The Gut Connection: How to Improve Your Digestion and Gut Health in 6 Steps

Author: Megan Jones (Adv.Dip.NutMed, BHsc.NutMed)

Most of us are familiar with that uncomfortable feeling we get in our stomach after indulging in a heavy meal and with those butterflies that flutter about when we’re suddenly nervous. Interestingly, our gut is often referred to as our ‘second brain’. This ‘second brain’ not only manages but controls the entire process of digestion: from when we smell, taste and swallow our food right through to the release of enzymes in our stomach.¹

Our gastrointestinal system (aka ‘gut’) is an extraordinary ecosystem which plays a crucial role our digestion, and in our overall wellbeing as well.² Here, we'll delve into the fascinating world of gut health, exploring how it relates to our digestion process, and how a nutrient-dense diet and nutritional support like Nuzest’s daily Good Green Vitality can boost our microbiome diversity and optimise our body’s digestive processes.

Key takeaways:

• ‘Gut health’ refers to but is not limited to interactions between our gastrointestinal system, gut microbiota (gut ‘bugs’), digestive processes and our gut-brain axis.³
• Digestion begins in our mouth when we take our first bite of food and is also influenced by the smell of our food before we ingest it.⁴
• The 5 stages of digestion end in our large intestine, aka our ‘colon’.⁵
• Dysbiosis - an imbalance of the microbes (‘bugs’) in our gut can have detrimental effect on our health and wellbeing.⁶
• Consuming a wide variety of fresh, whole foods as close to their natural state as possible can provide essential nutrients and fibre that nourish our gut microbiota.⁷

Gut health and digestion

Did you know that our entire gastrointestinal system is a nine-metre-long organ, with between 800 and 900 folds, and would cover an entire tennis court if laid out flat?⁸ The system includes our stomach, small intestine, and our large intestine (colon). Gut health itself refers to the balance and smooth-running of this gastrointestinal system, with a complex interplay between various factors such as gut microbiota (the bacteria aka ‘bugs’), digestive enzymes, our immune system, and our gut-brain axis⁹ (read about our gut-brain axis here).

A healthy gut is essential for efficient digestion, nutrient absorption as well as overall physical and mental wellbeing.¹⁰ Digestion itself begins in the mouth as soon as we take our first bite of food, or some would argue beginning even before that, when we first smell the sweet aroma of our dish. Digestion is the process through which our body breaks down the food we eat into smaller molecules - which can then be absorbed and used for energy, growth, and repair.¹¹ It's an intricate process that involves multiple stages.

Stage 1 - Mouth: Digestion technically begins in the mouth, where food is chewed and mixed with saliva containing digestive enzymes, like amylase, that initiate the breakdown of carbohydrates.⁴

Stage 2 - Oesophagus: The oesophagus then transports the chewed food to the stomach through rhythmic contractions called peristalsis.¹²

Stage 3 - Stomach: The stomach then secretes gastric juices, including hydrochloric acid and enzymes such as pepsin, to break down proteins. It also acts as a reservoir, slowly releasing the partially digested food into the small intestine.⁴

Stage 4 - Small Intestine: The small intestine is where the magic happens! It receives enzymes from the pancreas and bile from the liver to further break down carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. The small intestine is also the primary site for nutrient absorption.¹¹

Stage 5 - Large Intestine (colon): The large intestine absorbs water and electrolytes, while also hosting trillions of beneficial bacteria (the ‘good bugs’) that aid in digestion, produce essential vitamins, and maintain a healthy immune system.¹³

Our gut microbiota

It would be remiss to discuss digestion without addressing our gut microbiota, which are critical to the process. Our gut is home to trillions of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microbes, collectively known as the gut microbiota, and often referred to as ‘gut bugs’.¹⁴ This diverse ecosystem has a profound impact on our digestive system and overall health. 

Our gut microbiota helps break down indigestible fibres, producing highly anti-inflammatory short-chain fatty acids that nourish the cells lining the large intestine.¹⁵ It also helps ferment certain compounds, assists in the absorption of minerals, and produces vitamins like vitamin K as well as some B vitamins.¹⁶ Furthermore, the gut microbiota interacts with our immune system, influencing its development and function.¹⁷ Imbalances in our gut microbiota, known as dysbiosis, can lead to digestive issues such as bloating, gas, diarrhoea, constipation and more!⁶ Recent research suggests that dysbiosis may also be linked to a range of health conditions, including obesity, autoimmune diseases, mental health disorders, and even certain cancers.¹⁸ Maintaining a healthy gut microbiota is crucial for our overall health and wellbeing.

Now that we understand the significance of gut health, how can we support it? Here are 6 tips to help you promote a healthy gut:

1. Eat a balanced diet:

Consume a variety of whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. These provide essential nutrients and fibre that nourish your gut microbiota.¹⁹ Where consuming enough wholefoods can be tricky, Nuzest’s Good Green Vitality can help to fill any nutritional gaps, containing 75+ premium wholefood ingredients to support all 11 body systems.

2. Stay hydrated:

Drink an adequate amount of water throughout the day to support digestion and maintain optimal bowel function.²⁰

3. Prioritise fibre:

Include fibre-rich foods like legumes, nuts, seeds, and whole grains in your diet. Fibre promotes regular bowel movements and also feeds our beneficial gut bacteria.²¹ Supplementing with our daily and delicious multi-nutrient formula Good Green Vitality can also provide our friendly gut bugs with the fibre that they love-so they can grow, diversify and improve our gut health!

4. Minimise processed foods and added sugars:

Highly processed foods and excess sugar can disrupt the balance of your gut microbiota. Opt for whole, unprocessed foods whenever possible.²²

5. Manage stress:

Practise stress management techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or engaging in hobbies that help you relax. Chronic stress can negatively impact gut health.²³

6. Antibiotics with caution:

While antibiotics are essential for fighting bacterial infections, they can also disrupt the balance of gut bacteria. If prescribed antibiotics, discuss probiotic supplementation with your healthcare provider to support gut health at the same time.²⁴

Our gut is a remarkable and intricately connected system that affects far more than just our digestion. By understanding the importance of gut health and implementing healthy lifestyle habits, we can support our digestive system, boost our overall wellbeing, and live a life full of vitality!

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