What exactly is gut health, and why is it taking over TikTok?

A new trend on TikTok has users seeking answers to their digestive health questions

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Recently, ‘gut health’ has taken over the page on many TikTok users’ algorithms. So, what exactly is gut health, and should we take it seriously?

Lots of people use the popular social media app to find solutions to their health problems. And the latest topic to go viral involves the state of our digestive systems and overall ‘gut health.’

“The Gut is technically our digestive system or gastrointestinal tract. It starts from our mouth and ends all the way to our bottom,” explained Dr. Lindsey Schmidt, a board-certified Doctor of Chiropractic, with a focus in nutrition and human performance, in an interview with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

When thinking about whether or not you should be concerned about your gut health or digestive sensitivity there are plenty of signs to look for.

“Some warning signs can be extra gassy, more foods making your stomach hurt, not having regular bowel movements (1-3 times/day), constant bloating, getting sick more often, burping more often, undigested food in our poop. Things that can be connected to our gut health are our skin health (acne, rashes), hormones, inflammation, thyroid conditions, allergies.” said Dr. Schmidt

An active and healthy gut allows our bodies are able to process and breakdown the foods we eat, allowing our bodies to properly absorb foods necessary nutrients. Getting the most out of what we put in our bodies can “reflect in our energy levels, skin health, menstrual cycles and more,” according to Dr. Schmidt.

Even though ‘gut health’ is the latest TikTok trend, it’s not solely a concern for GenZ. People of all ages and all backgrounds should take gut health more seriously, especially as we age.

“As we age, we encounter more stressors that can affect our gut like medications, alcohol, processed foods, & stress, therefore it is even more important to keep our gut healthy!” Dr. Schmidt wrote.

There are plenty of food swaps that can help jump start a healthier gut, including:

  • Sprouted grain or sour dough bread instead of regular white bread
  • Nut/vegan milk options instead of animal milk products
  • Avocado oil instead of spray cooking oils

“Gut health is not achieved just by “removing foods that hurt the stomach and adding probiotics.” It is so much more than that! When we nourish our gut with healers, make food swaps, focus on our behaviors & environment, we can achieve less bloating, better bowel movements, less inflammation overall, for good!” said Dr. Schmidt

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