A healthy gut is the foundation of overall well-being. The gastrointestinal system, often referred to as the gut, is home to trillions of microorganisms that play a crucial role in digestion, immune function, and mental health. It’s an incredible system that we’re coming to learn is far more important to our overall health than we once believed. At International Pharmacy, we recognise the importance of a healthy gut for a healthy life, so here we look at how to heal your gut.
When the balance of the microorganisms in your gut is disrupted, it can lead to digestive issues, weakened immunity, and even affect mental clarity. Yes, your gut holds a lot of power! Fortunately, there are natural ways to heal and restore gut health, with prebiotics and probiotics playing a significant role in this process.
The Basics of Gut Health
The gut is populated by a diverse community of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microbes collectively known as the gut microbiota. Collected together, these microorganisms actually weigh more than your brain! This complex ecosystem interacts with our bodies in numerous ways, aiding in digestion, nutrient absorption, hormone regulation, and even influencing mood and cognitive function. Indeed, you could say that your gut acts in many ways as a second brain, controlling and affecting much of what else goes on in your body.
The part that probiotics play in how to heal your gut
Probiotics are live microorganisms that confer health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts. These beneficial bacteria help restore balance to the gut microbiota and improve gut health. Probiotics work by crowding out harmful bacteria, stimulating the production of antimicrobial substances, and enhancing the integrity of the intestinal lining.
You can get probiotics in your diet through eating fermented foods such as kefir, live yoghurt, kombucha or miso. You can also take probiotic supplements and this is particularly recommended if you’ve taken antibiotics to combat an infection.