Your gut (explained)

As your gut goes, so goes your health. 

It’s really as simple as that, even though your digestive system itself is fairly complex.

Because when your gut is working properly, not only are you more comfortable, nearly every system in your body works better. 

Mood. Immune health. The look and feel of your skin. Energy. Weight control. And removal of toxins from your body. 

A healthy gut does all that and more. And while digestion includes everything from your mouth to your bum, most of the heavy lifting occurs in your intestines. 

The small intestine is where almost 90% of nutrient absorption takes place. The food that goes in delivers key vitamins, minerals and more. And the job of the small intestine is to get the good stuff out. 

The large intestine, or your colon, is where much of your “good bacteria” reside. And having healthy gut flora is one of the keys to both digesting food properly (and comfortably) and also creating a wall to keep bad bacteria from taking root. Or even leaking out to cause havoc elsewhere in your body. 

As much as 4 lbs. of your body weight is made up of these bacteria. And when you take in foods or probiotics that contain them, it can help support gut health and digestive protection each day.  

There’s a direct connection between how healthy your gut is and how much nutrition you absorb. Nutrients that don’t get absorbed don’t make it to your bloodstream, and you waste the benefits. 

By supporting your gut, you’re making sure more of the vitamins, proteins and other essential nutrients in your food and supplements actually help your body as intended.

Of course, you know that “you are what you eat.” 

Healthy choices that support your gut – foods like yogurt, sauerkraut and pickles, for example – help colonize the gut with good bacteria and crowd out the bad. 

And adding pre-biotic foods like onions and garlic help these good bacteria thrive. Fruits, veggies and beans help your colon absorb water, to move waste along more efficiently. 

Other foods can tip your gut out of balance, but the challenge is, this varies greatly from person to person. You must pay attention, listen to your body and watch for signs.

If you eat something that results in bloating, gas, pain, or nausea, it might not be for you. Or your gut might not be healthy enough to deal with it at the moment. 

Like I said, a gut that’s not healthy doesn’t just impact digestion. Poor concentration, mood swings, trouble sleeping, low energy and more are tied to gut issues. 

Not to mention how uncomfortable digestive issues can be. 

If you’re experiencing digestive issues, it makes sense to look at your diet, pay attention to the signs, and even call on digestive herbs that deliver a “gut reset.”

It’s no wonder people say to listen to your gut. It has a lot to say. 

About your health, your ability to enjoy the foods you like, absorb more nutrition, and keep your body on track for the long haul.