Could your gut health be why you are tired, moody and struggling to lose weight?

GUT HEALTH is crucial for overall well-being because it impacts digestion, immunity, mental health, and even heart health. A healthy gut ensures efficient nutrient absorption, strengthens the immune system, and may even influence mood and cognitive function.

However, poor gut health can lead to digestive issues, increased susceptibility to illness, and potentially contribute to mental health disorders.

Your gut microbiome is the foundation of your health. Good gut health occurs when you have a balance between the good (helpful) and bad (potentially harmful) bacteria and yeast in your digestive system. In fact, 80 per cent of your immune system is in the gut, and the majority of your body’s serotonin is, too.

According to Dr Rivane ChybarVirgo, medical doctor and health and wellness coach, speaking at a weekly ‘Health Talk Sunday Series’ this means if your gut is not healthy, then your immune system and hormones will not function, and you will get sick.

“There are trillion of bacteria that play an important role in digestion. However, our gut health goes beyond just digestion, as the gut communicates directly with our brain, sending signals that influences our mood, our alertness, our behaviour, and what we call gut connection,” Dr Chybar Virgo said.

The gut and brain are in constant communication through a system called the gut-brain axis, impacting our emotions, thoughts, and behaviours. This connection means that gut health can significantly influence mental well-being, and vice versa. Imbalances in the gut microbiome can lead to or worsen conditions like anxiety and depression.

“Gut health has an impact on our emotions. One of the key things in this connection is serotonin (feel good hormone). Ninety-five per cent of that feel-good hormone is produced in the gut, and produced by healthy beneficial bacteria. Having a healthy nutritious diet helps you keep serotonin balanced,” Dr Chybar Virgo said.

Poor gut health, characterised by an imbalance in the gut microbiome, can manifest in various symptoms like digestive issues, fatigue, skin problems, and even impact mood and sleep. Addressing gut health involves dietary changes, stress management, and sometimes, professional guidance.

“If your gut health is poor from improper nutrition, low serotonin levels can affect your sleep and cause gut issues, such as sugar cravings, anxiety, and persons may recognise that they feel depressed. One of the medications used to treat depression targets serotonin receptors,” Dr Chybar Virgo said.

Studies have shown that people who have certain digestive issues, such as irritable bowel syndrome, are more likely to experience depression and anxiety.

Foods that positively impact gut health include fibre-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains. However, foods like processed foods, refined sugar, fried foods, and excessive amounts of red meat can negatively affect gut health.

“Foods that are ultra-processed, sugary, artificial sweeteners and fried foods have been linked to mental health struggles. Having too much carbohydrates can result in short burst of energy, followed by low energy. The food you eat, the amount of food you eat, and how you balance it play a crucial role in your gut health as well,” Dr Chybar Virgo said.

Gut microbiome, she said, is crucial for gut absorption. Even vitamins and minerals, as small an amount as we need, they play a role in our energy levels.

“Having a good gut health can help to absorb nutrients properly and affect how our bodies produce good energy levels. If our digestive system is healthy, it can determine how well we are going to fight off illnesses. If you are tired a lot; gut health is something that you need to take a look at,” Dr Chybar Virgo said.

She also indicated that if you find it difficult to lose weight, you may have poor gut health, especially if you have excess fat in the midsection. There are some hormones that can stimulate inflammation and weaken the immune response, and can be a correlation with gut imbalance,” Dr Chybar Virgo said.

keisha.hill@gleanerjm.comSOURCE: Health Talk Sundays