What's Gut Health? More Importantly, why is gut health important?

Let's dive into gut health because it has been playing on my mind for some time.

Prior to getting down to the nitty-gritty, what is the gut? The gut, also known as the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, plays a vital role in overall health and wellness.

What is the gut responsible for? The gut is responsible for digesting food, absorbing nutrients, and expelling waste. It is also home to a diverse community of microorganisms, collectively known as the gut microbiome, which plays a critical role in maintaining the health of the gut and the entire body.

When the gut is healthy, it can effectively absorb nutrients, fight off harmful pathogens, and support the immune system. However, when the gut is out of balance, it can lead to a variety of health issues such as inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and autoimmune disorders.

Additionally, research has also linked gut health to mental health and cognitive function, indicating that there is a strong connection between the gut and the brain, also called the gut-brain axis.

Maintaining a healthy gut can be achieved by eating a diet high in fiber and diverse in fruits and vegetables, avoiding processed foods and added sugars, and taking probiotics.

What led me down the rabbit hole of gut health?

Simply, my diagnosis of Hashimoto's. Although it seems daunting, I have learned so much. There is a growing body of research suggesting a connection between gut health and hypothyroidism, which is an underactive thyroid gland, and Hashimoto's thyroiditis, which is an autoimmune disorder that affects the thyroid gland.

The gut and the thyroid gland have a complex relationship, and studies have shown that gut imbalances, such as small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) and leaky gut, can contribute to the development of hypothyroidism and Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

SIBO is a condition in which there is an overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine, which can lead to malabsorption of nutrients and can cause inflammation in the gut. Leaky gut, also known as increased intestinal permeability, is a condition in which the gut lining becomes more permeable, allowing undigested food particles, toxins, and bacteria to leak into the bloodstream, leading to inflammation throughout the body.

Both of these gut imbalances can contribute to the development of autoimmune disorders, including Hashimoto's thyroiditis, by promoting chronic inflammation and disrupting the immune system.

Additionally, research has also shown that people with Hashimoto's thyroiditis are more likely to have gut imbalances, such as SIBO and leaky gut.

Treatment for gut imbalances like SIBO and Leaky gut often involves diet changes, such as the paleo lifestyle, and the use of probiotics and enzymes to repopulate beneficial gut bacteria and reduce inflammation.

Arbonne's gut health products are designed to support the health of the gut microbiome, which is the collection of microorganisms that live in the gut. These products include probiotics, prebiotics, and enzymes, which are all important for maintaining a healthy balance of gut bacteria.

Probiotics are live microorganisms that are similar to the beneficial bacteria found in the gut. They help to repopulate the gut with beneficial bacteria, which can help improve digestion, boost immunity, and reduce inflammation.

Prebiotics are non-digestible carbohydrates that act as food for the beneficial bacteria in the gut. They help to promote the growth of beneficial bacteria and improve the balance of the gut microbiome.

Enzymes are proteins that help to break down food, making it easier for the body to absorb nutrients. Arbonne's gut health products include enzymes that can help improve digestion and nutrient absorption.

In addition to promoting gut health, Arbonne's products are also free from artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners, and preservatives, and are non-GMO, gluten-free, and vegan, making them a great option for people with dietary restrictions.

Arbonne's gut health has been instrumental in the change of my Hashimoto's health. It has helped improve my Hashimoto numbers pushing me towards remission.

In health!

📧Contact me: erinelizabethhealth@gmail.com

💫Interested in Arbonne products - Become either an Arbonne client or try the products here: Arbonne - use discount code Arbonne10 at check out if you would prefer not to become a client.

🏥Paloma Health - Get your TSH, Free T4, Free T3, TPO tested. You can also add Reverse T3 and Vitamin D3 to the at-home test kit. Full Thyroid Panel

🚨Now, for legal housekeeping, these ideas are my own on my journey to optimized health. By sharing this with you, I am hoping to assist you on your journey to optimized health. These are not statements or claims made by any of these companies, but solely what has worked for me. As always, I encourage you to consult your physician before trying any of these items. Please also note that I do make a small profit off of being an Arbonne Consultant as well as a discount on Paloma thyroid test kits every time someone purchases a test kit for themselves.