LOVE YOUR GUT! - Why Gut Health is Foundational for Optimum Wellness
"Your gut is not Las Vegas. What happens in the gut does not stay in the gut!"
- Dr. Alessio Fasano
(Italian medical doctor, pediatric gastroenterologist, and researcher)
Did you know your gut health impacts your mood, immunity and skin health?
Mood
The gut and brain are connected via the gut-brain axis, a bi-directional communication pathway. The gut is also home to trillions of microorganisms that play a vital role in neurotransmitter production. An imbalance in the gut flora can lead to decreased production of serotonin, GABA, dopamine and other mood-regulating messengers which can contribute to anxiety, depression and other mood disorders.
Immunity
The gut also contains immune cells that help protect against pathogens and foreign substances. Gut flora also plays a role in protecting against infection, as well as regulating immune response and inflammation. This leads us to...
Skin Health
The gut and skin are connected through the gut skin axis which involves various signalling molecules, hormones and immune cells. When the gut microbiome is disrupted it can cause inflammation, oxidative stress and the release of toxins and other harmful substances which can then travel to the bloodstream eventually reaching the skin where they can trigger a range of conditions such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea and premature aging.
This imbalanced flora can also lead to an overactive immune system, contributing to an autoimmune component of these skin conditions.
There are several pathways to supplementing for optimal gut health – these include; digestive enzymes and bitters, anthelmintic or anti-parasitic herbs, gut repair powders for leaky gut and inflammation usually containing some combination including glutamine, aloe and zinc carnosine, insoluble fibre that acts as a “broom” clearing out toxins from the gut and soluble fibre and prebiotics that line the gut forming an ideal environment for good flora to flourish.
SHOP gut health HERE or reach out via email or in-store and one of our practitioners will help you find the best program for your specific needs.
Love,
NP x
