The Triangle of Health | Part 2
Your Gut: The Beginning of Healing
Feel Better, Think Clearer & Reclaim Your Energy
Dr. Aaron Hartman
January 7, 2025
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The Triangle of Health: Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4
Why Your Gut Holds the Key to Vibrant Health
Have you ever felt stuck in your health journey—tired, bloated, or foggy-headed—despite doing everything right?
You’re not alone. Many people struggle with nagging health issues that seem to resist every effort to resolve them.
The good news? The solution may lie in an often-overlooked area: your gut.
The gut isn’t just where food is digested; it’s where health begins. In fact, ancient wisdom, backed by modern science, tells us that all disease starts in the gut.
When your gut is balanced, your body can function at its best. But when it’s out of sync, it can disrupt everything from your energy levels to your immune system. Let’s dive into why your gut health is the foundation of your overall well-being and how you can start improving it today.
What Makes the Gut So Powerful?
The Miracle of Digestion
We can start by realizing that just to digest what you eat and turn it into something that your body can use is a miracle in and of itself.
Your gut isn’t just a digestive organ; it’s a complex system performing miracles every day. Consider this: every meal you eat is broken down into nutrients that fuel and repair your body. This process relies on:
- Enzymes in your saliva,
- Acid in your stomach,
- Bile from your gallbladder, and
- A finely tuned symphony of bacteria in your gut.
And yet, the gut’s lining is only one cell thick. It’s protected by a thin mucus layer, standing guard against bacteria, toxins, and undigested food particles. When this barrier is healthy, it protects you from harm.
Just to digest what you eat and turn it into something that your body can use is a miracle in and of itself.
Your Second Brain
75% of all of your brain’s neurotransmitters are made in your GI tract. That includes 90% of serotonin and 50% of dopamine. And 90% of the communication between your gut and brain is from the gut to the brain.
So now we know that, if you want to have good brain health, you must have good gut health.
The Home of Your Immune System
Your GI tract is also home to 90% of your immune system. This means that illness, allergies, asthma, respiratory tract issues, cancers, chronic infections, or anything else that has to do with your immune system, begins in the gut. Research is now showing that the bacterial content of your GI tract can actually increase your risk for things like multiple myeloma and certain kinds of leukemias.
When the Barrier Breaks Down
The gut’s single-cell-thick lining is the only thing separating your internal systems from the outside world. It’s exposed to everything you eat, drink, and breathe. When this barrier is compromised, harmful substances can leak into your bloodstream—a condition commonly referred to as “leaky gut.”
This breakdown can lead to:
- Anxiety, Depression, & Mood Disorders
- POTS & Dysautonomia
- IBS & GI Distress
- Autoimmune diseases
- Chronic inflammation
- A host of other health issues…
Simple Steps to Restore Your Gut
Restoring your gut doesn’t have to be complicated. Small, intentional changes can make a big difference. Here are three practical steps to get started:
- Eat Slowly and Mindfully
Slow down during meals. Chew thoroughly and avoid distractions like scrolling your phone or watching TV. This improves digestion and reduces stress on your gut. - Support Your Gut Microbiome
Incorporate fermented foods like yogurt, sauerkraut, or kimchi into your diet. These foods feed the good bacteria in your gut and promote balance. - Prioritize Whole, Unprocessed Foods
Focus on organic produce, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Avoid processed foods, artificial additives, and seed oils, which can harm your gut lining.
Your Gut Matters More Than Ever…
Your gut is more than just an organ. It’s the foundation of your health, the gateway to your energy, and the key to feeling vibrant and clear-headed. By taking small, deliberate steps to improve your gut, you can unlock a cascade of positive changes in your life.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your health journey, explore our resources:
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