Understanding The Connection Between Gut (Digestive/Intestinal) Health and Overall Health

Understanding The Connection Between Gut (Digestive/Intestinal) Health and Overall Health

Written by Pamela Udejimba

Do you ever have the impression that your stomach is trying to tell you something? As it turns out, your stomach may be talking with your body more than you realize. Recent research has revealed a strong connection between gut health and overall wellness. In this article, we will dive deeper into this interesting topic and look at how our gut microbiome influences our health. The gut microbiome refers to the diverse community of microorganisms that live in our digestive tract. Bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa are all examples of microorganisms. While having so many microbes living inside us may sound unpleasant, the truth is that they play an important role in preserving our health.
The immune system is one way in which the gut microbiome influences human health. Over 70% of our immune cells live in our gut, and microorganisms in our gut play an important role in controlling our immune response. A healthy gut microbiome can help protect us from pathogens and reduce our chances of developing autoimmune illnesses.
But that is not all. The gut microbiome is also involved in mood and mental health regulation. The gut is often referred to as the "second brain" as a result of its relationship with the central nervous system. The vagus nerve connects the gut and the brain, allowing bidirectional communication between the two. This indicates that the health of our gut can have an impact on our overall health and vice versa.
So, how can we promote a healthy gut microbiome? Diet is an important factor. A diet high in fibre, fruits, and vegetables can help feed the healthy bacteria in our gut, while a diet strong in processed foods and sugar can lead to an overgrowth of bad bacteria. Probiotics and prebiotics can also aid in the maintenance of a healthy gut microbiome. Probiotics are live microorganisms found in fermented foods such as yoghurt, while prebiotics is fibres found in foods such as bananas, onions, and garlic that help feed the healthy bacteria in our gut. Regular exercise has been shown to support a healthy gut microbiome. Physical activity boosts blood flow to the gut, which aids in the growth of good bacteria. Exercise has also been shown to reduce intestinal inflammation, which can enhance overall gut health.
Understanding the connection between gut health and overall health is essential for living a healthy lifestyle. We can strengthen our immune system, and mental health, and reduce our chance of developing chronic diseases by supporting a healthy gut microbiome through food, probiotics, prebiotics, and exercise. 
Do you have any views or questions concerning gut health and how it relates to overall health? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments!