An Expert Explains Why Gut Health Is The Most Important Thing

By now, you're probably aware of the importance of your gut health. This was the topic on a recent episode of the "Lady Gang" podcast, when hosts Keltie Knight, Becca Tobin, and Jac Vanek interviewed Tina Anderson, co-founder of Just Thrive. In the episode, which aired on December 1, 2022, Anderson explains to listeners why a healthy gut is the most important aspect of our overall health, and is the first place to start.

"I think if we just try to understand that the gut is really the most important aspect of our overall health ... that is where we start with overall health," Anderson says, adding that it is necessary for everyone. "What people are just starting to understand now and what the science is very clear on is skin health ... mood disorders ... heart disease ... allergies ... those are all indications that we've got something going on with our gut," adding, "[I]t's really hard to think of any non-communicable disease state that's not associated with an imbalance or dysbiosis in our gut."

Anderson explains that our gut health affects many other aspects of our lives, too. "Our gut is dictating things that we crave, how we gain and lose weight ... so it's really amazing how our gut is that smart," she says. When your gut microbiome is healthy, you may begin to notice that you crave healthier foods, and this is just one reason why your gut should be a high priority. She explains that you can improve your gut health by eating healthy foods, staying away from processed foods, taking a probiotic, and reducing stress.

Another way you can support your gut microbiome is to add fermented foods to your diet. Getting enough sleep is also critical. A lack of quality sleep is linked to obesity, which can negatively affect digestion. It's also important to seek help for mental health issues like anxiety and depression, because our mood can greatly impact our gut health (via Johns Hopkins).