Getting to the Real Gut of the Matter!

“Research is showing that the gut-brain connection is more influential than what we once thought.”

The good and the bad (gut bacteria)

The human gut (or gastrointestinal [GI] tract) is typically referred to as our stomach and intestines. The gut is where most of the food that we consume is broken down, and where nutrients are absorbed into the body. This is why it is crucial for us to take care of our gut, as it can impact our long-term health.

The gut acts as one of the many barriers protecting us from pathogens, such as certain diseases, viruses and bad bacteria. Limiting this bad bacterium can influence the amount of good bacteria, that not only eliminates unwanted (bad) bacteria, but also helps us digest food and absorb vitamins and minerals.

Our bodies are full of bacteria, both good and bad. Good gut bacteria have a profound impact on boosting the immune system and reducing the risk of many types of diseases.

Getting more of the good

We want to promote the growth of these healthy bacteria in the gut by choosing foods that are naturally high in good bacteria or probiotics. Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are good for you, and especially for your digestive system. Probiotics are often called “good” or “helpful” bacteria because they help keep your gut healthy. By keeping our gut healthy, we are also feeding our mind positively.  There are some studies that link a positive balance of good bacteria cultures in our gut with our mental health (Skonoieczna-Zydecka K. et al, 2018). Research is showing that the gut-brain connection is more influential than what we once thought.

These healthy gut bacteria cultures, as mentioned above, also have a positive impact on our immune health—which can be linked to better mental health as well.

Common gastrointestinal issues

As a sports dietitian, one of the most common gastrointestinal issues I see with my clients is IBS. This occurs not just in athletes, but also the general public. Canadians actually have one of the highest prevalences of IBS in the world (Canadian Digestive health foundation, 2020).  IBS is not well understood at the moment, but is thought to be signaled from the gut to brain (otherwise known as the gut/brain axis). This can be caused from digesting certain foods or stress and anxiety (BC Health link. 2020). The symptoms of IBS can also be triggered by certain types of sugars  known as fermentable oligosaccharide, disaccharide, monosaccharide and polyols (FODMAP), which are simply medium chained sugars which take longer to break down in the gut, thus causing fermentation and bloating/gas. The symptoms are generally managed by following a low FODMAP food diet. However, if you plan on doing this diet it should be monitored and followed by your dietitian to help guide you through the process.

Other gut-related diseases that are common are diverticulitis (painful inflamed pockets in colon) and colon cancer. This is normally due to a lack of fibre and or activity in your overall diet and lifestyle which leads to bowel irregularity.