Gut health

13 gut health facts you may not know

FixBIOME OP Dr James Freeman profile photo

13 gut health facts you may not know

Medically reviewed by:
Dr James Freeman

There is a lot of information available on the internet these days. Knowing which sources are credible and which are not can be challenging. When it comes to your health, this is especially important.

You need to be able to trust the information you’re reading to make smart decisions about your well-being. And for your gut health, there is a lot of confusing information out there.

This article will cover 13 facts about gut health that may surprise you – good or bad! So read on to learn all about amazing facts about your gut!

1. Your microbiome is one of the most important parts of your gut.

Your gut microbiome is an essential part of your gut. It’s a complex system of microorganisms. It includes bacteria, yeast, parasites, and viruses – the good and the bad.

The microbiome has a significant impact on gut health. It is essential for many reasons.

  • It helps to break down food and extract nutrients.
  • It produces vitamins and other compounds that are essential for gut health.
  • It helps to protect you from infection by competing with pathogens for space and nutrients.
  • It plays a vital role in immune function and inflammatory responses.
  • It is involved in regulating your mood.

Your microbiome is unique to you. It is an entire microscopic ecosystem in your gut. Your microbiome is also as unique as your fingerprint. Additionally, a diverse gut microbiota is associated with a lower risk of obesity and chronic disease.

The composition of your microbiome changes over time. And many different factors influence the makeup of your microbiome. Genetics, diet, stress levels, and environment are all huge factors affecting the health of your microbiome!

2. Many common foods damage your gut and should be avoided.

Some foods are known to damage your gut and should be avoided. These include:

  • Processed and refined foods: These foods are usually low in nutrients but high in sugar and unhealthy fats. They also often contain additives and preservatives that damage your gut and cause inflammation.
  • Fried foods: Fried foods are also high in unhealthy fats and contain very high sodium.
  • Soda and carbonated drinks: These drinks are high in sugar and can damage your gut by increasing inflammation.
  • Alcohol: Alcohol should be limited or avoided. Although small amounts of alcohol are unlikely to have an impact, larger amounts definitely will.
  • Sweets: Sweets are full of refined sugar which can damage your gut flora.
  • Dairy: Dairy is difficult for your body to digest and can also damage your gut.
  • Caffeine: Caffeine is not good for your gut and can have negative effects.

As the saying goes, moderation is the key. Some of these foods should be avoided if you want healthy gut flora. Even if you don’t, limiting your consumption of these foods is beneficial.

The best way to heal your gut is to avoid damaging foods and eat a healthy diet that includes plenty of fiber-rich vegetables, fermented foods, and healthy fats.

Gut damage can lead to several health problems. These problems include:

  • Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
  • Inflammatory bowel disease
  • Leaky gut syndrome
  • Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)
  • Food allergies and sensitivities

Symptoms of gut damage range from fatigue, brain fog, and skin problems to mood disorders. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, you must see a doctor to rule out any underlying gut problems.

3. Your gut bacteria have a big impact on your weight.

You may not think of your gut bacteria when you think about weight loss, but they can actually have a big impact on your appetite. Different types of gut bacteria can affect the hormones that control hunger.

One study found that taking propionate, a compound created by gut bacteria when they break down fiber, led to increases in the hormones PYY and GLP-1, which both affect hunger. People who took propionate also ate less and didn’t gain as much weight. Other studies have shown similar effects from prebiotic supplements containing compounds fermented by gut bacteria.

So if you’re trying to lose weight, don’t forget to take care of your gut bacteria. Promoting a healthy gut may not be the only weight loss strategy you need, but it could be an essential piece of the puzzle.

4. Exercise plays a major role in maintaining good digestion and preventing disease.

Exercise is one of the best ways to maintain good digestion and avoid disease. Physical activity can help to promote a healthy digestive system because it helps you to produce more gastric juices.

These juices are responsible for breaking down the food you eat, and exercise can help to produce them more effectively. Exercise can also help to reduce stress and anxiety, which can also affect your gut health.

It is important to exercise regularly, but it is also important not to over-exercise. Eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly are two of the best ways to protect your gut and improve your health.

5. Stress greatly affects your gut’s health.

The link between stress and gut health is undeniable. When stressed, your body produces certain hormones that cause inflammation in your gut. This can lead to various digestive issues, including IBS and SIBO.

The gut is susceptible to changes in an emotional state. It can be easily affected by things like anxiety or depression. Stress can also cause physical changes in the gut, such as increased intestinal motility and secretions.

Furthermore, stress can either slow or quicken the digestive process, depending on the individual. This can lead to abdominal pain and irregular bowel movements. So next time you’re feeling stressed, remember that it’s not just your mind affected; your gut health is also at risk.

It is important to note that you can’t just ignore stress. If you are experiencing high levels of stress, you need to do something to reduce it. Ignoring your stress levels and not doing anything to reduce them will only make your health worse.

6. Your genes have an incredible impact on your gut’s health and can be passed down from generation to generation.

Some research suggests that your genes have an incredible impact on your gut’s health. They can be passed down from generation to generation. This means that if your parents have digestive health issues, it is likely that you will inherit them.

This can make it even more essential to take care of your gut health. You can reduce your risk of inheriting your parent’s digestive problems by eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly. Your genes do not determine your fate. You have control over your health and can use it as an opportunity to make positive changes.

It is vital to be proactive about your gut health to stay healthy and avoid the problems that may run in your family. In addition to making lifestyle changes, you can also talk to your doctor about ways to prevent or treat digestive issues. With the proper care, you can keep your gut healthy for years to come.

7. Digestive issues affect women more than men.

Many women experience gut problems, but no matter how prevalent it is – it can be challenging to get a diagnosis. Up to 73 percent of women have gastrointestinal symptoms like stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting related to their menstrual cycle.

There are many possible causes of gut problems during menstruation, including hormonal changes, gut inflammation, and gut infections. To complicate matters further, these problems can trigger other gut issues like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

The good news is that treatments are available for menstruation-related gut problems. Working with a healthcare provider to identify the underlying cause of your symptoms is an essential first step. Several lifestyle changes can help to improve gut health and relieve symptoms.

8. SIBO is a common condition affecting the gut.

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, or SIBO, is a very common condition that affects women at the double the rate of men. SIBO occurs when there is an overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine, and it can cause a host of symptoms, including bloating, gas, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weight loss.

There are a few different causes of SIBO, but the most common is a deficiency in stomach acid. Low stomach acid allows bacteria to flourish in the small intestine. Other causes include food sensitivities, nutrient deficiencies, and stress.

Diet changes are essential in managing SIBO. And many people find that following a low-FODMAP diet helps to ease symptoms. While antibiotics are also prescribed to treat SIBO, they may not be effective for everyone. This is because antibiotics kill both good and bad bacteria, which can further disrupt gut health balance.

Supplements made from essential oils may be a better option for those looking for a more natural way to treat SIBO. These supplements are formulated to work together to create a product that is stable and effective in maintaining gut health.

Additionally, many different supplements on the market claim to be able to help with SIBO, but not all of them are backed by research. FixBIOME’s Fix No1 and Fix No2 are clinically proven effective in treating SIBO and other digestive issues like IBS, bloating, and stomach discomfort. Therefore, if you are looking for an effective way to treat SIBO, Fix No1 and Fix No2 may be worth considering.

9. Your gut acts like a second brain.

The enteric nervous system (ENS) is a network of neurons that line the gastrointestinal tract. This system is sometimes called the brain in your gut or the second brain.

The ENS comprises two nerve plexuses: the myenteric plexus and the submucosal plexus. These plexuses are interconnected and work together to control digestive motility and secretions.

The ENS can function independently from the central nervous system (CNS). In fact, the gut has more neurons than the spinal cord. The ENS communicates with the CNS through the vagus nerve, which is why gut health is vital for overall health.

The vagus nerve sends signals from gut bacteria to the brain, which can influence mood and behavior. In fact, 95% of serotonin is made in the gut. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a role in mood, and research has shown that gut health is linked to mental health.

Gut health also affects immunity, hormone regulation, and digestion. Gut dysbiosis, or an imbalance of good and bad bacteria in the gut, has been linked to depression and anxiety.

10. Skin and gut are connected.

Your skin is the largest organ in your body, and it’s connected to your gut health. In fact, 70% of your immune system is located in your gut. Gut health plays a role in skin conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis.

There is a strong connection between the gut and the skin, and inflammation in the gut can lead to skin problems. Gut health is also linked to collagen production, which is essential for healthy skin.

To promote gut and skin health, eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, and managing stress levels is essential. Probiotics are also beneficial for gut health and can be taken in supplement form or found in fermented foods.

11. You may not know it, but you already have the perfect probiotic right inside you!

You may have heard of probiotics before, but did you know that you already have them living inside you? That’s right – your gut is home to billions of beneficial bacteria, and these tiny microbes are essential in keeping you healthy.

Probiotics help to break down food, extract nutrients, and defend against harmful pathogens. They also play a role in developing and maintaining a healthy immune system. In other words, probiotics are essential for good health!

So how can you ensure that your gut is home to a healthy population of probiotics? The best way is to eat a varied diet with plenty of fermented foods such as yogurt, kimchi, and sauerkraut.

12. Ulcers can be caused by certain drugs and bacteria.

You might be surprised to learn that some ulcers aren’t caused by stress. It’s true! In fact, ulcers can be caused by certain types of bacteria and drugs. Certain bacteria, such as Helicobacter pylori, or H. pylori, can change the mucus in your stomach. This makes it easier for stomach acid to get through and causes ulcers.

Ulcers can also be caused by NSAIDs, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen. Taking these drugs for an extended period of time can also change the mucus in your stomach, making it more likely for ulcers to form.

13. Chewing your food slowly is beneficial to your gut health.

When you sit down to a meal, you might not give much thought to how your food will be digested. But the process of digestion begins the moment you take your first bite. Chewing is essential for proper digestion, as it helps break up food into smaller pieces and triggers saliva production.

Saliva contains enzymes that begin the process of breaking down carbohydrates and fats. In addition, chewing thoroughly allows food to be more easily swallowed, further preventing indigestion and discomfort.

Good digestion is essential for good gut health. That’s because the gut is responsible for extracting nutrients from food and eliminating waste products. When food isn’t properly digested, it can cause problems like bloating, constipation, and diarrhea.

So the next time you sit down for a meal, take your time and chew your food slowly. Your gut will thank you for it!

Takeaway

Gut health is essential to overall health, and many people may not know how it impacts their lives. Understanding some of the critical facts about gut health can ensure that you are taking steps to keep your gut healthy and functioning at its best.