- HEALTH ISSUES
- Gut health refers to the well-being of the digestive system, especially the small intestine, large intestine, and colon.Together, these organs break down food, take in nutrients, and get rid of waste.. According to Dr. Dimple, a gut health expert, many people were never taught how interconnected these internal organs are. In recent years, scientists and researchers have emphasized the importance of gut health due to its direct impact on our physical, emotional, and even spiritual well-being. The gut is often called the “second brain” because it houses a large network of neurons and communicates constantly with the brain, affecting our mood, immunity, and overall energy. The digestive process doesn’t end in the stomach; after the food is broken down, it travels into the intestines where essential nutrients are absorbed and sent throughout the body. Therefore, maintaining a healthy gut is not just about digestion—it’s about maintaining balance across multiple systems of the body.The gut is often referred to as the “engine” of the human body—just like a car’s engine, if the gut isn’t functioning well, even the most polished exterior cannot ensure smooth operation. No matter how healthy or expensive the rest of the body seems—whether it’s the brain, heart, liver, kidneys, or even skin and hair—everything relies on how well the gut is functioning, because this is where nutrients are absorbed and distributed. Some scientists even consider the entire digestive tract, from the mouth to the colon, including organs like the liver and gallbladder, as part of the gut. The gallbladder plays a critical role in digestion by releasing bile, yet many people hastily opt for its removal without addressing the root cause of illness, which is like removing parts from a car instead of repairing it.
Furthermore, the gut is called the “second brain” not because we literally think with it, but because it holds more neurons along its lining than even the brain itself. These neurons are responsible for processing complex emotional signals—hence the term “gut feeling” that often guides our decisions or warns us of danger. It acts like a survival instinct and is found in animals, plants, and humans alike.Anxiety, excitement, and nervousness cause butterflies in your stomach rather than in your heart or brain. This is because the gut directly stores and influences emotions. That’s why when you’re hungry, you may feel irritable, and when you’re full, you’re calm—just like elders used to say, “Eat first, then talk peacefully.”
The gut houses trillions of bacteria, both good and bad, which play a key role in breaking down and absorbing the food we eat. Since every person hosts a different combination of these microbes, each gut is as unique as a fingerprint. Ayurveda has long acknowledged this idea, explaining that no two digestive systems are alike—hence no single diet can be right for everyone. What nourishes one person may harm another. Our gut, therefore, not only defines our physical health, but also our mental and even spiritual well-being.
Gut health is not only important for those who want to lose weight or have specific fitness goals but is essential for everyone who wants to be sharper, more efficient in daily life, mentally and spiritually stronger, and more energetic. One way to assess gut health is by looking at your skin. According to traditional Chinese medicine, certain facial features represent various bodily organs.For example, if your digestion is poor, you may notice pimples or breakouts on your face. Pimples around the nose may indicate heart health issues, while pimples on the chin often relate to hormonal imbalances. Dark circles and puffiness under the eyes can signal kidney or liver problems. Gut health also affects your metabolic fire, meaning how well your body digests food, and your immunity.To maintain good gut health, it is important to follow the right eating schedule and choose the right foods.. Having a small breakfast, a large lunch, and a light dinner is recommended because metabolism is most active in the afternoon. Additionally, the quality of food you consume directly impacts your gut; processed and junk foods harm it, while fresh, colorful fruits and vegetables provide essential vitamins and minerals. The colors in food help communicate what your body needs and respond accordingly. Therefore, taking care of your gut is crucial for overall physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.