Gut Health
Your digestive tract is a vital part of your body that affects every system in your body. When your gut is healthy, it can help your body process and get energy from the foods you eat, eliminate toxins and fight disease, improve mood and boost immunity.
The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is home to about 50 trillion bacteria, about 10 times the number of human cells. This bacterial community, called the microbiome, has a huge impact on your health.
In addition, our GI tract is also home to a special nervous system, known as the enteric nervous system (ENS). This ENS communicates with your brain via the central nervous system and produces neurochemicals, including dopamine and serotonin.
Moreover, gut health is linked to your risk of chronic diseases like diabetes, cancer and heart disease. And it can also play a role in mood disorders, like depression and anxiety.
The balance of the gut’s microbes is largely determined by diet. Eating a healthy, balanced diet full of vegetables, fruit and whole grains is one of the best ways to promote gut health.
Foods high in fiber are also important for good gut health because they can stimulate the growth of good bacteria in the intestine. Fermented foods are also helpful, as they contain probiotics and prebiotics that can help your microbiome thrive.
Lastly, avoiding certain types of food and drinks that can make your gut microbiome worse is also an effective way to keep your digestive system working at its best. Avoid processed and fried foods, alcohol and carbonated beverages, as these can disrupt your microbiome.
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