What is Gut Health?

Get smart on gut health

Gut health is about more than just digestion and includes all the ways your gut performs the vital functions needed by your body. Did you know? Your gut is home to your microbiome, the trillions of bacteria and other organisms that make up your gut flora. Studies show that the good bacteria composition in your belly is unique to you and can have a positive impact beyond digestion. Especially when it’s supported with an overall healthy routine and lifestyle.

A wonder unlike any other

Your gut’s fingerprint

Each person's gut microbiome is unique and can be influenced by birth method, environment, diet, pet exposure, and even hygiene habits. The gut microbiome consists of various microorganisms—bacteria, fungi, mold, and yeast—some beneficial, others pathogenic. “Good” bacteria are typically more plentiful than “bad” bacteria—helping to break down food, turn it into nutrients, and nourish your gut. “Bad” bacteria can be amplified by stress, antibiotics, illness, age, and diet. How much you have of each depends on your body’s unique microbiome, how you care for it, and if you follow a balanced, healthy diet.

Gut-brain axis

Meet your second brain

Gut health can impact your mind. The gut-brain connection is formed from the 100 million neurons that reside in the digestive tract, which acts as another nervous system—the enteric nervous system. Those butterflies in your stomach? That’s your second brain firing. And while our brain can affect our gut, the reverse is also true—the condition of your gut can influence your mood or even the way you think, which is why gut health is important.

Fruits contain fiber, antioxidants, and other nutrients for digestive health.

Fruit is not only delicious, but it's a great way to feed your gut microbes. There are many fresh and dried fruits that contain different kinds of fiber and polyphenols to promote gut health. Some of our easy-to-eat favorites are apples, bananas, peaches, pears, grapes, and even raisins.

Veggies deliver a variety of nutrients, prebiotics, and fiber to support gut and overall health.

Whether raw or cooked, vegetables are packed with many nutrients that can support a healthy gut. Raw veggies like carrots and jicama make healthy snacking a snap, while cooked vegetables like asparagus, sunchokes, dark leafy greens, and root veggies are packed with vitamins and fiber to nourish your gut.

Whole grains and legumes are rich in fiber and carbohydrates to feed the good bacteria in your gut microbiome.

To feed health-promoting gut microbes, help yourself to some whole grains and legumes. They are rich in fiber and offer a plethora of gut-friendly ingredients like: soluble fiber, resistant starch, and beta-glucan. Brown rice, lentils, and quinoa are some of our go-tos.

Got questions? We've got answers.

Want more details on why gut health is important and what gut health is? Dig in.

All FAQs

The gut is a complex system that performs a lot of essential functions for your overall health. The small intestine breaks down the food you eat and absorbs nutrients, while the large intestine absorbs water and electrolytes while removing waste from the body. The large intestine contains a complex microbiome composed of a variety of microorganisms that help regulate our digestive and overall health. What you eat and your lifestyle can directly affect your gut health, your microbiome composition, and how you feel.

Yes, Activia supports gut health. Each serving contains billions of live and active probiotics. Consuming Activia twice daily for two weeks as part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle may help reduce the frequency of minor digestive issues, such as gas, bloating, rumbling, and abdominal discomfort.

A healthy gut microbiome is an important defense against harmful bacteria. Good gut bacteria can combat the bad, keeping microbes from reaching your bloodstream and affecting your overall health. A healthy gut is also better at absorbing nutrients and nourishing your other organ systems. Your gut not only oversees digestion, but it can also impact the immune system, weight regulation, and blood sugar, so taking great care of your gut takes better care of your whole body.

Wondering how your gut health measures up? Here are just some of the signs to look out for that may be symptoms of poor gut health:

Constipation and bloating
Stomach issues like bloating and constipation are some of the most obvious signs of an unhealthy gut. They could be occurring due to a lack of fiber in your diet, so try to pack in more fruit, veg and whole grains, along with plenty of fluid [19]. But it’s also a good idea to increase your fiber intake gradually, or that in itself can cause bloating and gas.

Unintentional weight loss
If you’re losing weight without meaning to, it could be a sign of poor gut health, gastrointestinal disease[20], or something more serious. If you’re concerned about unintentional fluctuations in your weight, speak to your doctor.

If you notice any of these signs of an unhealthy gut, or just want to know how to look after and maintain your gut microbiome, read our top tips to support your gut health.

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