Gut health and hormones.
Did you know that your gut bacteria has the potential to cause sleep problems, anxiety, low energy, and fluctuating moods?
You probably haven't given much thought to your gut health, but it turns out that your monthly personal hormonal rollercoaster may be hugely influenced by the bacteria in your gut.
In your gut (and body) there are trillions of bacteria and scientists are now starting to understand the significance of these bacteria for optimal health and well-being.
The bacteria are critical for assisting with digestion and the absorption of nutrients.
A gut thriving in beneficial bacteria, a healthy intestinal lining, and well-functioning digestive enzymes provide the perfect environment for the absorption and synthesis of vital nutrients for the body.
You probably haven't given much thought to your gut health, but it turns out that your monthly personal hormonal rollercoaster may be hugely influenced by the bacteria in your gut.
The bacteria are critical for assisting with digestion and the absorption of nutrients. A gut thriving in beneficial bacteria, a healthy intestinal lining, and well-functioning digestive enzymes provide the perfect environment for the absorption and synthesis of vital nutrients for the body.
Your microbiome (gut health) has the capacity to influence your hormones:
Oestrogen: gets 'packaged' up in your gut ready for excretion
Metabolism: via thyroid hormones, think weight management
Happy hormones: via the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine
Sleep hormone: melatonin
Common menopausal symptoms such as anxiety, fluctuating mood, sleep issues, and energy levels may be influenced when you focus on supporting the beneficial bacteria in your gut.
Research suggests that the bacteria in your gut:
Supports hormone balance
Supports your immune system,
Boosts your mood,
Impacts digestion,
Helps digest food whilst synthesising vitamins
Controls your appetite and weight
The list of benefits for improving your gut health (also known as your gut microbiome) now goes far beyond digestion.
It is suggested that humans have about 300 to 500 different species of bacteria in their digestive tract, and whilst some may be harmful to our health, many are extremely beneficial and could even be considered necessary for optimal health.
Your digestive system is also involved in regulating hormones and excreting toxins (alongside your liver), so keeping a healthy balance of beneficial bacteria in your gut is crucial for hormone balance.
Gut health is a growing science so naturally, this topic is covered in my 1:1 nutrition consultations.
As @drmiguelmateas once said in a lecture when I was studying for my nutrition qualification at @ion_nutrition 'Your gut isn't like Vegas! What happens in the gut, doesn't stay in the gut!
Finally, your vagina also has its very own microbiome too, which is greatly influenced by age, diet, medications, and lifestyle. You can read my blog on vaginal health if recurrent vaginal infections are a problem for you, or just wish to learn how to support your intimate health area.
