4 ways your gut affects your health

When you think of your gut, you probably think of the major organs that reside there, like your stomach or intestines. But your gut also houses trillions of cells and other organisms. This microbial mix—also called the gut microbiome—affects the way your body functions, including your metabolism and immune system.

Researchers have come to view this collection of gut bacteria as a hidden “organ,” given its wide-ranging impacts—some good, some not-so-good—on our health and well-being. 

Your gut bacteria are housed in your gastrointestinal (GI) tract, which consists of your mouth, throat, stomach, intestines, rectum, and anus. It’s considered to be in good working order when the following occurs:

• Nutrients and water are properly absorbed and pushed through the digestive system
• You have normal, regular bowel movements
• There’s an absence of conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or colorectal cancer
• Gut bacteria is in balance with normal activity in your gut immune system cells

It may not be a surprise that some diseases related to gut bacteria affect the GI tract. But research suggests that other, seemingly unrelated, illnesses also begin there. Certain changes in the gut have even been linked to conditions like multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson’s disease, and obesity. 

Numerous studies have suggested a link between your gut microbiome and immune disorders, including multiple sclerosis (MS). A chronic disease in which the immune system attacks the nerves’ protective cover (called myelin), MS can cause fatigue, weakness, pain, and eventually disability over time.

Your diet strongly influences the makeup of your gut bacteria. Because of this, there is some evidence that what you eat may influence the course of MS. Though much more research is needed, emphasizing healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains could help improve some MS symptoms and boost overall quality of life.

Researchers have long suspected a link between Parkinson’s disease (PD) and the GI tract. One symptom of Parkinson’s is constipation, and it can precede the decline of motor function by years. 

Newer research suggests the connection between PD and the gut is a two-way street. Parkinson’s disease can affect gut function, and gut function can also affect PD. For example, having higher levels of a specific family of bacteria in the gut, Enterobacteriaceae, may be associated with more severe PD symptoms.

As with MS, more research is needed on the link between the gut microbiome and PD. But researchers believe detection of certain bacteria may help with prognosis, treatment, and even early diagnosis.

Your gut may also influence your chance of developing colorectal cancer. This is partly due to the microbiome’s role in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). 

IBD is caused by several things, including an imbalance in gut bacteria. When you have IBD, the lining of your GI tract becomes inflamed, leading to pain and swelling. It also causes cells in that lining to turn over quicker than usual. This raises the odds of having problems with those cells, which may lead to cancer.

While it’s still far away, experts believe regulating gut bacteria could help treat colorectal cancer down the line.

While your diet and activity levels contribute greatly to weight gain and management, your gut microbiome is likely involved as well. 

According to some studies, certain gut bacteria found in people who are obese may:

• Increase the amount of energy derived from food
• Boost appetite
• Affect the storage of fat
• Add to inflammation
• Interrupt sleep

Scientists speculate that studying gut bacteria could contribute to obesity medications and perhaps other treatments.