Naturopathic doctors in Toronto have long understood that the bacteria living in our gut, the microbiome, is influenced by many factors, including our diet, the environment, medications, and stress.
The list below shows the interactions poor gut health on a number of issues:
Autoimmune Conditions
Allergies and autoimmune diseases such as Hashimoto’s or rheumatoid arthritis result when the immune system becomes off-balance and reacts inappropriately to a stimulus. Since about 80% of the immune system resides in the gut, good digestive health is a primary concern with these ailments. New studies are showing that an increase in beneficial bacteria helps reduce the incidence of allergies.
Mental Health
Anxiety and depression can be influenced by the types of bacteria living in the gut. One of the important functions of gut bacteria is to produce neurotransmitters such as serotonin. If these bacteria are out of balance, it may affect your emotional status.
Skin
Just like elsewhere in the body, the skin has a thriving microbiome. When these bacteria become out of sync, skin conditions such as dermatitis, psoriasis, acne and others can occur. The research is ongoing, but it is believed that the skin’s microbiome functions similarly to that of the gut. Dermatological hygiene that is supportive of good bacteria includes reducing harsh soaps and avoiding overly hot water.
Weight
When the gut microbiome is out of balance, it can affect the absorption of nutrients. So the nutritious food we consume may not provide our bodies with everything it needs despite a healthy diet. This can result in an increased appetite, and weight gain as the body tries to nourish itself.
Cancer
In the ongoing battle against cancer, imbalances in the gut microbiome are being looked into as a possible contributor to oral and colorectal diseases. The gut’s role in supporting a strong immune system impacts chronic disease as well.
If you have concerns about your gut health, give us a call. Our naturopathic doctor in Toronto can help with the proper lab testing as well as a holistic approach to your diet based on whole foods, fruit, vegetables, protein, and fibre. Together you will develop a plan of action to improve your gut health and support a healthy microbiome.