How to Improve Gut Health for a Balanced Digestive System

Your gut, scientifically known as the gastrointestinal tract, is an intricate system of organs that starts at your mouth and ends at your anus, processing everything you eat along the way. Nestled within these organs, particularly in the large intestine, is a bustling community of not millions, but trillions of microorganisms. This collection of tiny, tiny creatures, mostly comprising of bacteria, is called your gut microbiome.

This collection of trillions of bacteria and other tiny organisms plays a crucial role in your overall health, aiding in digestion, bolstering your immune system, and even producing essential vitamins. Understanding the balance of these microorganisms and how to maintain it can significantly impact your well-being, highlighting the importance of a healthy and diverse gut microbiome.

Are there really good and bad bacteria?

The idea that some of the bacteria in your gut are “good” or “bad” is a tricky one. We need all our bacteria; a diverse variety of gut bacteria keeps us healthy and strong. They all have different jobs, some breakdown food for energy, some help build your immune system, and some even make vitamins! Sometimes things like lack of sleep, a limited diet, illness and antibiotic use can damage these helpful bacteria or make it hard for them to survive, causing the number of bacteria to become imbalanced.

When your gut bacteria is not in balance, it can lead to sleep and digestive issues, skin issues, immune system problems, and can even impact your mood.

What is a probiotic?

A probiotic is one way you can help restore some balance to your gut bacteria. They contain live “good” bacteria, to help you rebuild a healthy gut microbiome. Probiotics containing two scientifically studied strains, Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium lactis at a researched dose, when taken daily may maintain the balance of good bacteria, support digestive function, a healthy immune system and general wellbeing.

What are the symptoms of an imbalanced microbiota?

Having an imbalanced gut can affect you in more ways than one and these symptoms can manifest in different ways in different people. The different bacteria in your gut like certain foods more than others, and some like to live in different climates. In a healthy gut, they all live in harmony together. If something does happen to upset this harmony it can lead to sleep and digestive issues such as IBS and Leaky Gut Syndrome, skin issues, immune system problems, and can even impact your mood.

How can I keep my gut in balance?

We know the importance of having a healthy gut so here are some steps you can take yourself at home to stay balanced and healthy.

• Make sure you avoid using antibiotics unless prescribed by your Doctor and absolutely necessary. If you do need to take antibiotics, consider using a probiotic at the same time.
• Avoid drinking excess alcohol, this can damage your delicate gut bacteria.
• Provide quality fuel for your bacteria in the form of a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. Some bacteria like some foods more than others, so having a wide variety can please more of them.
• Get that heart pumping! Exercising every day is great for not only your gut, but your overall health too.
• Stress can take a big toll on your microbiome, so taking some time out of every day to relax, or utilising meditation can help bring your stress levels down and keep those bacteria calm too.

How can your local IPA Pharmacist help?

Your local IPA Pharmacist can provide valuable advice on maintaining gut health and suggest suitable probiotics for your needs. They offer various services related to gut health, including weight management and medication reviews. Visit your local IPA Pharmacy (store finder) to learn more about how you can support your gut health and overall wellbeing.

References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5433529/ – Introduction to the human gut microbiota

https://www.science.org.au/curious/people-medicine/gut-bacteria – “When your gut gets out of whack”

Important Information

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