Did you know that the gut is often called the “second brain?” That’s because it plays a major role in overall health. Let’s look at 10 ways to improve gut health so you can feel better overall and get your microbiome in the shape it should be.
The Gut as Our Second Brain
So why is gut health important? The gut is often at the top of our minds, and very much linked to our feelings. This is one reason our gut has been called a “second brain”. But our emotional life isn’t the only thing at stake when we don’t give proper attention to our body’s microflora. When you consider all the microorganisms that live inside us, it may not be surprising that scientists say that we are more “other” than ourselves. In other words, when you add up all the foreign, living material inside us, it is more than that attached to our own DNA. This complex web is not just attached to our emotions and our “real” brain through the vagus nerve. It is no wonder then that people with mental diseases, including depression, autism, and schizophrenia also have stomach problems.
Your Gut Feeling Should be to Take Care of Your Gut
The gut has been called “the pit of immunity”. It was the famous Hippocrates, father of the Hippocratic oath, “Do no harm”, that said, “All disease begins in the gut”. Today, with the myriad of diseases threatening to undo society, it’s more important than ever to understand how you can keep all the “pieces” of your gut working together to achieve a balance so that pathogens are kept in check and you can live the vital life you were meant to live.
Factors to Consider if You’re Serious About a Healthy Gut
So what affects gut health and how does a person’s gut turn into a poor condition?
It shouldn’t be a surprise that “You are what you eat” would describe the final result of a rich probiotic-filled diet or a poor, processed food diet. But one should also consider the surroundings that the guy is being placed in. Is high stress reducing proper blood flow to your microbiome? In like manner, exercise, as well as tobacco and alcohol use will either increase or decrease the oxygen and nutrients your gut needs to be healthy. Also, consider your exposure to pathogens. If your defenses are down your gut will only get worse if you are exposed to sick people or don’t practice good hygiene. Finally, be careful about your use of antibiotics. Some doctors may be overly fearful of something like an MRSA infection should you need to be in the hospital for some time. So just be aware that strong antibiotics or antibiotics taken over a long period can do a lot of damage to the gut that may take some time and effort to recover from.
More Stories
Persimmons 101: Health Benefits, Recipes, and More
Diet and Nutrition Made EasyHelping people eat healthy. Achieve their weight goal. Live longerAffirmations to help you with your body image and health
SEPTEMBER SEASONAL RECIPE ROUNDUP — Boulder Nutrition