How healthy is your gut?
With the rise of gluten free, anti-inflammatory and paleo food options there’s no doubt that poor gut health is a common issue.
Your gut it more than just your stomach. It plays a big role in your body with a massive nine-metre long gastrointestinal tract that starts at the mouth.
After you chew and swallow your food, it passes through your stomach and into the small intestine, which is usually about six metres long and breaks down your food. The small intestines absorbs the nutrients and minerals from the food you eat and houses most of your immune system.
Compared to your skin, which has seven layers, your gut lining is only one cell level thick. If any of those tiny cells get damaged, your immune system will be exposed to foreign particles from food, bacteria, and other microbes. This means that good gut health, really does impact the wellbeing of the rest of your body!
If you have gut issues, the typical symptoms include gas, pain, cramps, bloating, nausea, constipation or diarrhoea (sometimes both!). Other times, the problems in the gut can manifest in more discreet symptoms such as rashes and other skin conditions, lethargy, fatigue and period pain.
If you are concerned about your gut health see a doctor and ask about the right test for you. These tests can include:
- An Immunoglobulin G blood test – to detect foods causing an antibody reaction in your gut
- Stool and saliva tests – to detect any parasites, opportunistic and pathogenic bacteria
- A lactulose breath test – to test for an overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine.
Good gut health starts with what you put in your mouth. Boost your immune system and start healing your digestive system by following the Hopewood Lifestyle. Lifestyle: Hopewood’s recipe for wellbeing will help to guide you back to health. Full of delicious vegetarian recipes, healthy lifestyle advice and wellness information this book is available for a limited time only. Grab yours today!
