Do the words 'gut health' send you running to the fridge to down a probiotic-rich yoghurt? 

Or, are conversations about gut health more likely to send you running to bed to hide under a doona because it's all too much, and you just need to take a nap?

Look, there's no escaping that gut health has increasingly become part of the conversation when it comes to whole-body wellness. So, if you are in the latter category, it's high time to yank off that doona and understand why gut health is an important part of your overall health and wellbeing.

So, what is gut health and the whole gut microbiome?

Let's go back to basics.

According to Healthdirect, the gut refers to our gastrointestinal system, which includes your stomach, intestines and colon. This system's primary job is to digest and break down the foods you eat, absorbing nutrients that help support your body's functions, and eliminating any waste. 

Within the gastrointestinal tract lives thousands of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi and viruses. It may sound a bit 'eww', but this is known as the gut microbiome — and it too is integral to the process of breaking down food and turning it into useful nutrients for the body. 

But it turns out, it's so much more than that.

In recent years, the gut microbiome has become a source of fascination for medical researchers, with studies exploring its role in areas beyond digestion, including immune function.

As our understanding of the gut has evolved, so too has the conversation around 'gut health' — a broad term generally centred on supporting a diverse and balanced mix of bacteria within the gut.

But as interest in any health topic grows, so does the volume of advice, opinions and misinformation surrounding it online.

Here are some of the most common gut health myths currently doing the rounds.

Myth 1: Gut health is only about digestion.

The Better Health Channel summarises confirmed links between the gut microbiome and other healthy body functions, including the immune system.

Thinking specifically about this connection, one thing that's emerged is how a significant proportion of immune cells are found in the gut. It's one reason why immune health has become such a key focus in the broader gut health conversation.

You've probably heard of probiotics, which are often included in fermented foods or dietary supplements, and have been studied for their ability to improve gut health. The similarly named but lesser-known postbiotics are also helpful compounds made from beneficial microbes that support gut health — but without the need for live bacteria.

An option like the Blackmores Gut Immune Biotic combines Wellmune® postbiotics with nutrients like vitamin C and zinc, to help stimulate a healthy immune system response and maintain healthy gastrointestinal immune function. And as far as immune health is concerned, it reduces the severity of common cold symptoms.

It really does highlight the important relationship between the gut and immune health.

Myth 2: Gut health starts and ends with fibre.

Gut health conversations naturally dovetail into an examination of diet.

Healthdirect explains that diet choices play a role when you're looking to improve gut health. This includes opting for plant-based foods like vegetables, fruits, beans, legumes and whole grains. These foods are not only part of a balanced diet but are also fibre-rich to help promote the growth of good bacteria in the gut microbiome.

However, it would be an oversimplification to consider dietary sources of fibre alone as the key to achieving optimal gut health.

Alongside food choices, lifestyle factors such as physical activity, stress management, sleep and environmental considerations all play a role.

Ultimately, it's about recognising that there's a tapestry of diet and sustainable everyday lifestyle habits that need to be working together to positively influence the gut microbiome in the long term.

Quick fixes? Your gut health doesn't know her.

Myth 3: Your gut should feel perfect all the time.

If your gut health is in check, your — ahem — digestive workings will always be functioning absolutely immaculately, right? Ah, if only it were that simple.

Perhaps the biggest misconception is that "good gut health" instantly equates to the absence of any possible digestive discomfort — like bloating, flatulence, variation in digestion or changes in bowel habits.

Hate to break it to ya, but even a healthy gut can show these signs. For instance, it's common for anyone to experience occasional digestive discomfort signs like bloating — particularly since most of us rarely eat the exact same diet every day. 

That means uncomfortable digestive symptoms are just one of several possible signs of an imbalanced gut.

So, rather than treating perfect day-to-day digestive function as the benchmark for gut health, it may be more helpful to take a longer-term view. A recent Harvard Health report suggests adopting a range of lifestyle, diet and wellness habits that work together to support better gut health over time.

The bottom line? Gut health is complex — affecting a myriad of health facets across the body. But it's also highly individual. 

As researchers keep digging into gut health — from how to support it to its links with overall wellbeing — it's likely to stay a big focus for both the medical world and people interested in their health.

Find the Blackmores Gut Immune Biotic at Chemist Warehouse.

Always read the label and follow the directions for use. If symptoms persist, talk to your health professional. Supplements should not replace a balanced diet.

Feature Image: Canva.

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH Blackmores

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