If you have been a part of the TØTUM community for a while, then you will already know how much emphasis we place on supporting gut health.
Our gut and the microbes, immune cells and hormones which reside in it influence so many aspects of the human body and its health and wellbeing. Below are 5 reasons why we all need to pay attention to how things are moving down there and begin to give our love to this important system.
Hormone balance
Our gut plays host to an entire microbial community of bacteria, fungi, and viruses which is collectively referred to as the ‘microbiome’. When it comes to hormonal health this microbiome plays a huge role. Certain bacteria within our microbiome directly influence the metabolism of oestrogen, these bacteria are part of what we call the ‘oestrobolome’. When the balance of these bacteria is out of whack oestrogen is less likely to be metabolised correctly and excreted from the body, this leaves excess oestrogen to be reactivated and reabsorbed into circulation, and hormone balance to occur as a result.
Poor gut health can be linked to:
- Painful periods
- Irregular periods
- Heavy periods
- Premenstrual syndrome
- Perimenopausal symptoms
Skin health
Our gut microbiome can either reduce inflammation or promote inflammation. When our gut bacteria become imbalanced it signals to our immune system to increase the release of pro-inflammatory immune cells. This increased inflammation can weaken the lining of our gut wall and allow for things that are meant to stay in our gut (bacteria, fungi, viruses, food particles) to enter our blood stream. This both actives our immune system, further exacerbates inflammation, and disrupts the balance of bacteria within the skin microbiome. Increased inflammation also leads to an impaired skin barrier, leaving it vulnerable and exposed to the outside world and more likely to experience irritation and sensitivity.
Excess waste in the body due to poor gut function can lead to the damage of proteins and membranes that make up the skin. If the bodies internal organs of elimination e.g. the bowels, aren't working properly, then waste can build up in the body, and come out through the skin. Skin is not only an immune organ, it's also the bodies largest organ of elimination.
Poor gut health can be linked to:
- Acne
- Eczema
- Rosacea
- Psoriasis
- Hives
Immunity
Did you know approximately 70% of our immune system lives in our gut!
As mentioned above our gut bacteria communicate directly with our immune cells influencing inflammation and the integrity of our gut wall. When our gut wall becomes damaged bacteria and other microbes can move from the digestive system into other microbial community’s in the body e.g. urinary tract and vagina. This can increase susceptibility to recurring infections in these areas.
Chronic inflammation from poor gut microbial balance can make it harder for us to overcome infections and makes us more susceptible to immune related conditions.
Poor gut health can be linked to:
- Recurring thrush
- Recurring UTIs
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Post Viral Syndromes
- Autoimmune conditions
- Endometriosis
- Frequent colds & flus
- Sinusitis
- Rhinitis
Moods & Sleep
We have an entire nervous system within our gut called the enteric nervous system. This system communicates directly with our brain via a central nerve, sending chemical messengers to influence how we feel. It is also important to note that certain bacteria in our gut help to make neurotransmitters and hormones that influence our moods, and sleep wake cycles, with research showing we make more of these in the presence of a healthy gut microbiome.
Poor gut health can be linked to:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Insomnia
Metabolism & energy
Research now shows that the bacteria living within our digestive tract can either help us lose weight or hinder us from losing weight. Some species of bacteria help our metabolic processes, blood sugar balance, and improve our ability to break down foods, absorb nutrients, and balance our satiety hormones (hunger signals). In comparison others can slow down this process and increase inflammation within our digestive tract and other body systems.
When our gut lining is damaged our immune system increases low grade inflammation throughout the entire body. This low-grade inflammation triggers our stress response and impacts our metabolic and hormonal balance.
Poor gut health can be linked to:
- Weight issues
- Insulin Resistance
- Metabolic syndrome
- Diabetes
- Thyroid conditions
- PCOS
- Fatigue
One of our favourite areas to treat in our Naturopathy practice is gut health because it has such a flow on impact on every other system in the body. Once we begin to address why the gut is out of balance, and start to heal and repair its function, we see symptoms in other areas of the body begin to resolve.
We offer a 1:1 online Naturopathic consultations to help you get to the root cause of your gut issues and begin your healing process.
Click HERE to explore our Naturopathic offerings.
Because we see so many gut issues in our Naturopathy clinic, we felt the call to formulate a gut repair powder to support this vital area of health.
Click HERE to explore if our Soothe is right for you.