiota can produce the CNS neurotransmitters such as GABA, noradrenaline, and dopamine, controlling your mood and behaviors, and may even cause neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s.

So there you have it—gut health is no laughing matter... unless you appreciate a good poop joke! But in all seriousness, your gut health is crucial for overall health and wellbeing. So eat your greens, get enough fiber, and take your probiotics. That’s #gutgoals right there. Your gut (and the trillions of bacteria that live within it) will thank you.