If you don’t have any digestive health issues, you probably pay little attention to your digestive health. After all, if everything seems to be moving along swimmingly, why be concerned?
In reality, everyone should think more about their gut health. Extensive evidence supports clear links between gut health and numerous other aspects of overall health. That’s why Terry L. Franklin, MD, spends time with each patient at his Monterey, California, practice exploring ways to boost and preserve gut health.
You’ve probably heard the term “microbiome,” but do you know what it really means? Your microbiome is the community of all the viruses, fungi, and bacteria that live within your gut, and your gut includes all of the connections between your mouth and your anus.
Like all healthy communities, your gut requires proper balance to thrive. When this balance gets out of alignment, serious health issues can result.
For example, you might have to complete a course of antibiotics as treatment for a serious infection. While antibiotics are a powerful tool in killing bacteria, they don’t differentiate between helpful and harmful bacteria.
After taking antibiotics, many people suffer digestive distress because a portion of their microbiome was damaged or eliminated.
Your microbiome has been quietly working behind the scenes ever since you were born and will play an integral role in your health until the day you die.
Let’s begin with the obvious: Your gut health shapes how easily you’re able to digest food. Imbalance can cause the following digestive health problems:
Most people respond to these issues by avoiding certain foods or taking in fewer meals. This can leave you without the fuel your body needs to thrive.
Your immune system is also directly linked to gut health. Researchers estimate that as much as 70% of your immune system is located within your gut.
An imbalance in the gut can cause systemic inflammation, which is your body’s immune system trying to protect you. But chronic inflammation leads to a host of other problems.
Researchers also find connections between gut health and heart health. A healthy gut helps promote healthy cholesterol, while unhealthy species within the gut can produce chemicals that worsen arterial blockages.
Gut imbalance can also lead to:
Once you recognize how essential your gut health is to a healthy body, you’re empowered to make positive changes.
If you’re concerned about your gut health, the best path forward is setting up a time to sit down with Dr. Franklin at his private practice. Dr. Franklin has extensive experience in diagnosing and treating gut health issues and can help you get back on track toward a healthier gut.
Even small changes can yield impressive improvements in gut health, and it’s never too late to begin a new path. Monterey, California, residents are encouraged to reach out over the phone to book an appointment.
