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Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, stated more than 2,000 years ago that all disease begins in the gut. Though Hippocrates was wrong in his claim that all disease begins in the gut, evidence suggests that many chronic metabolic diseases do.
The term “gut health” refers to the function and balance of microorganisms in the gastrointestinal tract. Organs such as the esophagus, stomach, and intestines should all function smoothly to allow humans to eat and digest food without difficulty.
Your gut bacteria and the quality of your gut lining have a significant impact on your health. Lipopolysaccharides (LPS), big molecules that are sometimes known as endotoxins, are found in the cell walls of some of your gut bacteria, known as gram-negative bacteria.
These chemicals can elicit an immunological response in humans. They can cause fever, anxiety, muscle pains, and even septic shock during an acute bacterial infection.
Furthermore, these chemicals can occasionally seep from the gut into the bloodstream, either continuously or immediately after meals.
Endotoxins can enter your bloodstream along with dietary fat, or they can leak past the tight connections that are aimed at keeping undesired chemicals from crossing your gut lining.
When it occurs, it activates immune cells. Though their quantities are too little to cause illness symptoms such as fever, they are high enough to cause chronic inflammation, which causes problems over time.
All food is broken down in the gut into a simple form that can enter the bloodstream and be given as nutrients throughout our bodies. This is only attainable if your digestive system is in good working order.
Good bacteria and immune cells in a healthy gut protect against infectious agents such as bad bacteria, viruses, and fungus. A healthy gut also communicates with the brain via neurons and hormones, which aids in the maintenance of overall health and well-being.
The gut microbiome’s “good” bacteria do more than just improve digestion. They contribute to the control of “bad” microorganisms. They expand so quickly that the unhealthy kind has no room to grow. The term “equilibrium” refers to a healthy balance of bacteria in your gut.
According to research, if you have an overabundance of a certain type of harmful bacteria in your gut microbiome, you are more likely to have:
- The disease Crohn’s
- Colitis ulcerative
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) (IBS)
Researchers are investigating new medicines that target the microorganisms in the gut.
The balance of bacteria in your gut microbiome may influence your emotions as well as how your brain receives information from your senses, such as sights, sounds, flavors, or feelings. Changes in that equilibrium, according to scientists, may have a role in illnesses such as autism spectrum disorder, anxiety, depression, as well as chronic pain.
Some gut bacteria may have a role in the relation between cholesterol and heart disease. When you eat things like red meat or eggs, the bacteria produce a substance that your liver converts into TMAO (trimethylamine-N-oxide). TMAO may contribute to the buildup of cholesterol in your blood vessels, which can lead to a variety of cardiovascular problems.
Many chronic metabolic illnesses are assumed to start in the gut, with long-term inflammation acting as a driving force. Bacterial endotoxin-induced inflammation may be the missing link between a poor diet, obesity, and chronic metabolic disorders.
So, yes. Taking care of your gut can prevent a lot of diseases. Focus on an overall healthy lifestyle that includes exercise, enough sleep, and a diet rich in natural foods and prebiotic fiber to keep yourself and your gut healthy.
References:
1. Helen. (n.d.). “Care For Your Gut And Help Prevent Disease”. Retrieved from Csiro.au: https://blog.csiro.au/gut-health-prevent-disease/
2. Uhhospitals. (n.d.). “Achieving Gut Health — and How It Supports Your Overall Well-Being”. Retrieved from Uhhospitals.org:
3. Zhou. (n.d.). “Impacts Of Gut Bacteria On Human Health And Diseases”. Retrieved from Nih.gov: