The Gut and Disease

Hippocrates, known as the father of modern medicine, once said that all disease begins in the gut. While that isn’t strictly true, there is evidence to suggest that a substantial amount of chronic metabolic diseases do.

Also, approximately 70% of your immune system is in your gut, specifically in the gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT for short). The GALT is the most significant mass of lymphoid tissue in the body and consists of immune cells. Studies on mice have shown that ‘good’ bacteria play an essential role in expanding the lymphoid tissues and can improve the immune system.

According to research, if unwanted bacteria, known as endotoxins, which live in the cells walls of your gut bacteria, leak through your gut lining and enter your bloodstream, your immune system attacks them. This leads to chronic inflammation. Chronic inflammation is strongly linked to many severe diseases, including cancer, diabetes, heart disease and many more.

Scientists are just beginning to unearth how the gut, inflammation, the immune system and diseases are connected. Nevertheless, many currently believe that inflammation caused by endotoxins could be the key to some diseases, obesity and overall health. There is certainly evidence to suggest a strong link between them.

For now, the best thing to do is ensure you keep your gut as healthy as possible. A healthy diet and lifestyle is certainly a good start. However, if you want to learn about your current gut health, why not take one of our gut health tests and receive a report on the health of your gut?