Why Is Gut Health So Important?
‘Why is our gut health so important?’ As more and more research continues to highlight how our gut impacts various systems in our body, many of us have started asking this question.
After all, the gut microbiome is a much more elaborate system than it might seem at first glance. Not only is it responsible for nutrient digestion and absorption, but it also has the ability to support brain health, heart health, immunity, and weight - but that’s only scratching the surface.
If you’ve been wondering ‘why is gut health so important?’, you’ve come to the right place. In this blog post, we’ve covered how our gut impacts various aspects of our general health and well-being. Find out more below.
What Is The Gut Microbiome?
Before we dive into the nitty gritty, we must first ask ourselves - what is the gut microbiome?
The gut microbiome is an extensive network of bacteria, fungi, and various other microbes residing in the intestinal tract. This community is made of trillions of microorganisms, with at least 1,000 different species of bacteria contributing to our health in many diverse ways.
This system is so elaborate and complex, it’s basically another organ of the body - weighing up to 2kg.
Why Is Gut Health So Important?
Are you ready to learn why gut health is so important? Below, we’ve explained the various reasons why good gut health is of utmost importance. Check it out.
Reduce Gut-Related Discomforts
One of the key benefits of having a healthy, properly balanced microbiome is that you’ll likely experience far-fewer gut-related discomforts.
When the microbiome is poorly balanced in favour of bad bacteria, we tend to experience symptoms such as constipation, bloating, and cramps - as well as inflammation.
By nourishing the gut with probiotics and healthy habits, we can support our microbiome to ensure it’s positively balanced with good bacteria - allowing it to work much more effectively.
Might Support Immune Function
The role of the microbiome extends far beyond the gut - it’s also suggested by recent research that this complex system can also influence immune function.
This in-depth analysis by Ross Barnard explores the science of probiotics lactobacillus casei and bifidobacterium in relation to immunity. Though, it’s proposed that these probiotic strains may be able to help with immune function by supporting antibody production and assisting immune cells.
So, if you’re looking for ways to support your immunity over the cold, Winter months - it might be worth reaching for a probiotic.
May Support Brain Health
Recent research is also proposing the idea that the microbiome may also affect our central nervous system, which plays a major role in brain function.
It’s suggested that specific strains of bacteria may assist with producing neurotransmitters in the brain and that the microbiome could be linked to this system through millions of nerves.
This means that the gut could potentially control any messages sent to the brain via this connection. More research is required, though this concept is quite compelling.
Could Benefit Heart Health
It’s clear that the gut may potentially have some function in our immunity and brain health - though it doesn’t stop there. Did you know our microbiome may also impact our heart health too?
A healthy microbiome may be able to encourage good cholesterol and triglycerides in the body. On top of this, bad bacteria found in the microbiome might also lead to heart disease by creating chemicals that lead to blocked arteries.
So, by ensuring your gut is well-balanced, you might be supporting your heart health as well.
Might Affect Weight Gain
It’s clear that the good bacteria within our microbiome can benefit our health in many ways - though, the opposite can, unfortunately, be said about the bad bacteria found in the gut.
Having an imbalance of good and bad bacteria in the gut could potentially be a contributor to weight gain. Though, it’s believed that probiotics could be used to help combat this effect if the microbiome is restored. More research is required to make this concrete connection.
PERKII Probiotic Shots
Give your gut health the love it deserves by getting your hands on these Perkii Probiotic Shots.
Each shot contains up to 8 billion probiotics, each encapsulated in a micro-shield to ensure it passes through the stomach and reaches the small intestine safely - unlike countless other probiotic supplements on the market.
And if that’s not enough to convince you, the taste surely will. There are 3 spectacular flavours to choose from, including Super Greens, Super Berry, and Super Ginger. Before you know it, you’ll be looking forward to your daily probiotic.
Head to the online store to shop now.
*The information in this article should be considered as advice only. Before using probiotics or implementing any of the information above, speak with a healthcare professional.