In our effort to continually provide our clients with useful information on healthy living, Austin Body Contouring, Austin’s leading non-invasive body contouring practice will be engaging with various individuals in our community to share interesting and informative articles to you.
The first in this series will discuss “Getting the “Skinny” on Gut Health,” by Stefanie Moore, MS Nutrition & Health Education. We will present several different blog posts with helpful information from Stefanie on the importance of understanding the “Gut Connection” to an individuals overall health.
“All disease starts in the gut.” ~ Hippocrates
Did you know that the surface area of the human gut is approximately 300 square meters, or about the size of a tennis court? The gut, also known as your gastrointestinal tract, are the organs that make up the entire digestive system. The digestive system includes the mouth, esophagus, stomach, both small and large intestines, and anus. This is a very complex system sometimes considered to be the human body’s second brain. This system determines how you take food in, break it down, and how it exits. This is a critical component of your overall health function!
Bacteria plays a very important role in how this system operates. Some studies estimate that every human has approximately one to two pounds of bacteria living in their guts at all times. The vast majority of our bodily function is controlled or influenced by the bacteria that makes up our microbiome, the important communities of bacteria that call our bodies home.
Why is gut health so important?
Optimal gut health has become a prominent focus in health over the past decade. Roughly 70% of the immune system resides in the gastrointestinal tract. In order to have a strong immune system, one must have a healthy gut. A gut flora imbalance represents the condition where the equilibrium between good and bad bacteria in our gut gets out of whack. Having an unhealthy gut has been linked to numerous problems, including cancer, obesity, diabetes, allergies, depression, heart disease, fibromyalgia, eczema, and autoimmunity.
Signs your gut isn’t functioning properly:
- Digestive issues such as bloating or gas
- Heartburn or acid reflux
- Irregular bowel movements
- Consistent constipation or diarrhea
- Autoimmune disease
- Skin issues (acne, eczema, psoriasis)
- Moodiness, anxiety and depression
- Bad breath
- Craving sugar constantly
- Diabetes
- Trouble maintaining a healthy weight
- Vitamin & mineral deficiencies
- Chronic stress
For an interesting read about the gut and brain connection, I recommend checking out “Brain Maker: The Power of Gut Microbes to Heal and Protect Your Brain for Life” by Peter Perlmutter.
Be sure and look out for our next post! You will learn all about the foods that will help treat your gut, and foods that will irritate your gut.
Stefanie Moore, MS Nutrition & Health Education
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Stefanie has her Masters of Science in Nutrition and Health Education. She is dedicated to the field of nutrition and educating people on the power of good health. Stefanie specializes in weight management and food sensitivities. For more information on her services, you can reach her at smoorenutrition@gmail.com
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Austin Body Contouring has been providing Austin Texas area clients with FDA Approved, 100% Non-Invasive Body Contouring successfully for more than eight years. We offer a painless way to eliminate stubborn body fat and achieve your body contouring goals. Our lipo-laser weight loss is proven to remove stubborn body fat and excess inches. To schedule a complimentary consultation, call 512.660.2810 or email us at info@davide209.sg-host.com