The health and proper functioning of our digestive tract, our gut, is the cornerstone of good health. Healthy digestion allows us to get maximum nutrients from food for function and repair. A damaged gut lining will compromise our digestion and our health. Poor absorption may create a loop whereby the nutrients needed to repair are in short supply. Poor gut bacteria (dysbiosis) and leaky gut (permeable gut membrane due to disease or disorder) can create unpleasant symptoms such as bloating, inflammation and inflammatory disorders, immune dysfunction, weight issues and mood problems. Research is constantly uncovering new ways the gut and microbiome influence our physical and mental health. Let’s look at some things that can disrupt the gut and ways we may be able to minimise them:
• Alcohol is a gut irritant, which is one of the reasons a hangover can include nausea and vomiting. If drinking, be moderate, never drink on an empty stomach, avoid straight spirits and have plenty of water.