Balanced Gut Bacteria Supports Overall Health

Your GI Tract starts at the mouth and extends all the way through the body, including the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine, ending at the anus.

Your gut microbiome consists of millions of microorganisms that live in the organs of the GI Tract. The bacteria here (and other organisms) play a critical role in your gut health. Gut health largely impacts your overall health. The microbiome assists the body with digestion, absorption, supports immune responses, prevents bad bacteria from overpopulating, and allows your gut to exchange information with your brain.

We need both good and bad bacteria in our gut. When the bad outweighs the good, that’s when health issues can arise. These issues can include, but are not limited to, weight management issues, constipation, bloating, loose/hard stools, and others which may be indications of more serious conditions such as IBS, kidney disease, ulcers, and more. 

This imbalance of bacteria can also have a negative impact on your mental health. The gut and brain are connected. There is much research being done to discover just how closely linked the two are. 

You Can Achieve a Healthy Gut

It’s not as difficult as some may believe to support your gut health. Focusing on the foundations of your health is a huge first step. Things like prioritizing sleep, eating a variety of whole foods, and hydrating on the cellular level are so important for this very reason and others.

Body movement is another big one. Movement reduces stress and makes it easier for the body to maintain harmony within. 

It’s important to eat a diet varying in nutrients. It’s always good to limit processed foods and sugars, and especially important to identify foods that may cause issues with inflammatory responses within the body.

Overuse of antibiotics can kill both types of bacteria within the body. While antibiotics are a good and necessary tool from time to time, it is important to only use them whenever truly necessary, and to feed good bacteria when doing so. Many people utilize probiotics at these times even more than usual.  

Pre/Probiotic Use

Prebiotics feed probiotics. They can be found in foods such as blueberries, onions, garlic, cabbage, asparagus, leafy greens, and even in supplements.

Probiotics source the good gut bacteria needed for you to feel your best. You can boost your microbiome’s good bacteria by utilizing probiotic rich foods or supplements. This has such good benefits for your whole body, from the immune system to even things like circulation.

It’s important to pick the right pre/probiotic for you, so make sure to consult your trusted provider when choosing.

Rest is Just as Important as the Next Tip

There is much research that shows the relationship between stress and imbalance gut bacteria.The National Library of Medicine has a great report explaining the impacts. Becoming aware of what triggers your stress and taking steps to manage it are key players in nourishing your gut and health. Meditation, deep breathing, and prioritizing sleep are some of my favorites.

At Little House Holistics, we are dedicated to helping you support your gut health. To find out more, reach out online or let’s chat via lhllholistics@gmail.com.