How does your gut affect the rest of your body?

So, let’s start off with the biggest question: what is the gut?

Your gut is your gastrointestinal system (the GI tract) and includes your stomach, intestines, and colon. It digests and absorbs nutrients from food and excretes waste.

There are around 200 different species of bacteria, viruses, and fungi that live in your large intestine. The bacteria and other micro-organisms in your gut are known as your gut microbiome. The bacteria help to break down food, turning it into nutrients your body can use.¹

Anojan says, “When people think about their gut they mostly think of small and large intestines (tummy). In reality the gut encompasses everything from your mouth to your anus. Did you know the process of digestion begins in the mouth? The gut has a number of functions:

Most people tend to think of a healthy gut as one without symptoms such as constipation, diarrhoea, bloating or cramps.

However, whilst there isn't an agreed consensus on what defines a healthy gut, most health professionals will agree that 'good gut health' refers to the positive interactions and harmony between the microorganisms that live in your gut, and your gut itself.

It’s important to remember that the gut can affect many areas of the body. From your immune system, mind and brain function, to skin, and heart health. It can also have slightly different effects on people depending on age, gender, and whether you’re pregnant.

Changes in your gut microbiome may influence acne, dermatitis, eczema, or psoriasis. In fact, one study on the ‘Impact of the impaired intestinal microflora on the course of acne vulgaris’ found that 54% of people with acne also had a bacterial imbalance in their gut.³

The gut plays a crucial role in regulating the immune system and maintaining a healthy inflammatory balance. Plenty of evidence exists to support the relationship between poor gut health, arthritis, and chronic pain.⁴

“The gut-brain axis is the 2-way biochemical signalling that takes place between your gut and your brain,” Anojan explains. “Essentially what happens in your brain impacts your gut health, and what happens in your gut impacts on your brain and nervous system. The gut functions by using similar networks as your central nervous system, and this suggests why it plays a role in brain and mental health and wellbeing.”

Sleep is an important part of overall health. Not only does it influence energy levels, but it also helps every system in the body function properly, including the immune system, heart, brain, and even digestive system. If you’re not maintaining adequate sleep, it can take a toll on your gut health in a variety of ways.

Medicines taken by mouth can affect the digestive system in several different ways. Both prescription and over-the-counter medicines, while usually safe and effective, may create harmful effects in some people.⁶

“Antibiotics and prolonged use of antacids can impact on gut health,” says Anojan. Antibiotics are designed to kill the ‘bad’ bacteria, but unfortunately, they can also kill the good ones. This leads to an imbalance in the number of different types of bacteria living in our intestines, which can cause an array of digestive issues.⁷

Eating prebiotic and probiotic foods, taking probiotic supplements, avoiding processed foods, and getting plenty of rest and exercise are all ways you could help your gut recover after taking antibiotics.

“Stress and environmental toxins can have an effect on your gut,” Anojan reflects.

If you think stress could be having an impact on your gut health, then head over to our article on Stress relief: How to tackle stress.

Dealing with your daily stressors, heading out for a walk each day, engaging in an exercise you enjoy, and making healthier choices will have a positive impact on your gut health as well as on your overall sense of wellbeing.

We hope this article has been digestible, and you feel a little more in tune with your gut! Try out some gut-loving foods, supplements, and lifestyle tweaks to see if you notice a difference.