Greek philosopher Hippocrates was on to something when he said “all disease begins in the gut”. 

Scientists and health experts now have a far better understanding of how a balanced gut microbiome supports immunity, mood, metabolism and skin. It’s an ecosystem of trillions of bacteria and other microbes in the intestines. The good tend to outnumber the bad, but it doesn’t take much to upset the delicate balance. Infections and courses of antibiotics are common culprits here.

Unfortunately, thanks to our modern lifestyles, exposure to harmful substances has also led to a rise in toxic gut metabolites. This is thought to be fuelling various unwelcome health issues, such as chronic inflammation, weight gain and premature ageing.   

The science is simple: your gut is in constant communication with your body via nerves and chemical signals. These connections are called the ‘axes’ and they include the gut-brain axis, the gut-immune axis and the gut-skin axis. 

Here are five very clever ways a healthy, balanced gut can have a positive impact on your health and wellbeing via these two-way communication routes.

1. It lowers stress and anxiety 

How? Via the gut-brain axis

You may be surprised to learn that the intricate gut-brain connection can significantly influence your mental health. The gut-brain axis links your central nervous system (CNS), which includes your brain, with the enteric nervous system (ENS) in your gut. The ENS is often referred to as the ‘second brain’.

We only need to think about food and our stomach juices kick into action. It works the other way, too – an unhappy intestine sends signals to the brain. The upshot is that anxiety can not only trigger a troubled gut, it can be caused by a troubled gut. 

Optimal gut health alleviates symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression. It also enhances cognitive abilities, including memory and concentration.

Studies in the past decade have shown that an unhealthy gut microbiome could even be a contributory factor behind schizophrenia and autism.

2. It prevents chronic inflammation 

How? Via the gut-immune axis

Around 70% of the immune system is housed in the gut. So a robust gut microbiota plays a major role in your body’s defence system. The microbiota educate and communicate with the immune cells, bolstering your immunity against infections and viruses while protecting your body’s cells.

It’s also essential for cellular renewal and repair, combats inflammation and supplies critical nutrients for cellular health, playing a key role in slowing the ageing process.

Again, balance is the key. If the immune system is over- or under-stimulated, that’s when problems, such as chronic inflammation and auto-immune diseases can occur.

3. It gives you a natural ‘glow up’ 

How? Via the gut-skin axis

Have you noticed that skin flare ups often go hand in hand with gut problems? There’s a reason for that.

The gut influences skin health by modulating the immune system and producing nutrients that support skin barrier function and hydration. This results in reduced inflammation, fewer skin breakouts and healthier, more vibrant skin.

When there’s an imbalance in your gut, it can lead to increased inflammation right throughout your body, including the skin. This can trigger an exacerbation of certain skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis and acne.

The gut-skin axis has the same impact on hair, too.

4. It helps to combat insomnia

How? Via the gut-brain axis

Did you know that gut microbiota plays a key role in melatonin production? Melatonin is the hormone that helps to regulate your sleep-wake cycle.

If you have a healthy gut microbiome, you’ll benefit from improved sleep quality, boosting your energy levels during your waking hours and supporting your overall wellbeing.

5. It increases your energy levels

How? Via the gut-brain-muscle axis

A healthy gut microbiome boosts energy metabolism and stability, vital for endurance and high-intensity performance.

It’s due to the growing evidence that suggests it influences and modulates the production of serotonin, which helps you feel wake. It’s also thought to affect the production of dopamine for sustained energy and alertness.

Plus, it supports muscle repair and reduce recovery times – good news for fitness fans.

And there are more benefits to a healthy gut 

A healthy gut helps aid the absorption of nutrients, making sure your body gets all the goodness it needs from the food and drink you consume.

Most of the nutrients from your food get absorbed into your blood stream as the food passes through your stomach and small intestine. But there are certain complex carbohydrates and proteins that need a little help. This is where your good bacteria comes in to play.

They release enzymes that break down these otherwise indigestible molecules.

It’s also widely believed that specific species of microbes correspond to your individual risk of various long-term health conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes and obesity.

Want to give your gut some love?

The UPGRADERS® Method offers a 21-day clinic-grade, cellular-level gut cleanse, using all-natural Alpline supplements – delivered directly to your doorstep. Inspired by the legendary Mayr method used in renowned European wellness clinics, it allows you to experience age-old healing wisdom from the comfort of your own home.

Find out how you can be in with a chance of winning your very own gut cleanse set, worth £123.

“You can also check out The Toxin Factor – a new book introducing the 21-day programme and the science behind it.

For a body to heal, sleep better, defy ageing and thrive it needs balance. 

So join the UPGRADERS® 21-day challenge at upgraders.com for a healthier, happier you.