What is gut health and why does it matter?

A UK gut health report found that a whopping 58% of people have experienced gut health problems.¹ Further data found 1 in 5 UK adults suffers with Irritable Bowel Syndrome.² These statistics highlight the prevalence of gut health issues and why we are all on a mission to achieve good gut health!

If you are experiencing ongoing symptoms or you simply want to optimise your health, this article provides some simple and straightforward strategies for improving your gut microbiome.

Firstly, what is gut health?

Here at Chuckling Goat, we are fascinated by all things gut-related! As gut health experts, we want to spread the word about why gut health is so crucial to your overall wellbeing.

Gut health is a commonly used term, but what does it actually mean? The gastrointestinal tract is made up of various organs, including the mouth, oesophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine. With additional support from a number of other organs, including the gallbladder.

Simply put, these organs work together to digest foods and liquids, absorb nutrients, and create waste.³ These digestive processes are essential to your body.

Gut health issues

I’m certain most of us have experienced gut issues at some point in our lives, whether you’ve been struck down by a stomach bug, eaten something questionable, or struggled with chronic gut issues. Gut-related symptoms can be extremely debilitating; they may include:

Gas
Bloating
Discomfort
Constipation
Diarrhoea
Nausea

These symptoms may appear acutely or chronically. Certain digestive conditions can cause these symptoms, including:

Acid reflux/GERD/Indigestion
IBS
Diverticular disease
Gastritis
IBD

The key points around how gut health affects your body.

What is the gut microbiome?

The gut microbiome refers to the complex community of microorganisms living in your gut, mainly within the large intestine. These beneficial microbes are crucial to your digestive and overall health.

Did you know your gut microbiome is linked to many organs within your body, including your brain, heart, skin, and liver? You name it, the gut microbiome can be involved! Remember – If you look after your gut microbes, they will look after you!

Can your gut microbes become imbalanced?

The answer is yes, absolutely! An imbalance within your microbiome is possible. This is referred to as gut dysbiosis. Various factors can negatively affect your gut microbes, including genetics, diet, stress, activity levels, certain medications, and infections.⁴⁵⁶

Gut dysbiosis is linked to a wide range of symptoms and conditions. Therefore, keeping your gut bacteria happy and balanced is key!

How to improve your gut microbiome health

You may be wondering how you can look after these all-important microbes. Well, here are two simple ways to support your gut bacteria:

Fermented foods – these foods are naturally rich in a diverse range of good bacteria called probiotics. Probiotics are beneficial, live bacteria. Fermented foods include kefir, live yoghurt, kimchi, sauerkraut, miso and tempeh. Consuming these foods regularly can help to rebuild and replenish the gut microbiome.
Fibre – prebiotics come from fibre-rich foods. Prebiotics are the food for the good bacteria to feed on, helping them thrive and supporting their growth. The recommended amount of fibre is 30 g per day. To reach 30 g or more we recommend our Complete Prebiotic, which contains 18 different types of fibres. Plus, a diverse diet rich in plant foods such as fruits, vegetables, mushrooms, nuts, seeds, beans, lentils, and whole grains.

The Chuckling Goat gut health protocol

Our Co-director, Shann, cleverly created a straightforward gut health protocol specifically designed to improve the composition of the gut microbiome. The protocol focuses on three key products – Chuckling Goat Kefir, Complete Prebiotic, and Pure Fish Collagen. These products work in synergy to replenish and rebuild the gut microbiome and support the health of your gut lining. These three wonder products can be added to a daily gut health smoothie. It’s all about simple but effective approaches here at Chuckling Goat!

If you want to learn more about the health of your microbiome, look no further than our Microbiome Test. The test examines seven key areas of gut health, including bacterial diversity, probiotics, prebiotics, postbiotics, pathogens, mental wellness, and systemic wellness. This allows you to gain a vital insight into your own gut microbes! Check out the Gut Health Starter Pack!

For further gut health support, check out these three articles –

Any questions? Contact one of our Nutritional Therapists via Live Chat weekdays 8am to 8pm.