Fun fact: trillions of bacteria are currently living inside your gut. Believe it or not, they protect your health. This ecosystem of microbes that live in your colon is also known as the gut microbiome, which influences your health. However, when your gut health is out of whack, it can quickly spiral into other health problems. To remedy this, you need to make sure your diet remains optimal for good gut health. Here are four reasons why diet is important for gut health.
It Strengthens the Immune System
Inflammation is normal, even in a healthy gut. An important tool for the immune system, it can come and go. The immune system is meant to promote healing in the body while combating pathogens. Your body responds to the gut microbiome and the immune system, which stimulate and modulate one another, creating balanced responses.
Together, they fight against common colds, the flu, and other contagious illnesses. Therefore, when you fall sick, it can be due to poor gut health. If you’re trying to figure out if your illness is due to Salmonella or E. coli, focus on how your diet may have led you to contract an infection in the first place.
It Balances Hormones
Hormones are essential assets to the human body. The endocrine glands secrete a small number of hormones; a healthy microbiome can also create hundreds of hormones and precursors due to bacterial diversity. Additionally, the gut is a natural body detoxifier. Ultimatelly, impurities in the body finally travel through the gut and creates stool, ending the detoxification process. A healthy gut removes endocrine disruptors such as pesticides and BPA (Bisphenol-A) a chemical used to harden plastic.
It Protects From Diabetes, Obesity, and Crohn’s
Your gut microbiome protects you from several severe diseases: coronary heart disease, obesity, type 2 diabetes, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis. There are specific risks and patterns in these diseases’ emergence, but your gut health can protect you from them with a proper diet.
It Improves Your Overall Complexion
There’s no denying that your skin reflects what’s going on in your gut. If you have acne breakouts, dullness, signs of aging, or poor elasticity, it’s a sign that your gut health isn’t optimal. Skin complexion is a significant reason why diet is important to gut health; eating clean, complete foods will help. Taking probiotics and cleaning up your diet will also rejuvenate your overall appearance. Also, consider trying healthy recipes that taste good and that support your gut health, such as a healthy cucumber radish soup.
Summary
Having a proper diet results in a healthy gut. So make sure you steer away from drive-throughs and processed foods while sticking with simple, whole foods. Before you know it, your gut health will be back on top.