A beginner’s guide to gut health

If you’re new to gut health and looking for an introduction to the common gut health terms (and the ones I tend to use the most around here), then this is the article for you. It can be challenging to navigate the complex world of the gut and these terms can be confusing to say the least, so I’m here to simplify them for you!

1. Microbiome

   The gut ‘microbiome’ is the umbrella term used to describe the biological environment of the gut. It is made up of trillions of microbes that contribute to our overall health and immunity. At birth, our microbiome is determined by DNA, but diet and environmental factors can alter this through life. Everyone has their own unique microbiome.
   

2. Microbes

   
   From the moment we’re born, our gut is made up of ‘microbes’ that collectively create our microbiome. These include micro-organisms such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites. Microbes can be beneficial, neutral, or harmful to the gut. There are estimated to be up to 500 different kinds of microbes within the gut.
   

3. Gastrointestinal tract

   
   The gastrointestinal tract (GIT) is more commonly known as the gut, but what really is this? In short, it begins in the mouth when we eat, and ends in the colon when we poop. Our GIT digests food, absorbs nutrients, and helps eliminate waste from the body. Certain enzymes are required for digestion to happen properly.
   

4. Dysbiosis

   
   ‘Dysbiosis’ is the term used when there is an imbalance of microbes within the gut, contributing to symptoms of poor digestive health or disease. This could be an overpopulation of one type of bacteria, a change in functional composition of bacteria, or a shift in the bacterial location. What we eat plays a big role in dysbiosis.
   

5. Gut diversity

   
   Gut diversity refers to a broad range of microbes within the gut, contributing to better overall health. Diversity in the gut doesn’t just include beneficial bacteria, instead it includes different microbes that live harmoniously together and create a happier and more resilient gut, generally speaking. A more varied diet equals more diversity within the gut.