### Understanding Gut Health and Its Importance

How often do you think about your gut or digestion? For most people, it's not a common consideration unless there's a problem. However, it's crucial for everyone to pay attention to their gut health.

Research increasingly shows a strong connection between our gut health and overall well-being.

Dr. David Johnson, a renowned gastroenterologist, author, and researcher at Eastern Virginia Medical School, has extensively studied this topic.

Jen Lewis recently spoke with Dr. Johnson and gained valuable insights.

“Gut health is centered on the microbiome,” he explained to Jen. “This includes bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other organisms. These microorganisms play a key role in extracting energy, metabolizing food, and defending against harmful invaders.”

The gut microbiome consists of all the microorganisms in the gut environment. It helps build a robust immune system and contributes to a healthy heart, brain, mood, digestion, and even sleep.

Dr. Johnson shared findings from his research on sleep and gut bacteria. “We found a direct link between sleep disruption and changes in gut bacteria, which affects gut protection and gut-brain interactions.”

The gut is often referred to as the "second brain" because it produces many of the same chemicals as the brain. The gut and brain communicate through the gut-brain axis, which connects the gastrointestinal tract with the central nervous system. Research also suggests links between gut health and other organ systems.

“You can’t read any medical journal these days without seeing the implications of gut health on GI diseases, infections, inflammatory conditions, and cardiovascular health,” Dr. Johnson said.

Harvard Health data supports a connection between gut health and heart health, suggesting that maintaining a healthy gut can help protect against cardiovascular disease. So, how can we achieve this?

Dr. Johnson recommends prioritizing sleep, exercise, and a healthy diet.

“A healthy diet, like the Mediterranean diet, focuses on whole foods rather than processed ones. Ultra-processed foods are prevalent, with a third of the U.S. population consuming fast food daily,” he noted.

Highly processed foods promote inflammation, and high fructose corn syrup in these foods and sugary drinks like sodas contribute to obesity and an increased risk of GI diseases, such as colorectal cancer.

Dr. Johnson shared alarming new data from a recent national gastrointestinal physician’s meeting. “The incidence of colorectal cancer in 15 to 19-year-olds has increased by 333%, and by 165% in 25 to 29-year-olds. Even 40 to 45-year-olds are seeing a 68% increase. This is no longer just a disease of the elderly.”

Current guidelines recommend starting colorectal cancer screening at age 45 for those at average risk, but younger people are also being affected. Dr. Johnson attributes this concerning trend to diet, particularly food additives, as well as obesity and sedentary lifestyles.

Making small changes in diet and physical activity can help prevent disease and promote better health.