Would you believe that the functioning of a human body majorly depends on a nourished gut? Surprisingly, the gut is the main processor of the body that puts everything in order. The tube ends at the back passage or anus starting from the mouth. This tube puts the body in working order and is commonly known as the gut. It is responsible for breaking the food we eat and absorbing the essential nutrients for our bodies. In fact, 70% of our immune system is part of our gut, making it essential to pay primary focus on its health to ensure overall well-being.
Be its hormonal balance, mental health, energy production, digestion, or skin health; you know where to look!
What is gut health?
Gut health does not necessarily target a single organ. It refers to the physiological and physical functioning of parts of the gastrointestinal tract.
As Dr. Tara Menon states, “The gut tract has trillions of bacterias that maintain homeostasis and well-being of the body.” Rightfully so, gut tracts have healthy bacterias and fluids that are important for flushing out dangerous bacterias and viruses.
Gut health can be positively or negatively affected by consuming a few foods and environmental changes.
Why is gut health important?
Since the gut is the protagonist in bodily functioning, it is essential to be attentive towards its health. We focus on chewing and swallowing; our gut handles the rest. The gut is responsible for everything from breaking down the food into simpler forms to absorbing beneficial nutrients and stimulating energy.
Gut health is essential to eliminate harmful toxins from the body. Besides, a healthy gut is filled with immune cells that flush out dangerous bacteria, fungi, and viruses.
It is even more surprising that the gut has communication channels to the brain through hormones and nerves. It maintains the overall well-being of the human body.
What affects your gut?
Finally, you have a reason why your parents always wanted you to dig dirt and indulge in an unhealthy environment. Studies say that we stay in a clean and healthy environment that keeps our gut immune. It can make your gut habitual of a comfortable environment. Even when in a reasoned exposure to germs and bacteria, it can harm your gut immensely.
The Gut-brain axis, a term referred to by scientists, means the pathway through which signals from the gut can affect the neurotransmitters in the brain and reverse. So, resultantly, an unhealthy gut can affect a person mentally, cause skin disorders or even reflexes. This explains the importance of gut health.
Initially, no one can tell if a habit or food is affecting your gut; perhaps, in a few days, you can come across somebody’s issues that can be an alarm.
Signs that your gut health is being compromised
The majority of people would relate that an upset stomach can ruin the whole mood. Feeling bloated all day and tight on the stomach can be an evident symptom of an unhealthy gut. In specific terms, compromised gut health means decreased microbiome. It is pretty easy to tell if your gut isn’t functioning as it is supposed to be. A few symptoms include bloating, diarrhea, stomach pain, and nausea.
The imbalances are usually treated on their own, but if they stay for a long time, you should see a doctor immediately. With rising medical technologies and advancements, doctors are coming up with effective treatments for gut health.
After all, gut health impacts the overall health; it’s time we give it much deserved attention.
