Why Your Gut Health Matters
By Genevieve Cunningham
When most of us think about the gut, we think about the simple process of digesting food. We don't really give it a lot of thought on a normal daily basis. In fact, the most attention it gets happens when we have an upset in the gut. But in recent years, doctors and researchers have given the gut a little more attention. Why? Because as it turns out, the health of the gut matters. If you really want to improve your overall health, take a look at why the gut may be the perfect place to begin.
What's In the Gut?
The gut is your stomach, large intestines, and small intestines. Basically, it's your gastrointestinal tract. Its job is to take in food, take out the nutrients, and then eliminate the wasted material. While this may not seem special, we couldn't live without it. And what's more, it's now thought that the majority of the immune system actually lies within the gut. That means that our energy comes from this process, and our body's ability to fight off infection also lies in this area of the body. Based on only these two factors, it's apparent that gut health is a big deal.
How to Keep It Healthy
Start with a healthy diet - You are what you eat, and this is oh so true when it comes to the gut. If you fill it with junk, your body will have a harder time processing it. This drags down the health of the gut and causes problems. The solution? Stick to a well balanced and healthy diet.
Drink plenty of water - Water is so good for the gut. It helps break down food and also helps with the elimination process. Most people don't drink enough water. Start with just a glass or two more per day, and then work your way up from there.
Take probiotics - Probiotics are good bacteria that is supposed to be present in the gut. Sometimes, especially after medication, the good bacteria gets eliminated and the bad bacteria takes over making us sick. Taking probiotics daily helps us maintain that good balance and leads to better gut health.
Your gut health really does matter. It's so much more than your body's way of taking what it needs and eliminating the rest. It's an entire system that significantly impacts your overall well-being. Use these tips to keep your gut healthy, and you'll be one step closer to feeling better than ever before.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Mint Hill, N.C.