Our gastrointestinal system is a complex organ system starting at the mouth and ending at the anus. The lower end of the gastrointestinal system, colloquially referred to as the “gut” is becoming of great interest to the public as scientific research into the gastrointestinal system rapidly increases. When it comes to gut health, there are two main areas of interest - the microbiome and the gut lining.

The microbiome

The gut is home to the largest colony of bacteria in the human body, known as the “gut microbiome”. The gut microbiome is responsible for a multitude of biological functions such as producing certain vitamins (e.g. vitamin K and B12), protecting the mucous membrane and producing antioxidants.

A healthy microbiome consists of an abundance (trillions) of beneficial bacteria in a vast array of different strains which conduct these functions and protect the body from harmful bacteria. When the balance between beneficial and harmful bacteria becomes skewed, these normal protective processes are disrupted, causing health issues beyond the gastrointestinal system. This state is known as “dysbiosis”.

The gut lining

The gastrointestinal tract is a hollow tube lined with a mucous membrane known as the gut lining. This membrane is the intersection between the gut and the blood, and is responsible for the absorption of nutrients, housing beneficial bacteria and hormone production among other functions.

When the gastrointestinal membrane is damaged or inflamed, its permeability is increased, allowing toxins and other matter which should be contained in the gut to enter the blood stream. This is often referred to as “leaky gut”. This “leakage” can activate the immune system and lead to a number of chronic health conditions, including autoimmune conditions.

Why gut health is so important

Gut health matters because it has a profound impact on our health beyond just the digestion of food. The health of our gut influences many aspects of our health such as mood, immune system function, skin health and weight management. In fact, the gut is considered to be the largest immune organ.

The gut communicates with various body systems via a network of bi-directional nerve and endocrine pathways referred to by researchers as “axes”. Through these axes, the gut and organs send messages about pathogen invasion, immune insults and inflammation.

Signs of gut dysfunction

Both the microbiome and gut lining can be disrupted for a number of reasons. These include pharmaceutical medications such as antibiotics and pain killers, parasitic infections, poor diet, toxin exposure and stress.

Typical signs of gut dysfunction are localised in the gastrointestinal tract. Common symptoms include pain, flatulence, constipation, diarrhoea, reflux, abdominal distention and cramping. The quality of our bowel movements may also indicate gut dysfunction. Undigested food particles, floating stools, sticky stools, mucus and bleeding are all indications that dysbiosis may be present. Bowel movements can be seen as a daily report card of gastrointestinal health, therefore regularly looking into the toilet bowl and identifying patterns is an important assessment of our health.  Check your stool type here - https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/blog/what-your-poo-says-about-your-health 

Due to the far-reaching effects of the gut, gut dysfunction can manifest in other organ systems and present as fatigue, brain fog, eczema, hives, itchy skin, mood changes and nutrient deficiencies. Gut health can be assessed through symptomatic evaluation by a trained healthcare professional, comprehensive stool analysis and other medical assessments such as endoscopy and colonoscopy.

Supporting gut health

Gut health can be greatly improved through our daily lifestyle choices. Some general suggestions for supporting good gut health:

• Eat a diverse, fibre-rich diet
• Include fermented foods
• Limit alcohol consumption
• Reduce stress
• Work with a practitioner to who can prescribe supportive supplements

Some gut symptoms can be related to serious conditions, therefore it is recommended to seek the advice of a healthcare professional to rule out or detect potential gut issues if symptoms are present.

Find a BioMedica practitioner near you or online https://www.biomedica.com.au/find-a-practitioner