“Gut: The Inside Story” – that’s the title of an enormously successful and witty book by the young author Giulia Enders. She explains in an exciting, entertaining, and taboo-free way why our gut is the key to body and mind – but unfortunately, we usually neglect it. The gut is a marvelous organ – and if we treat it well, an important partner to our brain.

Why is a healthy gut important?

Our gut is inhabited by countless friendly – but often underestimated – living beings: bacteria. Up to 100 trillion of them live in our digestive tract. They not only break down our food and make it digestible for us, but one of their main tasks is to strengthen the immune system. Here, our defense cells learn from the bacteria how to distinguish good from bad intruders, thereby improving their effectiveness. The gut flora therefore plays a vital role in whether we catch a cold – and how quickly we recover from it.

No charm without the gut

What matters is not only the number of gut bacteria but also their diversity. The more different species there are, the better. Stress, poor diet, or medication can easily upset the delicate balance in the gut. When this happens, we become more susceptible to illnesses – ranging from stomachaches, mild infections, and obesity to diabetes and rheumatism.

Runner’s high – without running

The gut also affects our psyche. In our digestive tract, a wide range of calming and mood-lifting hormones are produced. If the gut flora is disturbed, this also impacts the production of these messengers.

Handle it with care

For our gut to perform at its best and keep us fit and healthy, it needs a minimum of care and attention. So-called “prebiotic foods” such as asparagus, garlic, onions, potato salad, chicory, and yogurt stimulate the growth and activity of the good bacteria in the gut. It is also advisable to consume plenty of fiber, for example through prunes or psyllium husks – these also support digestion. Don’t forget exercise! Just 30 minutes of walking a day are enough to get the gut moving. And of course – drink plenty of water, ideally at least 1.5 liters a day.

A true marvel

From now on, the gut is our favorite organ – and we will do everything we can to keep it happy and content.