Like so many health-related phrases, “gut health” gets tossed around a lot, leaving many of us to ask, “what is gut health?”
Though it sounds counterintuitive, gut health refers to the microbes, specifically bacteria, fungi, and viruses that live in your intestines, specifically a “pocket” called the cecum.
While we typically consider viruses and bacteria as things to avoid in order to stay healthy, the fact is many are critical for a healthy microbiome.
Here’s a fun fact: the human body is made up of 30 trillion human cells and 40 trillion bacterial cells; these bacterial cells build your microbiome and weigh as much as the average brain, between 2-5 pounds.
It’s no wonder then that the microbiome is considered as critical as your other organs.
From a functional standpoint, a healthy microbiome may be responsible for the following:
- Boosted immunity
- Cardiovascular health
- Weight loss
- Anti-inflammatory properties help delay the growth of cancer cells, specifically colon cancer, leukemia, and lymphoma
- Improved mental health with reduced symptoms of anxiety, depression, and eating disorders
- Decreased food allergies and allergic reactions
- Better sleep, reduced symptoms of chronic fatigue, insomnia, and mental fog
With all these benefits of a healthy microbiome, the question becomes: how can I improve my gut health?
The good news is it’s actually quite easy!
Johns Hopkins gastroenterologist Gerard Mullin, M.D. offers the following strategies to support your optimal gut health and make your microbiome work for you:
- Aim to eat a well-balanced diet, especially one rich in fiber from fruits and vegetables
- Make exercise a priority.
- Commit to a solid sleep schedule.
- Establish healthy habits to help manage stress.
When it comes to keeping stress in check, we believe putting your physical health first is a great place to start. That’s why our team is standing by to help you get better faster, and stay better longer.
Contact us to schedule a consultation or appointment for our chiropractic or massage services.