Food fuels the body. However, your body can’t take advantage of the nutrient-rich foods you eat without good gut health. Digestive health refers to the overall functionality of your digestive system, including how your body processes foods, eliminates waste, and absorbs nutrients. Recently, the focus on gut health has increased among registered dieticians and everyday people. In this blog, we’ll explore the importance of digestive health concerning overall wellness and how probiotics could be the missing piece of your health puzzle.
The Positive Impact of Probiotics
Probiotics are live microorganisms that can benefit your body and health. Of course, not all microbes are good. Many are familiar with germs, pathogens, and viruses that can make you sick. However, the tiny organisms that make up your gut microbiome are good for you and can influence digestive health. Probiotics can help break down foods, produce essential vitamins, and improve nutrient absorption.
The problem is that the ecosystem of microorganisms living in your gut is delicate. Many things can throw off its balance, including:
- A lack of diverse foods
- Antibiotics and medication
- Alcohol
- Smoking
- Highly processed foods
- Excessive sugar intake
- A lack of exercise
- Stress
- Unhealthy sleeping patterns
- Environmental toxins
Registered dietitians often recommend eating more probiotic-rich foods. Increasing your probiotic intake can drastically improve gut health by re-establishing and maintaining that delicate microbiome balance. Fortunately, there are many ways to get more probiotics in your system. Certain cheeses, yogurt, miso, sourdough bread, kefir, kimchi, and many other fermented foods are a great start.
The Link Between Digestive Health and Overall Wellness
Choosing the right foods and improving your eating habits are a big part of dietetics and naturopathic medicine. That’s because there’s a major link between gut health and overall health. Here are a few ways digestive health can make or break your wellness journey.
- Immune System Function: Did you know that around 70 percent of your body’s immune cells are in the digestive system? A healthy and balanced gut can boost immune health, preventing harmful pathogens from entering your bloodstream.
- Chronic Inflammation: In naturopathic medicine, many practitioners focus on gut health when tackling inflammation issues. Improving digestive health can reduce systemic inflammation, potentially reducing the risk of arthritis, diabetes, and more.
- Hormone Regulation: Your gut can affect hormone regulation. Maintaining a healthy gut microbiome can lead to enhanced hormonal balance, which could address issues related to weight management, low energy, and hunger.
- Cardiovascular Health: A thriving gut microbiome could reduce inflammation, improve cholesterol levels, enhance blood vessel function, and reduce your risk of heart disease.
- Mental Health: Many refer to the gut as your “second brain.” Your body makes neurotransmitters like serotonin in the gastrointestinal tract. An imbalanced microbiome could lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns.
How Holistic Nutrition and Dietetics Can Help
Because gut health affects many other functions, improving your diet makes a difference. Holistic nutrition takes a comprehensive approach to helping you find a balance between mind, body, and spirit, considering how food, lifestyle habits, and the environment impact your health. Nutritionists and registered dietitians can empower you to make life-changing improvements that help you reach your wellness goals and feel amazing.
Dietetics and holistic nutrition experts go beyond helping you develop healthier diets. They provide insight into your digestive health, help you understand how your gut affects you, and empower you to make wide-sweeping changes that are sustainable and impactful.
Gut health is something you can’t afford to ignore. Probiotic-rich foods and supplements can help you put your gut first. In addition to improving your digestive processes and absorbing more essential nutrients, you can experience changes in your mood, weight, immune health, heart health, and more.
When you’re ready to make changes that count, turn to Inspirit Health Group. We’re a multi-disciplinary clinic dedicated to providing tailor-made care. Our team of holistic nutrition experts, registered dietitians, and counselors are ready to help you live your best life.
