Your gut health is important. Beyond its role in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), bloating, and celiac disease, the gut microbiome is linked to a spectrum of chronic diseases, mental health issues, and metabolic disorders, including obesity and diabetes.
Dr. Akash Goel, Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine in the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at Weill Cornell Medical Center, discusses the profound impact of your gut on all areas of your health – and how you can optimize it.
Gut health is connected to many chronic diseases.
Disruptions to the gut barrier, or lining of the gastrointestinal tract, has been linked to chronic allergic, inflammatory, autoimmune, and metabolic diseases. This includes, but is not limited to: celiac disease, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, obesity, and diabetes. Diet, lifestyle, and environmental factors and exposures all influence the integrity of the gut barrier and, therefore, our risk of disease.
The gut is our “second brain”.
There are roughly 100 million neurons in the gut, which is why it is often referred to as the second brain. This intricate neural network forms the basis of the gut-brain axis, facilitating bi-directional communication between the central nervous system and the gut microbiome. This communication system explains how our gut health impacts mental health and vice versa.
Neurodegenerative and mental health disorders are linked to gut health.
The gut microbiome, or ecosystem of gut microbes, is a metabolically active "organ". Changes and disruptions in the gut have been linked to mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety, as well as neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease.
Food is medicine!
Optimizing macro and micronutrients, plant phytochemicals, and fibers can promote a healthy gut microbiome and support optimal brain health. Prioritizing plant-based diets while minimizing processed foods only strengthens your gut and enhances overall wellbeing.