Summer Sale ! CRAZY DEALS. Free days + Free Immunity shots. Grab now. Do later. Pause/ Restart any time. Download our App for seamless and faster service .
What is the gut and why is gut health so important?
When we talk about the gut we are discussing the gastrointestinal tract, which is the long tube starting at the mouth and ending at the anus. Food enters the mouth and is then passed into the esophagus and into the stomach. It will then pass into the small intestine where in a perfect world food, is broken down by enzymes and then nutrients are absorbed into the bloodstream. Any waste, toxins or fibre then pass through the large intestine which eventually leads to the rectum where stools are eliminated, hopefully on a daily basis.
You know the phrase to trust your gut instinct, well it’s referring to us tuning into our intuition or emotions. There is sense behind this saying as our gut is known as the body’s second brain and there is a direct line of communication running between the two through activation of the vagus nerve. The Gut-brain axis consists of linking peripheral intestinal functions with emotional and cognitive centres of the brain. We experience gut issues when under emotional stress and equally we can experience emotional problems if our digestive system is compromised, which issue came first? It can be somewhat similar to the chicken and the egg question. Our gut microbiota plays a significant role in this signaling from the gut to the brain and the brain to the gut, so having a healthy gut flora is paramount. All of our systems are interconnected in the body and when one is not working at its best that will certainly affect the other systems in a sort of domino effect way, resulting in a myriad of chronic health complaints. It is interesting that our gut bacteria can become compromised even before we are born, as studies have linked prenatal maternal stress to lower levels of beneficial bacteria such as bifidobacteria and lactobacillus.
For example there is an undeniable link between the gut and our immune systems, with around 70-80% of the body’s immune system being housed in the gut. It is important that we have this immune support in the digestive tract as many pathogens enter the body through the gut such as fungus, bad bacteria and parasites which all contribute to disease. Therefore it’s essential for health that our guts immune system is functioning well so that we don’t get sick. If you find your immune system is quite low and you are taking numerous rounds of antibiotics each year then it’s time to boost your gut health. Having enough of the right good bacteria is essential to maintain a health gut and immune system, they act like the army as such, fighting off invaders or pathogens that can cause illness.
Our digestive system has a great ability to defend itself from bad bacteria and other pathogens, infectious diseases and toxins through digestive immune cells and good bacteria. Problems can arise if the integrity of the gut lining is compromised and we start to develop intestinal permeability or leaky gut. These leaks allow pathogens and undigested food particles to pass through into the bloodstream and can travel to different parts of the body, even passing the blood brain barrier. Effectively a leaky gut will cause out immune systems to go into overdrive so that we can become more sensitive or intolerant to certain foods, including things like gluten and dairy. If left with these leaks then a person may have an increased risk of immune abnormalities and develop autoimmune conditions such as hashimotos, rheumatoid arthritis, graves, depression, fibromyalgia etc
Having a healthy gut is also very important in regulating energy levels and moods. Around 85-90% of the body’s serotonin is made in the gut and having certain bacteria in the gut can increase or decrease the amount of serotonin produced. Having a healthy microbiome helps to ensure we produce enough of this “”feel good neurotransmitter”, to keep our moods lifted.
Our bacterial flora also influence our weight, studies have identified different types of bacterial strains that are prevalent in those who are obese and have metabolic diseases like high cholesterol. For example the bacterial strain Fermicutes, so improving bacterial flora is an important way to ensure a healthy weight is maintained through life.
Hippocrates “all disease begins in the gut” so prioritizing gut health is the key to a healthy, happy life.
Five signs that we have a leaky gut - How and why does an overgrowth of years/candida affect brain chemistry?
• Numerous food intolerances, including one that you might get from a test result but also to things like histamines, salicylates etc
• Brain fog, fatigue, headaches, memory issues
• Sugar cravings
• Digestive health issues like constipation, diarrhea, reflx, bloating
• Mood issues, depression, anxiety
• Poor immune system, getting sick all the time
• Skin complaints
• Issues with sleeping
• Nutritional deficiencies (low b12, iron etc) or failure to thrive
Good foods:
• Fermented foods (homemade yogurt/kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi) – contain good bacteria in them and they get to the lower parts of the digestive system to help replenish our bacterial flora
• Bone broth – really good source of collagen, hyaluronic acid, amino acids (glycine, proline, ), glucosamine and chondroitin. This makes is super healing for the gut, joints, hair, skin and nails
• Healthy fats (olive oil, organic ghee, avocados, oily fish, nuts and seeds): help increase motility of the stool an ease issues like constipation
• Prebiotic foods: these are the food for the probiotics or good bacteria and they include raw garlic, raw artichoke, raw leeks, raw and cooked onions raw asparagus, raw chicory root, under ripe banana or green banana flour
• Beetroot: particularly good for easing constipation due to high nitrate content
• Fruit and veggies (preferable organic): boost fibre to keep our colon healthy
• Coconut oil: great as a healthy fat but also a good antifungal and antibacterial agent, helps to fight off candida or bad bacteria like Helicobacter pylori
• Oregano as an antifungal
• Anti-inflammatory foods such as walnuts, chia seeds, milled flaxseeds, turmeric (always add black pepper), cinnamon, garlic, ginger etc
• Local raw honey: a great way to reduce risk of allergies
Bad foods:
• Sugar: will fuel pathogens and increase inflammation in the body
• High fructose corn syrup (in fizzy drinks, cereals, juices, syrups, condiments): also feeds bad bacteria and pathogens and puts extra burden on the liver which is bad for detoxification
• Processed foods (including sauces, dressings): will increase inflammation in the body
• GMO foods (most corn and soy is unless stated organic): they have been genetically modified an they can cause an overgrowth of bad bacteria and fungi
• Soy: difficult to digest, especially bad if not organic. It is ok if it’s fermented like in tempeh as they phytic acid is broken down (anti - nutrient)
• Industrial vegetable oils (corn, soybean, sunflower, safflower, canola): will increase inflammation
• Pro inflammatory foods such as common food intolerances: gluten, dairy, soy, sugar, caffeine, corn
Why does apple cider vinegar aid digestion? What properties does it have?
Apple cider vinegar is amazing but you need to make sure you buy the right one, it must be raw and made with mother so it is fermented. In this form it is amazing as can increase stomach acid naturally by balancing the pH which boost digestion and helps kill of pathogens we might consume accidentally in our food.
As we get older our stomach starts to produce less acid and often this can cause symptoms like acid reflux. In fact many find that having 1 tbsp 30 mins before main meals actually helps to combat heartburn.
It is also able to reduce insulin levels so is fantastic for those with blood sugar issues or who are trying to lose weight. One study found it reduced blood sugar levels by around 30% after eating white bread.
Which supplements are good for digestive health?
Top ones:
How do we recognise organic body washes? What are the chemicals to look for/avoid?
Avoid substances such as sodium lauryle sulphate, fluoride or propylene glycol. Most toothpastes contain these substances as well. Ideally buy organic whenever possible, you can even reduce exposure by using coconut oil as a body moisturizer.
How do Epsom salts, apple cider vinegar, sea salt and seaweed powder work in the bath? What is it about them that detoxifies us?
So, is it right that if we rummage around the earth when we're children, our immune systems will be more robust?
Yes, absolutely! There is a theory called the hygiene hypothesis.
We have become obsessed with avoiding germs nowadays as we see them all as potentially dangerous, with many people carrying around hand sanitizers wherever they go.
Being exposed to germs and bacteria when we’re younger is a fundamental part of developing our immune systems as it teaches our body to turn down inflammatory responses over time. If we live in an oversantised environment we develop a low threshold for exposure to bacteria and other pathogens.
There is almost 10 times the amount of bacterial cells than human cells in the body and being exposed to different pathogens and microbes as a child enables us to build up our immune system, it’s almost a bit like exercising it to get it stronger so that it matures more quickly. Great ways to do this include playing outside and getting exposed to more bacteria and molds. Also, we don’t need to overly wash veggies form the farmers market, that soil or dirt can actually benefit our gut health.
Maintaining a healthy gut is more than just a trend; it's a vital component of overall wellness that influences everything from your immune system to your mental health. Understanding the importance of gut health, recognizing the signs of imbalance, and making informed dietary choices are key steps toward a healthier, happier you.
If you're experiencing issues like bloating, fatigue, or mood swings, or if you simply want to optimize your digestive health, it might be time for a reset. Our comprehensive Gut Reset program is designed to help you restore balance, boost your energy, and improve your overall well-being.
Try our 14 Day Gut Reset today and take the first step towards a healthier gut and a healthier you. Your body will thank you!
