Gut health and asking what is gut health is becoming spoken about more often. Scientists have discovered the link between the gut and the brain, and how a healthy gut, or an unhealthy gut, affects the entire body. If the gut is well balanced, the body is well balanced. If a gut is unhealthy, unbalanced, unwell, or “leaky”, the whole body can be affected.

When you eat, you are literally feeding your gut. And if you feed your gut healthy foods, it will be healthier. If you feed it sugar and fat and foods lacking in minerals and nutrients, your gut is not going to be so healthy. You might need to think about changing your diet and about taking supplements for good gut health.

What are gut health supplements?

The most commonly known supplement for gut health, and you can find these supplements online, are probiotics. Doctors often recommend probiotics when they prescribe antibiotics, as antibiotics can unsettle the gut, but doctors often prescribe probiotics as an overall supplement. Many infant milk formulas are fortified with probiotics, and there are specific probiotics for children too. While it is never suggested that a person relies solely on probiotics or any supplement purely for gut health, the right supplements can help.

Gut health supplements will have a list of ingredients written on the bottle. And at the same time they will always recommend that a healthy diet is followed and they will also recommend that if anyone’s symptoms of ill health are ongoing, they seek help from a doctor or health care professional.

Are supplements safe?

Natural supplements are safe if sourced from a reputable provider and taken appropriately and according to instructions. Supplements in Australia have to go through a stringent process before they are sold on the market, just like pharmaceuticals. If you buy from a health shop or pharmacy, then you can ask all the questions you need to ask as the staff should be always well versed in the world of supplements. And if you buy online, you can ask exactly the same questions too, although hopefully all the information that you need can be found online. Take the recommended dosage and read the instructions. If unsure of anything, chat with a health care professional.

Healthy gut, healthy mind

Yes, if your gut is healthy so is your mind. Healthy guts are linked to longevity and to a brain that works sharply as you age. For a healthy gut and a healthy mind, eat well, exercise well, drink plenty of water, take the supplements you need in the correct dose, and manage your gut health. If you still need to ask what is gut health, chat to the experts at a health store or pharmacy.