In a Rut? Check Your Gut!
The gut is your gastrointestinal tract (GI), which is the part of the body that digests food and absorbs nutrients. The gut includes the stomach, intestines, and colon. The gut harbors a complex community of over 100 trillion microbial cells which influence human physiology, metabolism, nutrition and immune function. The main functions of the GI system include ingestion and digestion of food, nutrient absorption, secretion of water and enzymes, and excretion of waste products. The gut also acts as a barrier, preventing undigested foods, protein, fats, and toxins from being absorbed. The trillion microbial cells in your gut are what make up the microbiome. Your microbiome provides the key service of breaking down indigestible food, toxins, and medication; as well as making vitamins and supplying the gut with energy. The gut plays an important role in overall health. Dr. David Perlmutter says that up to 90 percent of all known human illness can be traced back to an unhealthy gut. What sh...