The Vital Role of Gut Health

 

Gut Health is the buzz phrase we all keep hearing in the press.

The more scientific research that is done, the more the importance of our gut microbiome or ‘flora’ becomes apparent in all sorts of health issues.

Your gut microbiome is a delicate environment that needs nurturing to keep in balance. An often constant bombardment of modern-day stresses, bad diet, pollutants, and medication can cause havoc and health issues in the gut with IBS a very painful and constant problem for some.

Viruses

Recent research from Japan  shows that gut health has a very important role when you have viruses, such as Covid, and can affect the severity of symptoms. Chinese scientists have discovered that even many months later, people with Long Covid may still have traces of the virus in their guts.

By boosting your gut microbiome when you have a virus both the elimination process and recovery time can be significantly improved. When I had Covid, and added in both kefir and kombucha to my diet, I was symptom free within 6 days, so much faster than friends and family who didnt support their gut. It totally convinced me this is not just a fad but absolutely vital all year round.

Hay Fever

Research published in 2022 revealed there can be a link between allergies and gut microbiome and that Hay Fever sufferers often have a less diverse gut microbiome compared to those without the condition. Reduced gut bacteria diversity can lead to higher levels of inflammation (the body’s immune response to irritants, such as allergens) and microbiome imbalance.

This is a very, very exciting discovery and could potentially bring huge relief for many.

Gut/Skin Axis

There is also a huge link between skin issues and the gut – known as the skin/gut axis.  Skin is your body’s biggest organ and, if the body is trying to detox, symptoms such as eczema can often appear.

Dementia, Parkinsons, Stress and Mental Health

Scientists in Ireland have just published results from a  research study that eating a “psychobiotic” diet, (fermented foods) can reduce stress levels and improve mental health.

Research in China has uncovered that certain probiotics may help those with dementia and Parkinsons’.

So many chronic problems seem to be linked to your gut so how do you support and rebalance your gut? 

Tips for rebalancing and maintaining healthy gut flora. 

• Add fermented foods to your diet such as kefir, kimchi and live yogurt.
• Drink kombucha a fermented drink. 
• Take a daily prebiotic such as inulin. 
• Take probiotics if you have recently had antibiotics. 
• Reducing your ‘toxic load’ by eating organic where possible. 

You may find The Healthy Gut Report available from What Doctors Don’t Tell You answers many of your questions.