The importance of gut health may not be something you often think about. It is important to know that your gut health impacts many aspects of your life, including digestion, immunity, and even mental health. Here are three ways how good gut health can improve your life:
Improves Immunity
The importance of the immune system cannot be overstated because it keeps us healthy by fighting off diseases and infections. When our intestines are exposed to bad bacteria or other toxins in food, they produce “antibodies” that protect against disease-causing organisms. A robust immune system comes from having a diverse population of microbes living in the gut and ensures that we stay healthy.
Improves Digestion
Gut health is critical to proper digestion, which means you will gain more from your food since it is absorbed into the blood faster. A diverse population of microbes in our intestines breaks down complex carbohydrates through fermentation, producing short-chain fatty acids such as butyrate and propionate (essential nutrients for colon cells) and gases like hydrogen and carbon dioxide (which may be used by cell lining). The importance of this process cannot be overstated because if gas accumulates inside a digestive tract, severe medical conditions may result, including abdominal pain, bloating, or even bowel obstruction.
Mental Health Benefits
The importance of good gut health does not stop at digestive health. Scientists are only beginning to understand the importance of gut microbes in mental health, but there is already much evidence that changes in bowel flora can lead to anxiety or depression.
To conclude, there are many reasons to keep your gut flora in good shape. Not only will you have a healthy digestive system, but you may also enjoy better mental health and a reduced risk of disease.
