What Does Gut Health Mean?

When your skin starts to break out or your energy levels are running low, do you reach for topical skincare products or a range of supplements? What if I told you it could all be fixed by healing your gut?! Containing over 100 trillion bacteria, your gut is involved in nearly every metabolic function that occurs in the body!

Our gut can become damaged over time due to consuming too much sugar or gluten (if intolerant), regularly eating highly processed foods, the overuse of antibiotics or stress. Did you know that 85% of the happy hormones in your brain are actually produced in the gut?* When our gut health becomes unbalanced, it can affect everything from immune system functioning to skin conditions including eczema and rosacea. A gut imbalance can even worsen asthma and sleeping problems!

How is gut health linked to our immune system functioning?

Did you know that 70-80% of our immune tissue can be found in our digestive system? This means that proper immune system functioning relies heavily on a healthy gut flora. According to the US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health, the gut microbiota (bacteria) found in our gut is critical for regulating our immune systems. They also explain that if there is an disruption to this bacteria, this can cause immune dysregulation which could lead to autoimmune disorders!

What is gut flora?

Our gut flora is made up of trillions of bacteria that keep our digestive system functioning regularly. To improve your gut health, it's essential that you increase your probiotic intake. According to The Beauty Chef, Carla Oates, "one of the best ways to help balance gut flora is to take probiotics - beneficial bacteria that help to keep your gut in good health. Our gut is where 70% of our immune system lives, where we metabolise hormones, make nutrients that contribute to collagen formation, make anti-oxidants, make detoxifying enzymes, neutralise pathogens – and all of these things can profoundly affect the skin. We are made up of more bacteria than cells, so the nature of that bacteria is going to be very important for the state of our skin and overall health - it is the fabric we are made of."

To learn more about creating an inner health routine, read my blog post here!

Which products do I recommend for a healthy gut?

Nature's Sunshine Slippery Elm Bark Powder
The Nature's Sunshine Slippery Elm Bark Powder $49.95, helps to soothe inflammation in the digestive tract and support your overall wellbeing. This anti-inflammatory powder contains a traditional mucilage herb which may help to soothe an irritated or unsettled stomach.

Always read the label. If symptoms persist see your healthcare practitioner.

Supercharged Food Love Your Gut Powder
When it comes to improving the health of your gut, there's nothing like the Supercharged Food Love Your Gut Powder $18.00! Containing Diatomaceous Earth, this powder cleanses the digestive system by gently removing toxins and impurities. Diatomaceous Earth works by attracting any nasties like bacteria and passing them through the body. The result of a cleaner digestive tract is that your digestive system is unburdened and more easily able to absorb and store water and nutrients!

The Beauty Chef GLOW Powder
While all of The Beauty Chef powders have gut health benefits, my pick is The Beauty Chef GLOW Powder $59.95. This powder is filled with probiotics and prebiotics that encourage the growth of good bacteria in the gut. It's great for anyone looking to improve their gut health and leave skin glowing!

Amazonia Raw Pre-Probiotic
Containing 13 different organic protein strands and billions of prebiotics, the Amazonia Raw Pre-Probiotic $49.95, is excellent for keeping your body running optimally! This powder works to address uncomfortable conditions such as indigestion and bloating, all while maintaining the health of your gut.

*Medical News Today, 2016