Is "Gut Health" Really That Important?

I have been hearing a lot of buzz around the phrase “gut health” for a while. Being in the health and fitness world, I have known of its importance, but in all honesty, have just ignored it. I just thought, “well since I eat healthy enough, I should be ok.” It wasn’t until I started on my search for a supplement company that I can 100% get behind and suggest to you [bootcampers] and others, that I really started to research the importance of this “gut health” trend.

Now, I am no doctor or nurse, but I can tell you what I know from personal experience and research.

In a newsletter from the site, ​Healthline​, it states “The human gut is more complex than previously thought and has a huge impact on whole-body health. A healthy gut contributes to a strong immune system, heart health, brain health, improved mood, healthy ​sleep​, and effective digestion, and it may help prevent some cancers and autoimmune diseases.”

I didn’t have to do much research to really like the above statement. Why wouldn’t I be ok with a better immune system, healthier heart, brain, improved mood, sleep and digestion?

Here are 4 benefits of having a healthy gut that I have found.

1. Strengthens your immune system.

Gut bacteria prevents pathogens in the gastrointestinal tract from getting into the body, reduce inflammation, and produce antibacterial substances that fight bacteria that cause infections.

2. Makes it Easier to Lose Weight

Sister, if you think that eating less and exercising are all it takes to lose weight, think again. When you have a bad gut health problem, it can cause overeating and obesity, according to research.

3. Improves Cholesterol Levels

According to this study, gut bacteria has an effect on triglyceride and HDL cholesterol levels. The results of this study show that the gut microbiome can improve triglycerides, HDL, and BMI by up to 6 percent.

4. Improves Brain Health

The gut is like your second brain and if it is strong, the rest of your body has a chance to get strong too! ​Research shows that there is a very strong link between the gut and the brain. Gut bacteria help produce serotonin, the feel-good hormone. Low levels of serotonin increase risk of depression. Improving gut health can also help prevent mood disorders.

My question to you is, how is YOUR gut? Are you taking the proper measures, either a natural way or with supplements, to ensure that yours is in the best shape possible? For me personally, I have went the supplement route and for the past month have noticed some great changes. More energy, less bloat, more consistency in how my body functions. I know that I am cleansing my gut and putting the good stuff back in. I’d love to share more if you have questions! This has been the best thing I have done for my body besides my daily relationship with the Lord and exercise!