Gut Health & Digestion
The Digestive System
The digestive system is made up of the gastrointestinal tract plus the accessory digestive organs which work together to break down and absorb food.
Cephalic Stage
Aided by enzymes in saliva.
Gastric Stage
Assisted by the stomach’s acidic environment.
Intestinal Stage
Assisted by bile from the gallbladder, enzymes in digestive juices from the pancreas and the gut’s microbiome.
Digestive Health
Diet and nutrition plays a major role in determining the makeup of one’s microbiome. Maintaining the right balance of gut bacteria is known to have a range of benefits including improved digestion and immune system function.
A healthy microbiome is closely linked to the health of the immune system.
Fun fact: 70% of the body’s immune cells are found in the gut!
Imbalanced Gut Microbiome: Causes, Symptoms and Repair
Many factors can contribute to an imbalance in gut bacteria, known as dysbiosis. Factors can include:
An imbalanced gut microbiome can lead to issues including abdominal cramping and bloating, excess gas, digestive issues including constipation and diarrhoea, tiredness and a lack of energy, weight gain, and reduced immune system function.
Consuming probiotics via fermented foods or supplements can help relieve the symptoms of an imbalanced gut microbiome and support overall digestive system health.
The Gut-Brain Axis
The gut-brain axis consists of two-way communication between the body’s central and enteric nervous system. Research indicates that emotional and cognitive centres in the brain are linked with peripheral intestinal functions.
The health of one’s microbiome appears to play a strong role in influencing these interactions and maintaining healthy and diverse gut flora may be able to improve one’s mood, reduce anxiety and improve energy levels.
The Gut-Brain Axis
The gut-brain axis consists of two-way communication between the body’s central and enteric nervous system. Research indicates that emotional and cognitive centres in the brain are linked with peripheral intestinal functions.
The health of one’s microbiome appears to play a strong role in influencing these interactions and maintaining healthy and diverse gut flora may be able to improve one’s mood, reduce anxiety and improve energy levels.
