Print article Twenty five hundred years ago, the ancient Greek physician Hippocrates, stated that “All disease begins in the gut”. One might say he had an incredible intuition, that has recently been fully appreciated due to the scientific research that has been made. More and more studies support the idea that the gut plays a fundamental role in our overall health and well-being and that the impact of gut health on disease development is profound.
Intestinal Epithelium and Endotoxins
The main player in the maintenance of a healthy gut is the intestinal epithelium; a single thin layer of cells that lines the intestinal tract. It’s the major intestinal barrier to the free flow of materials into and out of the body. Not only must the epithelium be selective, permitting or assisting the movement of some materials while excluding others, it must also orchestrate extensive digestive, immune, and homeostatic mechanisms allowing function while maintaining barrier integrity.
According to numerous studies, undesirable bacterial products called endotoxins can sometimes leak through your gut lining and enter your bloodstream. Your immune system then recognizes these foreign molecules and attacks them — resulting in chronic inflammation.
Chronic Inflammation and Effects on Health
Chronic, systemic inflammation is now believed to be one of the leading drivers of some of the world’s most serious conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal cancer, and has also been linked to other conditions like cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes, and mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression. Additionally, both animal and human research indicate that an unhealthy diet may cause elevated endotoxin levels.
Takeaway
Rigorous studies and clinical trials have contributed to an ever-expanding body of evidence, establishing correlations between the regular consumption of certain functional foods or nutraceuticals and improvements in specific health parameters.
Nutraceutical is a term coined from “nutrition” and “pharmaceutical”, being defined as parts of a food or a whole food that have medical or health benefit. Examples include garlic, omega 3 (found in fish), soybeans, ginger, minerals, vitamins, dietary fibre, hydrolyzed proteins, fortified foods, enriched foods, and so much more.
The human gut is complex. So, to keep yourself and your gut healthy, it’s best to focus on an overall healthy lifestyle with plenty of exercise, good sleep, and a diet based on real foods, plenty of prebiotic fiber, and few processed junk foods.
If you’re interested in learning how to get your gut health back as well as your over all health, book a Health Consultation today. My Basic Gut Health Protocol, and one-on-one support will help you make life-long, lifestyle changes, at a pace that’s comfortable for you.
