Never ignore the gut feeling
When we say we have a ‘ gut feeling’ we don’t really have the physical gut in mind, but a sensory one, yet the gut controls not only the human body but also the mind. In fact, the 38- million bacteria in the human gut dictate our lives much more than we r
The gut or gastrointestinal tract dictates not only the physical diseases but also the mental anxiety and the response to stress that we suffer from. It starts at the mouth and ends at the back passage or anus. Dubbed as the second brain, it plays a vital role in aiding the immune system, producing the feel- good brain chemical, serotonin, making energy available to the body from the food we eat, and disposing of foreign substances and toxins.
SO, WHAT IS MICROBIAL GUT?
A term which makes us feel a bit awkward, unhealthy and also weird is actually the most important part of the human body.
Made up of bacteria, viruses, fungi and small worms — the microbes and immune system are intricately linked to each other and also play a close role in the functioning of our brain and protecting our immune system.
This huge flora in the intestine is a mix of good and bad bacteria and its diversity in terms of the composition is the sign of good health. A diverse gut consists of all the components which help fight diseases and also ensure that the body and brain are healthy.
WHAT MAKES THE GUT DIVERSE?
The foods that humans eat, environmental conditions and socio- economic factors determine the composition of the gut. Dr Abhishek Katakwar, laparoscopic, robotic bariatric and metabolic surgeon at the Asian Institute of Gastroenterology, explains, “At birth the gut is sterile. The first colonisation is by maternal and environmental bacteria and then through feeding and other contacts.
“At the age of 2.5 years, the gut resembles that of an adult in terms of composition. The composition is affected not only by age but also by diet and socio- economic conditions. 60- 80 per cent of our immune system is located in our gut.
“Gut imbalances are caused due to diet, genetics and environmental factors. The imbalance leads to obesity, hormonal imbalances, autoimmune diseases, diabetes, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, anxiety, depression, eczema, and other chronic health problems.”
HOW DO GUT IMBALANCES OCCUR?
According to various studies, gut imbalances occur when unwanted bacterial products called endotoxins are found to leak through and enter the blood stream. When this happens, the immune system recognises these as foreign bodies and mounts an attack on them leading to a chronic inflammatory response.
Diet- induced inflammation triggers insulin resistance causing type- 2 diabetes, leptin resistance, and obesity and fatty liver disease.
The attack on the immune system also leads to immune disorders such as inflammatory bowel disorder and triggers other auto- immune diseases. Foggy brain, headaches, eczema, depression and chronic fatigue are also linked to the imbalance in the gut where the concentration of bad bacteria increases leading to more endotoxins causing the tilt.
HOW TO MANAGE ONE’S GUT?
Australian authors of The Mystery Gut, Professor Kerryn Phelps and Jaimee Lee Chambers, state that “if one knows how to control gut health they can overall control their health and change their lives”.
Professor Phelps explains that symptoms like bloating, abdominal pain and irregular bowel movements are directly connected to the gut but other unrelated symptoms like anxiety, continuous rounds of headaches, and excessive fatigue are also related to gut health.
The gut is a complex neurological system and it has been found that Western foods like white sugar, fatty foods, soft and refined white carbs are found to have an adverse effect in the composition of bacteria.
Nutritionist Fatima Rehmat says eating regular meals on time is very important to maintain a good gut health.
“Make sure that there is enough fibre, fluids and also plant- based foods like salads, coloured vegetables like beetroot and carrots on the plate. They help in preserving the diversity which is extremely important for a good gut health,” the nutrionist explains.