A healthy gut contributes to health in many ways by supporting and influencing central functions in the body. That is what science says. But how does the gut do this in detail? That is why we have for you the 9 most important roles that a healthy gut and an intact gut microbiome play listed compactly – with the corresponding scientific sources.
1. Food intolerances
A healthy gut supports the production of digestive enzymes and promotes a strong intestinal mucosa. This helps to better manage food intolerances. 1)
2. Allergies
By modulating the immune system, a healthy gut microbiome can reduce allergic reactions by promoting the formation of regulatory T cells and the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines. 2)
3. Pathogenic germs and fungal infections
A balanced microbiome protects against pathogenic germs and fungal infections through competition for nutrients and binding sites as well as the production of antimicrobial peptides. 3)
4. Strengthening the immune system
The majority of immune cells are located in the intestine, making it an essential part of the immune system. 4)
5. Improve digestion and nutrient absorption
The gut microbiota is crucial for the effective digestion and absorption of nutrients. 5)
6. Reducing inflammation
A balanced microbiome can modulate inflammatory processes in the body. 6)
7. Mental health
The gut-brain axis shows how a healthy gut can influence mental health, particularly through the production of neurotransmitters. 7)
8. Regulation of body weight
The gut microbiota plays a role in regulating body weight by influencing energy balance. 8)
9. Skin health
A healthy gut can positively impact skin health by reducing systemic inflammation and possibly improving skin hydration. 9)
Conclusion
This in-depth review highlights the many health benefits of a healthy gut and underscores the importance of a balanced diet and lifestyle to promote gut health.
Sources:
1) Tuck et al., [Nutrients] https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/11/7/1684
2) 3) Cammarota and Ianiro, [Nutrients] https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/16/1/92
4) Vighi et al. and Belkaid et al., [Frontiers in Immunology] https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2017.01830/full
5) Conlon and Bird, [BMJ] https://www.bmj.com/content/361/bmj.k2179
6) Tilg and Moschen, [Cell] https://www.cell.com/cell/fulltext/S0092-8674(15)00224-7
7) Foster and McVey Neufeld, [Nature Reviews Neuroscience] https://www.nature.com/articles/nrn3346
8th) Turnbaugh et al., [Science] https://science.sciencemag.org/content/341/6150/1241214
9) O’Neill et al., [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology] https://www.dovepress.com/clinical-cosmetic-and-investigational-dermatology-journal .
