Gut health considers the proper functioning of the digestive tract, so we can digest and absorb the nutrients from our food efficiently, as well as ensure waste is expelled without distress. It also considers a healthy microbiome, immune response, neurotransmitter activity, liver health and even our moods and emotions. Good gut health is important because of the digestive system is closely connected with the central nervous system and our immunity. When this delicate system is out of balance for an extended period of time, symptoms tend to follow.

The relationship between our gut and our overall health is more complicated than just experiencing gastrointestinal distress. Many symptoms such as eczema and allergies have been observed to have their origins in poor gut health because of the relationship between leaky gut syndrome and our immune system so if your symptom presents on the skin, respiratory system or even neurologically, it may be worth exploring if the gut is inflamed.

Many symptoms of leaky gut syndrome are common, but that doesn't make them normal. If you're observing or experiencing symptoms such as bloating, gas, constipation, eczema, hives, depression, fatigue, anger, headaches or mood swings, you may find embarking on an active gut healing program may be helpful for you. Infants naturally have 'leaky gut' because their digestive systems are immature.

We already know certain foods tend to cause problems - processed meals and snacks, refined sugar, additives, preservatives and pasteurised dairy etc- however there are many other foods that are difficult for us to digest that you may be surprised by. The 'top 8' allergens are dairy, soy, wheat, egg, seafood, fish, tree nuts and peanuts however in my experience other foods are common triggers so pay close attention to foods such as corn, cocoa, coconut, coffee, chocolate, oats, bananas, strawberries and kiwifruit. I also find many people struggle to breakdown raw vegetables and wholegrains.

The process of active gut healing isn't just to remove triggers although this is a good start - we also need to think about what to add back in to support the body to repair and heal. This is a dedicated approach that recognises that food can play a key role but not the only role. Many factors affect our gut health including our liver, stress, antibiotics, environmental toxins and more. Our systems are overloaded and a more holistic approach is often necessary to facilitate excellent results, take control of your gut and immune health and address the root causes.

Many people dealing with eczema are led to believe if they just find the right cream, the skin will automaticaly become healed but this isn't the case as often as you'd think and it's because eczema isn't just a skin condition - it's often rooted in our digestive health. When our guts are compromised, often so are our livers and immune systems. When our microbiome is balanced, the walls of our gut is strong. If we have immature or inflamed gut lining, it is considered 'leaky' with undigested food proteins and other pathogens being able to enter the bloodstream, triggering an inflammatory response which triggers a chemical response that congests our organs and ultimately expresses through our skin. There is still more to learn about the treatment of eczema because immunity is complex, but active gut healing offers the opportunity to improve the symptoms and set the body up for better health.

Probiotics are live bacteria that may offer various health benefits.We already have thousands in our digestive tracts and they play an important role so when our gut health is out of balance, we can add 'good bugs' back in, either from incorporating foods rich in bacteria such as sauerkraut or as a supplement to helps digest food and absorb nutrients. While in theory probiotics may help restore our natural balance, some probiotics can worsen symptoms and some do nothing at all as they are not all created equally. The microbiome is an important element of gut healing but it's not the only one.