Your gut might be the single most important area of focus when it comes to healing because it has an incredibly strong impact on the health of your entire body. The more we learn about the gut microbiome the more gut health is linked to our overall health; Whether it’s your immune system, your mental health, or your general sense of well-being – your gut is the hub of your body’s strength, or it’s weakness.

What is the “gut biome” and why should you care?

When discussing the importance of the gut for all areas of your health it helps to begin to see your body as one whole system, rather than separating things like mental health from physical health. We are complex and interconnected beings so it makes sense that our guts are actually connected directly to our brains!

The gut biome or “microbiome” refers to the collection of microorganisms that live within the digestive tract. Each one of these trillions of organisms have a different relationship to our body, most are mutually beneficial, and in perfect balance. However, many factors can alter this delicate balance causing numerous health issues. Even the way in which you were born dramatically alters your microbiome. In the womb, the baby’s digestive tract is relatively sterile.

When babies are born vaginally their guts are first seeded with beneficial bacteria from the vaginal canal. When babies are born by cesarean their guts are first are seeded with skin bacteria or bacteria from the hospital setting. Other factors that influence the balance of the microbiome include use of antibiotics, use of steroids, exposure to toxins (such as heavy metals), food allergies and sensitivities, exposure to mold, and/or not being breastfed as a baby. However, even if there have been lifelong factors contributing to an imbalance in the gut, there are many ways to bring your body back into balance! 

Before we get into the ways to heal your microbiome let’s talk more about some of the issues that arise from a gut imbalance.

Gut Biome and Mental Health

Organisms in the gut are responsible for much more than digesting food. Some of these organisms specialize in metabolizing and recycling hormones such as estrogen. The gut-brain axis refers to the messages our gut can send directly to our brains and influence the endocrine system. Many people have experienced digestive distress before a date or public speaking event. This is part of that system where our brain and gut communicate with each other. Numerous scientific studies now link high levels of proinflammatory bacteria in the gut to a higher risk for issues such as anxiety, depression, and bi-polar disorder.

Therefore, it is not only the brain telling your gut that you’re worried about making that next deadline. It can also be inflammatory bacteria in your gut causing your brain to be anxious, even though there is nothing external to cause these feelings. In fact, people suffering from bipolar, schizophrenia, depression, and autism are affected by significant changes within their gut microbiome. Research has revealed the connection between gut health and mental health as well as the positive impacts of addressing gut health for those experiencing depression or anxiety.

Gut Biome and Immune System / Cancer

Another clear connection the gut has to our overall health is microbes’ influence on our immune system and cancers. Humans actually have many more bacterial cells in our bodies than human cells, and these bacterial cells play a huge role in every aspect of our health. A large part of the immune system is in our gastrointestinal tract and this closely interacts with the gut microbiome.

It has been suspected for decades that bacteria in the GI tract play a role in colon cancer. A recent study from John Hopkins links the interaction of inflammatory bacteria on the lining of the colon to colon cancer in mice. (link to source) Illnesses in the lungs can also influence the population of bacteria in the gut. It appears there is not a single system of the body that is not influenced by or influences the health of our gut.

Food Vs. Supplements

Many other articles discussing gut health often suggest buying their brand of probiotic pills to solve any problems. However, many probiotic pills contain dead bacteria that are no longer potent, or contain amounts of various strains of bacteria from which you personally may not benefit. The body is extremely intelligent and capable so one of the most affordable and effective ways you can heal your gut is through food. Read more below to see some of my top “Gut Improving Recipes” to start your healing journey