A World Inside: The Importance of Gut health.

Gut health and integrity is a major focus in the realm of natural medicine, and as it should be!
Science has unlocked many roles played by the dowry of microbes within our gut, and the knowledge is in a perpetual state of growth.

The gut contains an entire functioning ecosystem of bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and archaea – termed the microbiome. 
The microbiome is made up of a microbiota – a series of microorganisms each responsible for individual functions within your body, many of which are still unknown to us.
The healthy microbiota thrive off the indigestible carbohydrates we consume in our diets, this allows the bacteria to flourish and continue to support the digestive system, as well as work to synthesise many of the necessary nutrients used within the body.
Just a brief example of the role of this incredible medley of microbes in our health includes the formulation of short chain fatty-acids (SCFA’s) – such as butyric acid, acetic acid, & propionic acid. These are synthesised from carbohydrate fermentation by the microbiota. These important SCFA’s are responsible for energy production, inflammatory mediation, maintenance of gut integrity, and synthesis of neurotransmitters – just to name a few.

And on that note – yes, many neurotransmitters are formulated in the gut; this just a small portion of the workings of the gut-brain axis. The gut-brain axis is another world of information in itself, but in short, it is the bi-directional communication between the gut and the brain used for transference of multi-systemic signalling.
The microbiota play an extensive role in producing many important mood regulating hormones; inclusive of dopamine, norepinephrine, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and serotonin. In fact, 90% of your serotonin is synthesised in your gut.
This connection is also responsible for the signalling of stress-hormones such as cortisol; disregulation of this can lead to excess levels of circulating cortisol which aids in the depletion of the adrenal glands and creates a rippled effect corrupting the endocrine system.
It is evidently clear to see the effects that an unhealthy gut environment can have on just mood and mental capabilities alone.

70% of our immune system resides in our gut, and SCFA’s play a large role in immunostasis. One method of this is modulating leukocyte development, thus strengthening the immune system and the immune response. Another immunity role of the gut is the regulation of cytokine production. Cytokines are used within the body to maintain baseline balance in regards to immunity and inflammation – they mediate normal cell responses to different stimuli, this also acts to combat and reduce chances of an autoimmune response.
Looking at the immunological side of gut health, it would be wrong to not acknowledge the growing prevalence of Leaky Gut Syndrome, or intestinal permeability. This is what occurs when the intestinal tract lining becomes so inflamed that the junctions begin to ‘leak’ and it becomes permeable. This unlocks a great deal of health issues for the host as undigested food particles then enter the bloodstream and stimulate an extensive immune response. This is a major cause of widespread inflammation and gradually leads to autoimmune conditions. This emphasises the necessity of creating a functioning microbiome to protect intestinal wall integrity.

The most unique thing about the microbiota, is its, well – uniqueness!
Each individual has a different microbiota reflecting their external and internal environments.So when you’re having a bad day, just remember you have multiple ecosystems of bacteria that make you a complex and unique individual.
There are also several completely seperate microbiomes in your body, the microbiome in your gut for example is far different to the microbiome on your skin or any other part of your body.
The compilation of these communities of gut flora begins before birth, with the placenta harbouring a microbiome profile of its own. Babies born through vaginal delivery opposed to caesarean have a consistently different microbiome relating to the cultures found within the amnionic fluid and vagina of the mothers; whereas those born though caesarean have a microbiome similar to the microbiome of the skin of the mother. Children born through caesarean have a consistently higher rate of immune-related conditions such as asthma and allergies; this is due to the lack of exposure to microbiota in the birth canal, as well as the involvement of antibiotics in breast milk post-operation.

There are many ways in which we can work to improve the quality of the microbiome and to grow the variety of beneficial species of flora in the microbiome.
Firstly, looking to food as medicine, we focus on prebiotic foods. These are the indigestible carbohydrates that lead to the SCFA synthesis through fermentation as discussed above. Generally diets high in plant matter have a higher fibre content, which directly feeds the microbiota to encourage a healthy population of thriving microorganisms. Some examples of prebiotic foods include tomato, onions, garlic, and asparagus.
Secondly – Probiotics. These are the ‘good bacteria’, they are a culture in themselves that are consumed and add to the ecosystem within your gut. They are often species of bacteria that are already found in a healthy microbiome, but are added to correct any dysbiosis or repopulate beneficial flora. These can be consumed in food, or taken as a supplement – probiotic supplements will not correct dysbiosis if poor dietary choices are a causative factor of the dysbiotic environment. Some probiotic rich foods include yoghurt, sauerkraut, miso, & kombucha. Ferments are abundant in probiotics and are an excellent way to incorporate ‘gut food’ into your diet.
Gut dysbiosis and gut-related issues are all too common in todays society, and most of the villains of this can be found in your home. Food is an essential part of maintaining a thriving microbiome, it is also a hinderance – what you eat is key. High sugar, and over processed foods are a ruler in the destruction of a functioning gut microbiome. Making correct food choices is important for gut health, incorporate pre- and probiotics and eat whole foods, opposed to packaged goods with a myriad of numbers, thickeners, & stabilisers.
Other destructive influences include alcohol, household cleaners, stress, antibiotics, and the overuse of NSAIDS such as aspirin.

The gut is a complex and important part of everyday health, and this is just a small portion of its abilities and capabilities as a functioning internal ecosystem.
Hopefully, this may make you reconsider just ‘dealing with the pain’ caused from that progressing lactose intolerance; or rethink eating that third bread roll that you know causes you excessive bloating and cramping.

There is damage beyond those uncomfortable situations, but there is also the ability to heal, and a focus on gut health is one of the most important decisions we can make towards our health.