There’s no time like the present, and this sage saying is most pertinent in the context of gut health. Here are 3 short and simple reasons it’s time to put your gut first. 

Because You’re Tired of Feeling Blocked Up and Bloated

Find yourself struggling to drop the kids off at the pool? Or perhaps you’re dealing with bloating and gas that won’t let up – poor gut health is often to blame, with disruptions in the gut microbiota, inflammation and impaired digestive processes involved. Here's how poor gut health can contribute to these sensations: 

• Imbalanced Gut Microbiota: An imbalance in the gut microbiota, known as dysbiosis, can result from factors like poor diet, stress, antibiotics, or infections. Dysbiosis can lead to an overgrowth of harmful bacteria and a decrease in beneficial ones, affecting the overall function of the digestive system.
• Sluggish Digestion: Dysbiosis and inflammation can slow down digestion, causing food to remain in the digestive tract for longer periods. This can lead to feelings of fullness, discomfort, and the sensation of being "blocked up."
• Gas Production: Certain harmful bacteria in the gut can produce excess gas during the digestion of certain foods. This gas can accumulate in the intestines, causing bloating and discomfort.

• Inflammation: Poor gut health can lead to chronic inflammation in the digestive tract. Inflammation can impair the functioning of the intestines and hinder the movement of digested food through the digestive tract.
• Leaky Gut: A compromised gut barrier, often referred to as "leaky gut," can allow undigested food particles, toxins, and bacteria to leak into the bloodstream. This can trigger an immune response and contribute to inflammation, bloating, and discomfort.
• Food Intolerances: Poor gut health can increase the likelihood of developing food sensitivities or intolerances. These can lead to bloating, gas, and other digestive discomfort after consuming certain foods.
• Constipation: An imbalanced gut microbiota and inflammation can impact bowel movements and lead to constipation. When stool remains in the colon for an extended period, it can cause feelings of bloating and discomfort.
• Water Retention: Inflammation and imbalances in the gut can affect the body's ability to regulate fluid balance. This can lead to water retention, contributing to bloating.

Because You’re Through with Unstable Moods and Afternoon Crashes

Poor gut health has been increasingly linked to mood swings, unstable energy levels, and energy crashes through the intricate communication between the gut and the brain, known as the gut-brain axis. Here's how these connections work: 

Gut Microbiota Influence on Mood: The gut houses a vast community of microorganisms collectively known as the gut microbiota. Research suggests that the composition of these microbes can impact brain function and mood. An imbalance in the gut microbiota, known as dysbiosis, can lead to the production of metabolites and compounds that affect brain chemistry. The gut and brain communicate in something of a two-way street through the vagus nerve and the release of signalling molecules, and put simply, this means that changes in gut health can affect mood regulation and cognitive function.

Serotonin Production: Serotonin, often referred to as the "happy neurotransmitter," is largely produced in the gut. A significant portion of serotonin receptors are located in the intestines. Dysbiosis and gut inflammation can disrupt serotonin production, potentially leading to mood swings and imbalances.

Neurotransmitter Production: Gut microbes can produce various neurotransmitters that influence mood, including gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and dopamine. An imbalanced gut microbiota can affect the production of these neurotransmitters, impacting mood regulation. 

Inflammation and Mood: Chronic inflammation in the gut, often associated with poor gut health, can lead to systemic inflammation that affects the brain. Inflammatory molecules produced in the gut can travel through the bloodstream to the brain, potentially contributing to mood swings and negative emotions.

Blood Sugar Regulation: Here’s an often-overlooked cause of unstable moods – blood-sugar dysfunction. An imbalanced gut microbiota can affect how the body metabolises carbohydrates, leading to fluctuations in blood sugar levels. These fluctuations can result in energy spikes followed by crashes.

Inflammation and Fatigue: Chronic gut inflammation triggers an immune response that requires energy. This ongoing immune activity can lead to feelings of fatigue and reduced energy levels. 

Addressing poor gut health through a balanced diet rich in fibre, probiotics, and prebiotics, managing stress, getting regular exercise, and ensuring adequate sleep can help restore a healthier gut-brain axis and stabilise mood and energy levels. If you're experiencing persistent mood swings, energy crashes, or other related symptoms, it's recommended to consult a healthcare professional for a comprehensive evaluation and guidance.

Because Long-Term Health Starts Today

Looking after your gut health in the present can have significant long-term benefits for your overall health and wellbeing. We’ve already lifted the lid on the gut-brain connection and its effects on our mental health, but there are a number of reasons why starting to build your gut up now will set you up for a bright future:

Reduced Risk of Chronic Diseases: A healthy gut is linked to a balanced immune system, reduced inflammation, and improved metabolic health. By maintaining a diverse and thriving gut microbiota through a nutrient-rich diet, regular physical activity, and stress management, you can lower your risk of chronic diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and autoimmune disorders.

Stronger Immune System: A significant portion of your immune system resides in the gut. A well-balanced gut microbiota helps regulate immune responses and guards against harmful pathogens. By fostering a diverse microbiota through a diet rich in plant-based foods and probiotics, you can strengthen your immune system's ability to defend against infections and illnesses.

Ageing: As you age, maintaining gut health becomes increasingly important. A healthy gut can contribute to healthy ageing by reducing the risk of age-related chronic diseases and promoting vitality, and the nutrients and beneficial compounds absorbed by a healthy gut support cellular repair and renewal, as opposed to promoting the degeneration and damage of cells.

By making conscious choices to support your gut health now, you're investing in your long-term health and vitality. Incorporating a variety of whole foods, staying hydrated, managing stress, and prioritising sleep are essential steps you can take to nurture your gut and pave the way for a healthier and more vibrant future. Remember that consistency and a holistic approach to wellbeing are key factors in reaping the long-term benefits of a healthy gut. 

Addressing poor gut health through dietary and lifestyle changes, staying hydrated and managing stress can help restore a healthier gut microbiota and alleviate symptoms of bloating and digestive discomfort. If you're experiencing persistent digestive issues, it's recommended to consult a healthcare professional for personalised guidance and assessment.

Need a little help making it happen? That’s what we’re here for. Our ALL NEW 21-Day Gut Rebalance Program kicks off soon with delicious, nourishing recipes and exclusive expert content to support you on your way to better health. Whether it's constipation, bloating or even stress that's got you down, it could be your gut warning you that you're missing out on the gut-nourishing foods that help us thrive. We'll show you the ins and outs of healing, from the benefits of probiotics and prebiotics to the inflammation-busting foods you should be eating. Take a look at some of the exciting new recipes on the program:

• Pork Kimchi Dumplings
• Homemade Sourdough Bread
• Miso-Baked Salmon
• Tempeh Satay
• Chinese Beef + Broccoli
• Chocolate Chia Smoothie Bowl

And that's not even scratching the surface! We're selling out fast so don't wait, sign up now!