The health of your digestive system, or commonly called “gut health”, has a direct impact on the health of your entire body. Your gut is home to trillions of bacteria (good and bad) along with viruses and yeasts which are called the microbiota; all of which make up your gut microbiome. Everyone’s microbiome will share some of the same characteristics, however just like fingerprints, your individual microbiome is entirely unique. When your microbiome is well balanced, the rest of your body will likely be in harmony.
When your gut isn’t at it’s healthiest, and the bad bacteria overtakes the beneficial bacteria, this is called Dysbiosis. Your body has a way of sending signals, and sometimes these aren’t as obvious as you may think. Your gut influences everything from your digestion to the quality of your skin. Here are some signs that your gut needs some support:
Any kind of digestive discomfort such as excessive gas/bloating, regularity problems (going too often or not enough), heartburn, is going to likely be the first sign your body gives you that something is wrong. For example, certain strains of harmful bacteria produce more gas than others, leading to greater fermentation, trapping gas and increasing bloat.
The prevalence of food sensitivities can be another sign that your microbiome is out of balance, especially when they seemingly come out of nowhere. Allergies, sensitivities, and intolerances are negative immune responses where your body reacts to a food as if it were a harmful substance. Alterations in gut bacteria have been shown to play a large role in causing these negative reactions.
The health of your skin is intricately connected to that of your gut, and is actually referred to as the “gut-skin barrier”. Your skin is your largest organ and will often be the first to show signs of any imbalances or damage in the digestive tract. Acne, eczema, and dermatitis can all be aggravated or stem from food sensitivities, inflammation, and imbalanced bacteria. Studies have shown that nearly all of those with dysbiosis suffer some form of skin irritation.
The G.I tract is often referred to as the “second brain”, as neurotransmitters that directly support mood, concentration, and cognitive abilities are produced in the gut. The brain has a direct effect on the stomach and intestines. For example, the anticipation of eating will cause the stomach to release digestive enzymes before food gets there. This connection goes both ways. A distressed gut can send signals to the brain, just as a troubled brain can send signals to the gut. Therefore, a person’s stomach or intestinal distress can be the cause or the result of anxiety, stress, and other mood imbalances.
A healthy and diverse gut microbiome is an essential part of hormonal balance as it aids the synthesis and regulation of hormones and neurotransmitters. Scientists have recently discovered the estrobolome, which are certain microbial populations that are capable of metabolizing estrogens and therefore maintaining healthy hormonal balance. When inflammation and/or dysbiosis is present, the estrobolome becomes impaired, leading to estrogen related issues as well as general disruption of the endocrine system.
At least 70% of your immune cells reside within your gut, and they are constantly interacting with your microbiome. In normal conditions, the immune system promotes the growth of beneficial microbes and helps maintain a stable microbial community. In return, a healthy microbiota will produce molecular signals that support the development of immune cells and ensure they are doing their job effectively. If the microbiome is imbalanced for any reason, the immune system will suffer. This can lead to food sensitivities and increased allergy symptoms, skin problems, and even contribute to autoimmune diseases.
The biggest cause of digestive problems is a poor diet. Good bacteria thrive off of whole, natural foods like vegetables and fiber, and harmful bacteria and yeasts thrive off of processed foods and sugar. For example, if your diet consists of mainly processed foods (as most western diets are) the bad bacteria will begin to overtake the good, leading to unpleasant symptoms.
Most prescription and over the counter medications can cause alterations in gut bacteria as well, especially antibiotics. Stress, alcohol intake, food intolerances, and poor sleep can also contribute to imbalances.
Taking a probiotic supplement is one of the best ways to promote gut health. They play a large role in supporting the growth and balance of healthy gut bacteria. Probiotics come in many different strains and types. For example, some are formulated towards supporting the immune system, and others will promote hormonal balance. Important factors to consider when purchasing probiotics include: strain diversity, stability (most should be kept in the fridge) brand quality, CFU count and recommended daily intake.
One of the most common problems people have is improper digestion and absorption of nutrients, which can lead to bloating, gas, and fatigue. This is usually due to inadequate enzymes in your digestive tract. Supplementing with a digestive enzyme can help your body convert the food you eat into digestible nutrients. A good option is “Enzyme Force”, by Prairie Naturals, as this one contains all of the enzymes needed to properly digest carbs, fats, and proteins.
Licorice is an adaptogenic herb that contains the compound glycyrrhizin, which helps restore and maintain the mucosal lining of your intestines and stomach. Long term use can cause other health concerns, such as edema and aldosterone dysregulation, and so using the deglycyrrhized form (DGL) is a much better option. It is also very effective in treating acid reflux, ulcers, and gastritis. It can also help with symptoms of fatigue as it has been traditionally used for adrenal support. It is important to have your blood pressure checked when taking this consistently for a long period of time as it can cause elevated BP in some individuals.
Caprylic acid is very helpful in treating yeast overgrowth, or candidiasis (more on this in another article!). Candida overgrowth can result in many health issues such as increased food sensitivities, brain fog, poor digestion, and more. Often Caprylic acid will work best when combined with a probiotic supplement.
Glutamine is considered a non essential amino acid because it can be manufactured in the body, however during times of high stress (mental and physical) your body’s demands may increase. It is particularly helpful to digestive health in mainly three different ways; 1. It helps maintain balanced gut microflora 2. It strengthens and repairs the intestinal lining, and 3. Reduces inflammation. It can be taken in a supplemental form, and also obtained through foods such as bone broths.
One of the main factors in poor gut health is lack of fibre in the diet. The daily recommendations state that the average person needs roughly 20-40 grams per day (which is still considered quite low to many practitioners), but the average person only consumes about 15 grams. Along with increasing your intake through whole foods, there are many ways you can supplement if you are still struggling to get enough. Some good examples our “Nutracleanse”, and “Daily Cleanse”, which is a powder that you can add to smoothies, yogurt, cereal, baking, or even just mix into water and drink on its own.
Written by: Hayley Dickenson, RHN
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