{"id":279336,"date":"2020-12-21T04:52:29","date_gmt":"2020-12-21T09:52:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/canadianinquirer.net\/v1\/?p=279336"},"modified":"2020-12-21T04:52:29","modified_gmt":"2020-12-21T09:52:29","slug":"how-to-prepare-and-protect-your-gut-health-over-christmas-and-the-silly-season","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/canadianinquirer.net\/v1\/2020\/12\/21\/how-to-prepare-and-protect-your-gut-health-over-christmas-and-the-silly-season\/","title":{"rendered":"How to prepare and protect your gut health over Christmas and the silly season"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Gut health matters. Your gut is a crucial part your immune system. In fact, 70% of your entire immune system sits around your gut, and an important part of that is what\u2019s known as the gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT), which houses a host of immune cells in your gut. (File Photo: Ello\/Unsplash)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

It\u2019s that time of year again, with Christmas parties, end-of-year get-togethers and holiday catch-ups on the horizon for many of us \u2014 all COVID-safe, of course. All that party food and takeaway, however, can have consequences for your gut health.<\/p>\n

Gut health matters. Your gut is a crucial part your immune system. In fact, 70%<\/a> of your entire immune system sits around your gut, and an important part of that is what\u2019s known as the gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT), which houses a host of immune cells in your gut.<\/p>\n

Good gut health means looking after your gut microbiome \u2014 the bacteria, fungi, viruses and tiny organisms that live inside you and help break down your food \u2014 but also the cells and function of your gastrointestinal system.<\/p>\n

We know gut health can affect mood<\/a>, thanks to what\u2019s known as the gut-brain axis. But there\u2019s also a gut-lung axis<\/a> and a gut-liver<\/a> axis, meaning what happens in your gut can affect your respiratory system<\/a> or liver, too.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s what you can do to bolster your gut microbiome in the coming weeks and months.<\/p>\n