Gut Health
The gut (also known as the gastrointestinal tract) is home to trillions of bacteria, which have been linked to everything from weight gain to immune function and mood. Scientists are still learning about the microbes and how they affect your health, but there is a growing amount of evidence that healthy gut bacteria can have positive effects on your body.
When your gut is working properly, it has a healthy balance of good bacteria, helping your body process and get energy from food, clear toxins and fight disease. It also helps regulate your blood sugar and reduces your risk of diabetes, obesity, heart disease and cancer.
A healthy gut is also free of digestive symptoms such as diarrhea, constipation, bloating, gas and abdominal pain. If your gut is unhealthy, it may cause a range of problems including:
Your Gut Can Make You Feel Uneasy and Stressed
Many people have experienced what’s called the “gut-brain axis,” in which the brain’s signals communicate with the digestive system. The gut has a special nervous system that can send messages to the brain and release neurotransmitters such as serotonin, which can affect your mood and sleep.
Mental Health And The Gut
It’s also been shown that anxiety and depression can increase the risk of IBS. Researchers believe this is because both disorders cause inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, which can lead to symptoms like bloating, constipation and diarrhea.
Getting plenty of exercise, managing your stress and eating a variety of foods are all important for gut health. These things take time and dedication, but they will improve your gut.
