The digestive system is like a river that runs through us. Each day
we put pounds of foreign substances (food, drinks, medications, and
supplements) into our mouths hoping that our bodies will be able to sort
out friend from foe. And generally, our bodies do a terrific job—even
though much of what we put in our mouths was foreign to the environment
even 100 years ago. Because of this interface, the digestive system is
the seat of our immune system, runs our metabolism, makes vitamins, and communicates with every other cell in the body.
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The purpose of the digestive system, also lovingly
called "the gut," is to bring nutrients to each cell of your body. When
this doesn't occur, we feel tired and sluggish, can't think clearly, and
begin to develop symptoms of illness. If ignored, these symptoms can
develop into full-blown health problems.
There is currently an epidemic of digestive illness in our country,
one that is directly related to the foods we eat and the way we live.
Between 30 and 40 percent of us complain about digestive issues,
accounting for 104.7 million doctor visits a year.
Research into the functioning of the digestive system has yielded surprising results:
#1.
If spread flat, your digestive system would cover a tennis court.
#2.
Roughly 70 percent of your immune system is located in the digestive system.
#3.
You have 10 times as many microbes as cells in
your body. These microbes live in communities that live in symbiosis
with you. The health of these communities determines your overall
health. Collectively, these communities are called the microbiome.
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#4.
You have 100 times more DNA in your microbiome
than in the cells of your body. The DNA in your cells and in your
microbiome talk to each other.
#5.
Your microbiome is made up of three-and-a-half
to four-and-a-half pounds of bacteria that help to make vitamins,
protect you against infection, and run your metabolism.
#6.
The digestive system is often called the "second
brain" because if the vagus nerve, which connects the brain and the
digestive system, is cut, the digestive system functions fine on its
own. This system is called the enteric nervous system (ENS).
#7.
Your gut manufactures significantly more
neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, than does the brain. In fact, 80
to 90 percent of your serotonin is made in the gut, and every class of
brain neurotransmitter has been found in the gut.
#8.
You eat food to ultimately nourish all of your
cells. If you make poor food choices or if your body cannot digest,
absorb, and utilize the food due to poor digestive function, you
probably will eventually develop signs, symptoms, and finally a
diagnosable illness.
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#9.
Digestive insufficiencies contribute to a wide
range of health issues, including migraine headaches, depression,
arthritis, foggy thinking, autoimmune illness, autism, fibromyalgia,
chronic fatigue, multiple sclerosis, and more.
#10.
Food talks to your microbiome and to your genes.
#11.
And finally, foods that are terrific for others may or may not be healthful for you.
To help protect this incredible part of your body, learn to avoid these nine things that kill your gut. And work more of these gut-friendly foods (including dark chocolate!) into your diet.
