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Gut Health Explained
By now you’ve probably heard us throw around the term ‘gut health’ and how TAKe can help improve it, but do you know what gut health is? Many assume that ‘gut health’ simply refers to a healthy digestive system- which plays a part in it – however, there is so much more to having and nurturing a healthy gut, and the benefits this has on your entire body!
What is your gut microbiome?
Essentially, bacteria, viruses, fungi and other microscopic living things are what make up the microbes within your intestines. There are in fact trillions of these inside each of us, and they play a large role in the health of your body. These microbes in your intestines are what make up your gut microbiome, and they work as another organ that is essential for your health.
What is gut health?
Your gut microbiome is actually the foundation for your overall health. Having a healthy gut contributes to a stronger immune system, improved skin, increased heart health, improved cognitive health, improved mood, healthy sleep, better digestion, and so much more!
These health improvements occur when there is a balance between the good and bad bacteria and yeast within your digestive system. Maintaining a healthy gut is all about balancing the good and bad bacteria in your body, and ensuring you are nourishing your gut’s microbiome. When there is an imbalance, that is when health concerns can appear.
What can affect gut health?
Many factors can contribute to an unhealthy gut, including:
Diet– Poor diet that is lacking in nutrient-dense foods can harm the beneficial bacteria in your gut, which in turn limits the growth of different types of bacteria within your gut, resulting in limited gut flora. This lack of diversity can limit your recovery from external, harmful influences, like an infection.
Stress- Stress has been proven to make the intestinal barrier weaker and allow gut bacteria to enter the body. It’s also been shown to reduce the gut flora diversity which also adds additional harmful bacteria to the gut.
Lack of prebiotics- Prebiotics help give bacteria a boost to fermentation which can be stimulating to probiotics. Prebiotics and probiotics work together to promote healthy digestive systems.
How to improve gut health?
The polysaccharides in Lion’s Mane have been shown to reduce inflammation, especially gut inflammation. It can protect against alcohol-induced stomach lining injury and ulcers, reduce intestinal bleeding as well as protecting against gastritis and colitis.
Beta-Glucans attract water and turn it into a thick gel slowing down food transit time in the intestines thus slowing down digestion, and keeping us fuller for longer. Slower digestion also means that our bodies don’t absorb sugar as quickly and can help to keep our blood sugar levels stable.
As it’s indigestible, Beta Glucans must travel through the entire digestive system, sweeping up cholesterol and excreting it, lowering cholesterol levels.
Beta-Glucans also assist in metabolism, providing a source of fibre for good gut bacteria to ferment in the colon. This fermentation process results in the production of Short Chain Fatty Acids (SCFA), which aid in the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats.
Beta-Glucans are present in all of our mushrooms so you will find these in all of our products.
