The big business – we all do it. We don't like to talk about it, but our stool tells us a great deal about our gut health. Constipation, IBS, bloating, and leaky gut; these are all problems that originate in our gut. Healthy intestines are essential for a healthy and happy life in balance.
Intestines, your second brain
The brain is our most complex organ, and scientists still know very little about it. What they do know by now is that our brains communicate closely with our intestines; this happens through the brain-gut connection.
It is, therefore, not true that our intestines are solely responsible for the digestion of our food. They play an incredibly important role in the absorption of nutrients and the control of the brain. Communication occurs via the vagus nerve – the most important nerve of the autonomic nervous system.
For example, the brain signals the intestines when food is coming, and the intestines signal when there is enough food. This is regulated with the help of the hormone leptin.
Everything you eat affects your brain and intestines, and stress also affects not only the brain but also the intestines. If you know that the intestines produce the same hormones and neurotransmitters as your brain, this is easier to understand. After all, they even have the same nerve cells! In short; your intestines are your second brain!
Healthy intestines
All the bacteria in our intestines together are called the microbiome. These bacteria are essential for our health and continuously fight with each other. We have both good and bad bacteria in our intestines. In total, there are no fewer than 800 different types.
Your microbiome is, as it were, a mirror of your health. It is responsible for energy production, communication with the brain, the antioxidant system, inflammation, and the immune system. Disruptive factors such as a lot of processed food, stress, medication, and alcohol often lead to an imbalance in the intestines. Once our gut is truly damaged, it takes time and effort to repair it. Our therapists are happy to help you with this.
Types of stool
How is your gut health? Your stool will tell you. Various factors such as sleep, exercise, stress, fluid, and nutrition play an important role in this.
Loose pellets or a lumpy sausage: Can be a sign of constipation; causes include dehydration, too little fiber, or lack of exercise. Medication, IBS, or an underactive thyroid can also have this effect.
Firm sausage: Ideal stool!
Soft pellets: This type of stool tends towards diarrhea and can occur with stress, medication, digestive problems, too much sugar, or an allergy or intolerance.
Diarrhea: Completely liquid stool has been in the intestines for a short time. It can indicate an infection, and there is a risk of dehydration.
If you leave a firm sausage in the toilet every morning, your bowel movements are most likely fine. Is this not the case for you? Or do you have other complaints? Our team of therapists is ready to help you! Order your free supplement advice or request an orthomolecular consultation.
