Gut Health
Why do we need to take care of our gut health?
Gut health expert, Erika Ebbel Angle, describes the gut microbiome as “the most important organ in the body.”
Our gastrointestinal tract not only brings in and processes food and nutrients but it also:
- Contains a large percentage of our serotonin, the hormone that stabilises our feelings of well-being and happiness.
- Gives us a physical and chemical barrier against pathogens.
- Detoxifies potentially harmful substances.
- Contains a ‘second brain’ known as the Enteric Nervous System.
- Secretes hormones that have all kinds of functions in the body.
- Helps regulate our immune system.
(Source: Precision Nutrition, 2020)
Given the gut performs so many functions, its then not surprising that the health and diversity of our gut microbiome, (the friendly bacteria that live in our gut), can impact an astounding number of areas of our health and well-being.
In her brilliant 11 minute Tedx talk, Erika Ebbel Angle, Ph.D, explains in simple terms:
- What it means to have a healthy gut microbiome
- How what we eat affects our hormones
- What damages our gut health and the massive impact this can have on our well-being
- What we need to eat and do to look after our gut