5 Ways Your Gut Health Could be Impacting Your Life (even if you don’t have digestive symptoms!)
Your gut has its own nervous system. The majority of your “happiness” neurotransmitter, serotonin, is produced in the gut by commensal (friendly) bacteria. Anxiety, depression and even some cases of OCD and schizophrenia are being linked to the health of the bacteria in your gut.
Inflammation, leaky gut and leaky brain… oh my. Both your gut and your brain share a similar barrier-like structure that keeps the bad stuff out (think metals, chemicals, viruses) and allows the good things (vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fats) in. Leaky gut is also known as “intestinal permeability” and is a primary cause for disruption of the blood brain barrier leading to inflammation in the brain. Yikes.
Immune system health is highly dependent on gut function. Your GI tract is home to a host of immune tissue collectively known as the GALT (gastrointestinal associated lymphoid tissue). If you were to put all this tissue together, it would be about the same size as your spleen! The GALT plays a major role in immune system activation, which is why we see gut health implicated in everything from allergies to autoimmunity.
Poor gut health shuts down testosterone production. Eating unhealthy foods, not addressing GI issues, and imbalances of the microbiome all contribute to chronic inflammation, which is a major stressor in the body. These high levels of inflammation have a negative impact on the Leydig cells that make testosterone. Added to that, high levels of inflammation increase the action of an enzyme called aromatase, which turns testosterone into estrogen.
Trouble losing weight? Better check your gut. Research is finding new connections between the microbiome and metabolic health all the time. We know that obesity can be induced in lean rats when we give them a microbiome transplant from an obese rat. Simply put, the bacteria living in your gut play a major role in your metabolism.
If you are ready to get to the root cause of your gut health concerns, reach out to the EmpowerMed team of naturopathic doctors today. We take a collaborative approach to natural medicine, partnering with patients to help them achieve their unique health and wellness goals.
Contact us today at 760-456-7501 or use our booking link to schedule.
EmpowerMed Clinic is located just off the I-15 and Carroll Canyon within the Fitness Quest 10 Wellness Center of Scripps Ranch, San Diego County, CA. We serve the communities of North County San Diego, Poway, Rancho Bernardo, 4S Ranch, Mira Mesa, Ramona, Scripps Ranch, Santee, and more.