Gut Health

Why should you focus on supporting the health of your microbiome?

A healthy microbiome is a balanced microbiome. This refers to the balance of microorganisms that live in the digestive tract, as well as other parts of your body. Maintaining the right balance of these microorganisms is vital for both physical and mental health. 

Let's talk about your gut.

I think many people don't realize that when we talk about the immune system, a lot of it can be related to the health of your gut. In fact, over 70% of our immune system is in the gut. 

Not only are inflammatory markers in the gut linked to the health of the brain (I highly recommend looking into the gut-brain axis), an estimated 90% of the body’s serotonin is produced by gut bacteria in the digestive tract.

This is why I always recommend supporting the health of your gut, and doing your best to reduce factors that affect its integrity.

What affects the integrity of our gut?

1. Chronic stress

2. Overuse of unnecessary antibiotics

3. Inadequate sleep

4. Lack of physical exercise

5. Poor diet

6. Infections left untreated 

7. Our modern environment being too hygienic (basically not exposing ourselves to as many bacteria as we use to)

What can help improve the gut microbiome and improve overall health?

Consuming a nutrient rich diet, full of vitamins, minerals, fibre, prebiotic and probiotic rich foods. Probiotics are basically good bacteria, and prebiotics are plant fibers that works to help these healthy bacteria flourish. Regular movement (exercise alters our microbiome), adequate sleep, and reducing overall stress can be super helpful.