NORTH FORK, CA – Your gut health shapes nearly every aspect of how you feel, from digestion to mental clarity.  Two aspects of your gastrointestinal (GI) health are key:  the GI barrier and the GI microbiome.  Understanding both can help you make better choices for your body.  

More Than Just a Wall:  The GI Barrier

Most people think of the GI barrier as a simple physical wall, but it’s far more complex than that.  It includes the gut lining cells, muscle layers, blood supply, metabolic functions, a specialized mucosal system, and the enteric nervous system.  Remarkably, this part of the nervous system contains more nerve endings than your brain.  Together, these components sample and relay information information between your body and everything passing through your digestive “tube” – a tract about 30 feet in length which creates a distinct ecological environment every few inches.  

When the gut barrier stops functioning properly, it lets substances through that should stay out.  This condition is called “leaky gut.”  Researchers believe this breakdown contributes to many chronic diseases.  

Trillions of Allies:  The GI Microbiome

You have approximately 2 pounds of bacteria and fungi that make up your gut microbiome.  They number in the trillions, roughly equal to the number of human cells in your body.  We cannot live without them.  These organisms digest food, produce essential nutrients, detect harmful chemicals, regulate mucous production, and control inflammation.  Microbial colonization begins at birth, and no two people share the exact same microbiome.  

The Gut-Brain Connection

Research increasingly shows that conditions inside the digestive tract connect directly to the brain through what scientists call the gut-brain axis.  This link may well explain the “gut feelings” and “butterflies in my stomach” we all experience.  In fact, traditional Asian medicine has long considered the gut the center of spiritual and physical strength.  

How to Know If Your Gut Is Healthy

Healthy digestion shows up as regular bowel movements and an absence of symptoms like abdominal pain, heartburn, bloating, gas, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and blood in stools.  Perhaps surprisingly, anxiety and depression can also signal gut trouble.  

Are there tests to measure gut health accurately?  Unfortunately, bowel function is extremely complex, and objective assessment is difficult.  Many laboratory tests claim to be helpful, but all have limitations.  And many carry a steep price tag.  Your best option is a conversation with a qualified professional who can evaluate your unique situation.  Especially someone who has a holistic perspective, and is not simply following an impersonal protocol.  

Diseases Linked to Poor Gut Health

An unhealthy GI barrier and altered microbiome are associated with a wide range of conditions.  GI diseases include inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn’s, ulcerative colitis), irritable bowel syndrome, acid reflux, stomach ulcers, celiac disease, diverticulitis, hemorrhoids, malnutrition, and lactose intolerance.  Beyond the gut, the list extends to allergies, arthritis, metabolic syndrome, obesity, fatty liver disease, asthma, diabetes, fibromyalgia, fatigue, eczema, psoriasis, cardiovascular disease, so-called autoimmune conditions, depression, anxiety, cognitive decline, cancer, learning disabilities, autism, infertility, and more.  

What You Can Do Starting Today

As with so many aspects of health, your daily choices make all the difference.  For a deeper dive into these foundational habits, explore previous articles.  To support a healthy gut, start by focusing here:

• Eat a nutrient rich diet 
• Include bone broth, and fermented foods that naturally contain probiotics 
• Drink plenty of clean water
• Manage stress
• Prioritize sleep – both quality and quantity
• Move your body regularly
• Get sunshine
• Limit your exposure to toxins
  • Processed foods, cigarettes, alcohol, chemicals, unnecessary medications, antibiotics, electromagnetic fields

Read previous articles here:  Focus On Vibrant Health.

Dr. Veronica Tilden can be your ally in having vibrant health.  She uses traditional hands-on osteopathy and helps you take responsibility for your health, guiding you to make better choices in your life.  Her office is in North Fork.  You can find out more and schedule an appointment at DrVeronicaTilden.com.