Love your GUT
The gut, aka the gastrointestinal tract is a source of hot discussion these days. There is more and more research looking at the health of someone’s GUT and how it may affect their health; specifically linking it to disease.
Does the GUT really impact someone’s health?
I believe it does and researchers are also beginning to see the correlation.
So let’s talk about the GUT.
The gastrointestinal tract starts at the mouth and goes all the way to the anus. It includes organs such oesophagus, stomach, small intestines and large intestines. The liver, pancreas and gallbladder also contribute to the function of the gastrointestinal tract. This pathway from the mouth is the perfect way for our bodies to be exposed to toxins, bacteria, viruses, medications, antibiotics and environmental hazards such as pesticides, smog and chemicals. These factors can affect the cells lining our gastrointestinal tract and compromise their function even causing damage. This can happen on a daily basis which is why its imperative to be proactive in looking after the lining of our gut.
Now our body truly is amazing! It’s well equipped to deal with these invaders.
We have stomach acids and enzymes to deal with these things however if we are not eating optimally, we are really stressed or we aren’t sleeping well then all these things can affect the amount of stomach acid and enzymes we produce, reducing our ability to eliminate these unwanted ‘hazards’.
If not dealt with initially in the stomach these ‘hazards’ have the opportunity to go further down the GUT and can cause ‘leaky gut'.
What is leaky gut?
Let me explain.
The cells lining our small intestine are tightly packed side by side and there is a lovely layer of mucus. These cells help break down our food, assist us to absorb nutrients we need from our food and to also deal with other ‘hazards’ that may have slipped through.
If these cells become separated then the opportunity for undigested foods, bacteria and toxins to penetrate the intestinal wall increases and then we can have some real issues. These can move into the blood stream, go where they shouldn’t and have have an effect on other organs and even potentially cause an autoimmune response in the body or an inflammatory or allergic reaction.
There are a whole host of symptoms one can experience with GUT issues such as bloating, pain, food intolerances, nutritional deficiencies, poor immune function, headache, brain fog, fatigue, constipation, diarrhoea to name just a few. Not only these symptoms but there are many Autoimmune conditions that have been found to be linked to GUT health as well.
From my experience and if you have read my other blogs you will know I have two Autoimmune conditions, one being a GUT condition. There was a time in my life about 4-5 years ago when there was so much I couldn’t eat. My body reacted to so many things and I cut out so much from my diet, which can be detrimental in itself. I had many symptoms and was getting no relief, just loosing weight. I looked and felt so unwell.
I took the steps to heal my GUT, one being the Bio - compatibility Hair test and to be honest I’m still working on this constantly but I have been able to bring back so many foods I took out because I took the time to look after my GUT.
The GUT fascinates me. It’s so interesting and a good step in the right direction is what you put in it.
I would love to help you on your journey to a healthier version of you. I am located in Eastern suburbs of Melbourne BUT I do online consults as well, so I can work with you where ever you are in the world.
Click on the BOOK NOW button so I can help you on this journey.
Love and blessings