Review On Gut Health

The gut is short for the gastrointestinal tract that starts from the mouth and ends at the anus. The basic functions of the gut are to break down food to extract energy from it, absorb nutrients, and remove waste. The gastrointestinal tract is also a home for trillions of essential microorganisms that are collectively known as the gut microbiome. The gut microbiome is paramount to human survival as it aids the digestive system in extracting nutrients for absorption. In addition, the microbiome maintains the integrity of the intestinal walls and supports a healthy immune system. When the gut microbiome is imbalanced, digestive disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome can arise.

Collective research in the past 30 years has suggested that the effect of the gut health goes beyond the digestive wellbeing. Scientists have evidence that the microbiome also interacts with other parts of the body. The gut’s health condition has an impact on mental health and the risk of developing different diseases/disorders.