It has been discovered that your gastrointestinal (GI) system actually plays a more complex role than just transporting food within your body and converting it into nutrients. It is also linked to a variety of different aspects of your health, from keeping up your body’s immune system to warding off chronic disease.  In this article, you will see how your gut helps your body maintain homeostasis and overall well being.

It's important to keep up with the health of your gut because of the good bacteria that it contains This beneficial bacteria influences brain function and also supports our immune systems, allowing us to fight off disease. Dr axe states, “The human microbiome, or microbiota, is essentially the bacterial ecosystem living within our bodies, mostly within our guts. The intestinal microbiota is made up of trillions of microorganisms, most of which are bacterial and not harmful to our health.” It's often easy to tell if your microbiome is thrown off balance because you might experience symptoms such as bloating, gas, diarrhea, stomach pain or nausea. Factors such as age, diet, environment, and lifestyle may also have an influence on the health of your gut, and while you can't control all of these factors, there are a few things you can do in your daily life to keep your gut in balance.

The food you eat plays a very important role in the bacterial makeup of your gut. To foster a healthy gut microbiota, you should be limiting the amount of processed food you eat because of the potential high sugar and fat present. Mayo clinic suggests, “Focus on eating at least five servings of fruits and vegetables daily. Fruits and vegetables are not only highly nutritious but also contain complex carbohydrates to help good bacteria to thrive. Research further shows that fat and sugar nourish bad bacteria, thereby increasing the prevalence of those bacteria that cause disease. In addition, studies suggest diets high in animal protein are correlated with a more unfavorable bacteria makeup.” If you’re looking to find plant based food options, simple botanics offers a variety of healthy snacks and teas that are all organic and contain ingredients that could help improve and/or stabilize your gut health. Other ways to improve your health include, lowering stress levels, getting enough sleep, taking probiotics and staying hydrated. Webmd states that, “exercise can also encourage the growth of a variety of gut bacteria. Having a more varied gut microbiota may promote better health and, in turn, reduce your risk of disease.”

Overall gastrointestinal health can be the root cause for many other health issues. The most important thing you can do is follow a healthy lifestyle. Stick to what's best for your body because if it's good for you it's most likely good for your gut.