Happy gut, happy life! Our gut health tells us a lot about how our overall health is doing. They aren't called our second brain for nothing. Are you curious why our gut health is so important? How we measure gut health? And how to support the gut? Orthomolecular and colon therapist Marieke Kok explains it to you in this article.

Gut as a mirror of our health 

In the health of the body, the gut flora (also called gut microbiome) plays an important role. The gut flora works with the immune system, if it is healthy it stimulates the immune system. But a healthy gut flora also ensures proper digestion, that we absorb our nutrients properly.

The gut can become unbalanced where down there are too many bacteria in the gut that should not be here in large numbers. If these incorrect bacterial colonies become too large they can also cause complaints, this is due to the waste products that these bacteria produce. These complaints can manifest themselves in many ways, think of: headaches, bloating, skin complaints, fatigue, constipation and many other complaints. So it is very important that we strengthen our intestinal flora and get our nutrition right.

To measure is to know!

Because our gut health is so important, we also offer you the opportunity to have your gut examined. What is the true state of your intestinal health?

In the examination we can see not only whether there are many good or bad bacteria present, but also which strain of bacteria is predominant in you, for example. We can also see how your digestion is working and whether there is too much fat or protein in your stool, for example. In addition, the examination shows the health of your intestinal mucosa, whether there are inflammatory markers and which ones they are. Furthermore, your gut flora affects certain health risks, the test shows. This way we can see how your intestinal health is doing and give you specific nutrition and lifestyle advice .

Here's how to support your gut

How important our gut health is should be obvious by now. How you take care of your gut has a huge impact on your gut health. No idea where to start? I've listed some important tips for you:

• Avoid sugar, coffee and alcohol; these will not make your gut flora happy.
• Eat varied and according to the season; preferably get your fruits and vegetables from the local farmer.
• Essential fatty acids are important for the intestines, Omega 3 has anti-inflammatory effects.
• Create a healthy environment in the gut by eating good amounts of antioxidants; think anything with color and flavor such as berries and seeds.
• Ensure adequate intake of fat-soluble vitamins, which are vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E and vitamin K.
• Sufficient fluids keep your stools supple; drink plenty of water, herbal teas and soup
• Get plenty of fiber, super important for your gut health. In doing so, alternate between soluble and insoluble fiber. Insoluble fibers are fibers you have to chew (think brocolli, carrots, nuts etc.) Soluble fibers are mainly pumpkin, sweet potato, parsnips etc. Build up taking in more fiber slowly, this is something your gut needs to get used to.
• Consider a pre/probiotic supplement consisting of 8 different live organisms.