gut instincts: uncovering the surprising truth about your microbiome
31-Dec-2024
I
2 mins
Dr. Annewsha Acharjee
Ayurveda @ Lavi
did you know that you're not alone? trillions of tiny microorganisms call your gut home, influencing everything from digestion to mental health. let's dive into the fascinating world of your gut microbiome!
what's living in your gut?
your gut microbiome is home to trillions of tiny microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and yeast. these tiny inhabitants work together to keep you healthy and thriving. think of your gut microbiome like a vibrant city, teeming with different neighborhoods and residents.
an imbalance in your gut microbiome, also known as dysbiosis, can lead to a host of health issues:
- digestive problems like ibs, bloating, and constipation
- inflammatory conditions like arthritis and acne
- weakened immune system
- mental health concerns
factors that disrupt gut balance
there are several factors that can throw our gut microbiome off balance:-
poor diet - diet containing processed foods, sugary foods, junk food etc increases inflammation and oxidative stress in the body and contributes to chronic diseases including obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases.
stress and anxiety disrupts our body’s hormonal balance leading to increased gut sensitivity, altered gut motility and many other disruptions in gut health and overall wellbeing.
lack of sleep disrupts the circadian rhythm and organ functioning
antibiotics and medications alter gut’s ph, increase inflammation and reduce beneficial bacteria
environmental toxins kill beneficial bacteria and increase inflammation.
gut-brain connection
did you know that your gut and brain are intimately connected? your gut microbiome produces neurotransmitters, hormones, and other chemicals that impact your mood, cognitive function, and overall well-being. it's no wonder that gut health has been linked to mental health concerns like anxiety and depression. having a healthy gut is not just about having regular bowel movements, there is much more your gut health contributes to.
nourishing your gut microbiome
good news is that maintaining a healthy gut microbiome is in your control to some extent:
- eat fiber-rich foods like fruits, veggies, and whole grains
- incorporate fermented foods like yogurt
- stay hydrated
- exercise regularly
- manage stress
- incorporate probiotics and prebiotics - they are superheroes for your gut microbiome. prebiotics feed good bacteria, promoting their growth and probiotics introduce beneficial bacteria to your gut.
at lavi, our team can help you optimize your gut microbiome through:
- personalized nutrition planning
- stress management techniques
- gut-friendly supplements
we are offering a complimentary consultation call with lavi's experts. come talk to us to understand possible reasons behind the symptoms you might be struggling with.
start your health journey today