Why is having a healthy gut so important?

Whilst some may say ‘gut health’ is just another diet trend, we can confirm it’s certainly not a passing fad. Join us as we decode what a healthy gut looks like, why it’s so important and how you can get there.

Back to basics

Put simply, your gastrointestinal tract (also known as your gut) has a primary function to process digestion, absorb nutrients and excrete waste. Within the gut there are millions of micro-organisms including bacteria, fungi and viruses. Each person’s gut microbiome (think of this as the habitat of the micro-organisms) is completely unique and can be influenced by things like diet, overall health and genetics.¹

Gut health refers to the health of your entire digestive system and the health of the micro-organisms living there.² So, why is it so important that we look after our guts and keep them as healthy as possible?

• Around 70% of the immune system is housed in our gut³.
• Serotonin and dopamine (famously known as the happy hormones) are also produced in the gut. Many studies explore the gut-brain-microbiome axis and how it can impact mental health conditions.⁴
• Regardless of how many healthy foods, vitamins and minerals you’re putting into your body, if you don’t have a healthy microbiome to digest it, you won’t reap the benefits.⁵

A unhappy vs. happy gut

Now that you know the importance of keeping our guts healthy, what are the signs you need to look for when it comes to identifying an unhappy gut?

An unhappy gut
Include but are not limited to:⁶

• Constipation or diarrhea
• Stomach pains, bloating or gas
• Headaches or brain fog
• Exhaustion or fatigue
• Skin rashes
• Weight changes
• Feelings of anxiety or depression

 A happy gut
Include but are not limited to:

• Regular bowel movements
• Consistent energy levels
• Mental clarity
• Normal amount of gas or bloating
• No adverse reactions to foods

Your Gut Health Heroes  

So, it’s time to give your gut some lovin’ and reap the benefits of all that comes with it. Whilst there are no quick fixes for good gut health, take the below steps and you’ll be well on your way…

1. Start with a Cleanse Day (that’s our version of intermittent fasting)

A study conducted by Isagenix and Skidmore College found that both Single and Double Cleanse Days significantly altered the gut microbiome towards a more ‘gut healthy’ favourable profile. Check out the full study results here. We’d say a cleanse is the perfect place to start.

2. Remember not all bacteria is bad

Don’t forget that the bacteria living in your gut is alive, so it needs something to feed on. This is where pre and probiotics come in.

Prebiotics are a type of fibre that act as a food for probiotics, these occur in many foods like fruits and vegetables, particularly garlic, asparagus, tomatoes, bananas and also oats.⁷ Good bacteria can be increased by taking probiotic supplements like Core Moringa Triotic (which features three different strains) or by eating probiotic foods such as sauerkraut, yoghurt or kombucha.^6,7

IsaMove is also a great daily addition to gently support healthy digestion overnight thanks to age old ingredients like magnesium, peppermint, psyllium husk and hyssop.

3. Reduce sugar and processed foods

Multiple studies have shown that a high sugar diet can significantly affect and even eliminate the good gut bacteria. High volumes of sugar can also lead to inflammation in the body which can result in various diseases.⁸

Ultimately an overall lifestyle shift is required for a healthy, happy gut. Think good nutrition and hydration, plenty of sleep and movement, limited stress and the addition of good bacteria. Trust us, your gut will thank you for it!

* Isagenix products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

References

1. Brown, J. (2023) ‘What we do and don’t know about gut health,’ BBC Future, 22 March. https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20190121-what-we-do-and-dont-know-about-gut-health. (Accessed: 10 October 2023)
2. Bigley II, J. (2023) ‘What you should know about your gut health,’ Cleveland Clinic, 11 January. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/gut-health/. (Accessed: 10 October 2023)
3. Ciccolini, K. (2018) If your gut could talk: 10 things you should know. https://www.healthline.com/health/digestive-health/things-your-gut-wants-you-to-know#3.-Not-always-a-fan-of-gluten. (Accessed: 10 October 2023)
4. Van Oord Practising, G. (2023) The Gut-Brain Axis Explained in Plain English | Diet vs Disease. https://www.dietvsdisease.org/gut-brain-axis/. (Accessed: 10 October 2023)
5. British Heart Foundation (no date) ‘How can I improve my gut health?,’ Heart Matters Magazine – BHF. https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-matters-magazine/nutrition/how-can-i-improve-my-gut-health. (Accessed: 10 October 2023)
6. org (2019) ‘Why gut health matters more than you think,’ Well.Org [Preprint]. https://well.org/healthy-body/gut-health/. (Accessed: 10 October 2023)
7. What is the difference between prebiotics and probiotics? (2018). https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323490. (Accessed: 10 October 2023)
8. Vivekanandarajah, S. (2019) ‘How too much Sugar Affects the Gut Microbiome – Dr. Suhirdan Vivekanandarajah,’ Dr. Suhirdan Vivekanandarajah, 26 July. https://sydneygastroenterologist.com.au/blog/how-too-much-sugar-affects-the-gut-microbiome/#:~:text=How%20too%20much%20sugar%20affects%20the%20gut%20microbiome,the%20health%20of%20an%20individual%E2%80%99s%20gut%20microbiome%20. (Accessed: 10 October 2023)