I've Heard My Gut Is Connected to My Health: If So, How?

You’ve probably heard people talk about gut health, but what does that really mean? Your gut does more than just digest food, it also plays a major role in your immune system, mood, and overall wellness. If your gut isn’t healthy, the rest of your body can feel off, too. In fact, it’s so important that some researchers consider it a “hidden organ,” one that you can’t live (well) without.

That’s why Lisa Webb, MBA, MPH, PsyD, and Ken Robins, MS, PhD, include gut repair as part of your personalized program at Body & Mind Consulting in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Our gut repair includes a detox program with an easy-to-follow food elimination plan.

In the meantime, keep reading to learn how your gut is connected to your mental and physical health.

What exactly is your ‘gut’?

Your gut isn’t just your stomach, it includes your entire digestive tract from your mouth to your intestines. It also includes trillions of bacteria, viruses, and fungi. This collection of microorganisms is known as your gut microbiome. 

These tiny organisms help break down food, absorb nutrients, and even influence your immune system and mental health.

How your gut health impacts your overall health

Your gut can influence your health in many ways. Most notably, your gut influences your:

Immune system

When you think about your immune system, you might think about your white blood cells, but that’s just one component of your immune system. The vast majority (up to 80%!) of your immune system lives in your gut. Your digestive tract is lined with beneficial bacteria that help protect you from harmful invaders.

When your gut microbiome (the balance of good and bad bacteria) is healthy, your immune system is stronger. But when that balance is disrupted (and the bad bacteria outnumber the good), you may experience more colds, infections, or even chronic inflammation.

Brain

If you’ve ever had stomach discomfort because you were nervous, you know your gut and brain are connected. Your gut and brain “communicate” to each other through a connection known as the gut-brain axis.

The bacteria in your gut help produce neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which influence your mood and mental clarity.

If your gut health is off, you may notice brain fog, anxiety, or even symptoms of depression.

Digestion 

A healthy gut breaks down food properly, absorbs nutrients efficiently, and eliminates waste effectively. But if your gut bacteria are out of balance, you might experience bloating, constipation, diarrhea, or food sensitivities. 

Energy levels

Poor gut health can also make it harder for your body to absorb essential nutrients. This, in turn, can also leave you feeling sluggish.

What happens when your microbiome isn’t balanced?

If your gut isn’t functioning at its best, your body will send you signals. Some common signs include:

• Unexplained fatigue
• Frequent bloating or indigestion
• Skin issues like acne or eczema
• Food intolerances
• Trouble concentrating or mood swings

If you suspect that your gut health is out of whack, don’t hesitate to call our office.

How to support your gut

The good news? You can improve your gut health with a few simple lifestyle changes:

Eat more fiber

Load up on fruits, veggies, and whole grains to feed beneficial gut bacteria. These foods are good for your gut bacteria; in fact, fiber-rich foods are sometimes called “prebiotics” because they feed living microorganisms in your gut.

Include fermented foods

Yogurt, sauerkraut, kefir, and kimchi are probiotic-rich foods that support digestion. Fermented foods like these can help replace bacteria lost due to illness, antibiotics, or poor diet.

Stay hydrated

Water helps keep everything moving smoothly in your digestive system. Men need about 15.5 cups of fluids each day, and women need about 11.5 cups. Not all of that needs to be water. Bone broth, herbal teas, and juicy fruits can count toward your hydration goal.

Manage stress

Chronic stress can wreak havoc on your entire body (and mind!), so it’s not too surprising that it can also throw off your gut balance. Try to lower your cortisol through mindfulness, deep breathing, or exercise.

Avoid processed foods and excess sugar

These can disrupt your gut microbiome and promote bad bacteria growth. If you’re struggling with sugar cravings, we can help you follow our low-glycemic elimination diet.

Take control of your gut health

Your gut plays a huge role in how you feel every day. If you’ve been dealing with digestive issues, low energy, or mood swings, your gut health could be the missing link. You don’t have to figure it all out on your own though.

During our 60-day “Healthy Mind for a Happier Life” wellness program, we focus on gut repair, but we don’t stop there. Our program gives you the guidance, supplements, and coaching you need to achieve your wellness goals.

To learn more, call Body & Mind Consulting at 615-310-1491 or request an appointment online today.