Your gut is largely responsible for your general health and happiness. In recent studies, scientist have discovered that gut bacteria not only influences your immune system, it also houses 80 percent of the neurotransmitter called serotonin. Serotonin is your good mood neurotransmitter as well as your sleep regulator.
Since most of your immune system and most of your serotonin are housed in your gut, it makes sense therefore that when your gut bacteria is healthy and in balance, your serotonin and immune system are functioning at an optimum level. Elizabeth Lipski, PhD, CCN, academic director of nutrition and integrative health programs at Maryland University of Integrative Health explains that when your gut bacteria is "in balance, we have energy and our brain works better."
It's clear that a healthy gut is essential for wellbeing. However, research tell us that a high percentage of the population have some or of digestive issue. As it turns out, a great proportion of food conveniences are associated with an unhealthy gut and are actually killing your gut health.
High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS)
Foods produced in a lab like denatured HFCS, can do unspeakable things to your gut bacteria. It can lead to potential gut leakage as well as inflammation. These foods no not give the cells the nutrients they need to flourish and thrive.
It is important to avoid HFCS. One way this can be done is by avoiding highly processed foods as much as possible.
Alcohol
Alcoholic drinks affect your nutrient supply, especially the B-complex vitamins. Alcoholic drinks contain substances that can potentially be toxic to your cells. Too much alcohol puts a strain on your liver which in turn will affect your digestive system, thus affecting your gut bacteria.
Avoid drinking regularly or binging. A glass of wine (more so red wine) every now and then may not be so damaging.
Antibiotics
Time and time again, antibiotics have been shown to adversely affect your gut bacteria. When you have to take antibiotics, take a good quality probiotic as well. It is important to continue taking your probiotic even once you have finished your course of probiotics in order to re-establish your healthy gut flora.
Sources:
Lipsky, E. Digestive Wellness, McGraw-Hill, NY, 1999.
