A diverse and balanced gut microbiome is considered a hallmark of good gut health. A healthy gut microbiome is characterized by a wide array of microbial species, with beneficial bacteria > harmful ones.
And guess what?… This optimal balance has been linked to healthy aging!
First of all, a healthy gut microbiome can help regulate inflammation, which is a critical factor in the aging process. Dysbiosis and chronic inflammation in the gut can contribute to age-related diseases and a decline in immune function.
The gut microbiome also plays a role in regulating metabolism, including the processing of nutrients and energy balance. An imbalanced microbiome may contribute to metabolic disorders such as:
All of which can affect your lifespan.
Then we have the production of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) from beneficial gut bacteria through the fermentation of dietary fibers. SCFAs have been associated with various health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and metabolic effects. They may contribute to longevity by promoting overall health.
Lastly, your gut bacteria interacts with your entire body through a complex web of signaling molecules and metabolites. These interactions can influence cellular processes related to aging and longevity.
Promote a healthy gut along with longevity using the tips below:
Want to learn more about improving your longevity? Schedule a strategy call with Christa HERE to learn more.
Mitochondria, often referred to as the “powerhouses” play the central role in energy production, energy metabolism, and influence the immune response.
Mitochondria generate ATP, the primary energy currency of the cell. Immune cells, like T cells and macrophages, require lots of energy to carry out their functions.
Mitochondrial ATP production is critical for these energy-demanding processes! But that’s not the only way mitochondria influence the immune response:
Mitochondria are involved in regulating intracellular calcium levels, a key signaling molecule in immune responses. Calcium signaling is essential for various immune cell functions. Mitochondria take up and release calcium, influencing immune cell activities.
Inflammasomes are multiprotein complexes that regulate the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Stress activates these inflammasomes linking mitochondrial function to the regulation of inflammation.
Mitochondria are central players in the intrinsic apoptotic pathway, regulating programmed cell death. This process is critical for eliminating damaged or infected cells and maintaining immune homeostasis.
Support your mitochondria, and therefore immune function, with the tips below:
Want personalized support in navigating your health journey? Schedule a Strategy Call with Christa HERE to find out how I can help!
Well, it’s simple really – I’m all about getting to the root cause of health issues, and the gut is where it all begins!
With the Gut as the “Second Brain”, the enteric nervous system communicates with the central nervous system, influencing mood, behavior, and even cognitive function. Studies show an unhealthy gut can lead to anxiety and depression, which are increasingly linked to gut dysbiosis.
A significant portion of the immune system is located in the gut, where it interacts with the trillions of microorganisms in the gut microbiota. A balanced gut microbiota is crucial for a properly functioning immune system.
Nutrients from the food we eat are absorbed through the gut lining. An unhealthy gut with inflammation or damage can impair nutrient absorption, leading to nutrient deficiencies that affect overall health and vitality.
Chronic inflammation is at the root of many chronic diseases, including autoimmune disorders, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular diseases. Dysbiosis and increased intestinal permeability (“leaky gut”) can contribute to systemic inflammation.
There is a bidirectional communication system between the gut and the brain known as the gut-brain axis. Imbalances in the gut can lead to neurological and psychological symptoms, while stress and emotional factors can impact gut health.
Your gut microbiota is as unique as you are! Addressing your individual gut health is key to crafting a personalized treatment plan.
Want to learn more about your gut health? Book a Strategy Call HERE and let’s discuss.
Our gut, often referred to as our “second brain, has crazy influence over our hormonal balance. Here are just some of the ways your gut impacts your hormones…
For women, an overgrowth of “bad bacteria” can lead to elevated testosterone levels. Enter excessive body or facial hair, acne along the jawline, hair thinning, and menstrual irregularities.
The gut holds the role of a thyroid hormone conversion center, transforming T4 into its active form, T3, with the assistance of minerals like zinc and selenium. If your gut’s microbiome becomes imbalanced, this process may become dysregulated. 🫣
When gut health is imbalanced, excess estrogen can linger in your body. Poor digestion and constipation compounds the issue, causing estrogen to recirculate instead of eliminate. This sets the stage for estrogen dominance symptoms.
A staggering 95% of serotonin, the mood-regulating neurotransmitter, originates in the gut. Serotonin is known as the happy hormone, but with poor gut health, serotonin production declines potentially triggering anxiety and depression.
Gut issues can also lead to insulin resistance- where your cells are less responsive to insulin’s signals. This means glucose can’t be moved from the bloodstream for energy, pushing the pancreas to produce more insulin. This can ultimately lead to elevated blood sugar levels.
The bottom line: your gut and hormone health are interconnected! Every factor that affects your gut, for better or worse, will ultimately affect your hormonal balance in the same way.
Want to find out about how your hormones are driving your body? Book a strategy call with Christa HERE.
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