Cooperative Living May 2024 - 7

HAPPY &HEALTHY
That Gut Feeling
Why intestinal health is so important
by Vanessa LaFaso Stolarski, Contributing Columnist
" I
feel it in my gut. "
" My gut is telling me
this is bad. " " My gut
instinct is to stay the course. "
Euphemisms like these have
been echoed for decades,
yet most of us overlook why
we refer to our stomachs
when talking about intense
emotions.
Th e gut, oſt en referred to as
the " second brain, " plays a pivotal
role in maintaining a delicate balance
between benefi cial and harmful bacteria,
impacting digestion, immune response,
mental health and disease prevention.
Understanding the importance
of gut health is crucial for optimizing
one's health and quality of life. Th e gut
microbiome is like a bustling city inside
your belly, fi lled with trillions of tiny
living creatures such as bacteria, viruses
and fungi. Th ese little residents help
you digest your food, absorb important
nutrients and keep you healthy. Th ey
work together to protect you from
harmful germs, make nutrients your
body needs, and even talk to your brain
to help you feel happy and well.
Taking care of these friendly gut
bugs is super important for keeping your
tummy happy and your body strong. Th e
gut-brain axis represents the intricate
communication network between the
gut and the brain. Th is bidirectional
relationship highlights how the gut
microbiome infl uences mood, cognition
and behavior. Research has shown that
the trillions of microbes in our gut
communicate with the brain through
various pathways, aff ecting emotions
and mental well-being.
GETTING ON THE RIGHT TRACT
Th e gastrointestinal tract serves
as the primary portal for processing
co-opliving.com
U
R
T
E
nutrients essential for bodily
functions. From digestion to nutrient
absorption and waste elimination,
the GI tract is vital for sustaining
life-supporting nutrition. A healthy
gut ensures nutrients are eff ectively
absorbed and assimilated while waste is
effi ciently eliminated. Signs of poor gut
health, such as heartburn, abdominal
discomfort, constipation or diarrhea,
indicate an imbalance that can lead to
various health issues such as chronic
infl ammation, autoimmune disorders,
mental health issues like depression and
anxiety, weight management challenges,
migraines, diabetes, insomnia and
fatigue. Adopting lifestyle habits that
support a diverse microbiome and
promote overall well-being can help
support a healthy gut.
PREBIOTICS VS. PROBIOTICS
Prebiotics are specialized plant fi bers
that " feed " benefi cial bacteria in the gut,
such as onions, dandelion greens, garlic,
chicory root, green bananas, Jerusalem
artichokes, whole oats and legumes.
Probiotics, on the other hand,
add more residents to the population
of your gut city. Th ese include kefi r,
yogurt, cultured buttermilk, tempeh and
P
H
O
T
O
fermented foods like miso, sauerkraut,
kimchi and kombucha.
C
OTHER IMPORTANT FACTORS
Engaging in stress-reducing activities
like meditation and yoga can positively
impact gut health.
Use antibiotics judiciously to
preserve a healthy balance of gut
bacteria. If an antibiotic regimen is
unavoidable, consider adding the foods
above when the prescription is complete.
Understanding the signifi cance of
maintaining a healthy gut microbiome
through lifestyle choices like diet
modifi cations and stress management
practices can help optimize health
outcomes and enhance quality of life.
*
Vanessa LaFaso Stolarski is a certifi ed
nutrition counselor, weightliſt ing coach, life
coach and stress-management specialist.
All health-related content and media provided by
Cooperative Living or its website(s) is created and
published for informational purposes only. It is not a
substitute for professional medical advice and should not
be relied on as health or personal advice. Always seek
the guidance of your doctor or other qualifi ed health
professional with any questions you may have regarding
your health or a medical condition.
May 2024 * Cooperative Living * 5
G
r
C
E
G
A
u
P
t
I
A
M
A
G
B
H
O
E
D
I
H
I
a
T
c
t
K
I
M
Y
N
O
C
e
r
i
W
I
R
T
E
S
O
a
S
Y
O
U
e
fi
O
L
L
E
K
M
M
R
Y
O
V
I
A
N
S
F
L
I
C
K
R
C
R
E
A
T
I
V
E
C
O
M
M
O
N
S
http://www.co-opliving.com
Cooperative Living May 2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Cooperative Living May 2024
