More energy and resistance through healthy intestines

On some days, you may have less energy and resistance than on others. That's not strange at all, and there are many possible reasons for it. Did you know, for example, that the health of your digestive system plays a role? We'll explain how that works.

Function of the digestive system

Your large and small intestines together are about 6.5 meters long and are located at the bottom of your abdomen. They play a crucial role in digestion. After food passes through your stomach, it moves into the small intestine. The small intestine digests it and absorbs nutrients, after which the large intestine extracts moisture and forms stool.

With everything we put in our mouths, our intestines have to decide whether it's good or bad for the body. Nutrients are absorbed, but harmful substances must be eliminated. That's a challenging job

Good and bad bacteria

In your intestines, more than 100 trillion bacteria live. These are partly good and partly bad bacteria, collectively known as the gut flora. Bad bacteria can cause diseases and infections, while good bacteria prevent them from getting a chance.

When good and bad bacteria are in balance, we call it a healthy gut flora, and you can count on good resistance.

Maintaining balance

This balance can be disrupted by an increase in bad bacteria. Good bacteria thrive on healthy food, growing through vegetables and fibers, while bad bacteria flourish with refined sugars.

Indulging in some unhealthy food occasionally is perfectly fine, but too much and too often can throw your digestive system off balance. With all the consequences that come with it! The short-term result is bloating and 'digestive issues,' but in the long run, it also makes you more susceptible to diseases like flu and colds.

In addition to unhealthy food, stress can also have a negative effect on your gut flora. During stress, adrenaline and cortisol are released, preparing the body to flee. Your heart rate increases, and blood is pumped to your muscles, while other parts of the body (such as your intestines) temporarily get less attention. Occasional healthy stress is manageable for your intestines, but chronic stress can indeed lead to serious issues.

Read also: What is the influence of chronic stress on your hormones?

Guts and Your Energy

The intestines are often referred to as the energy factory of our body. The nutrients that give the body energy are extracted from the food you put in your mouth. So, when your intestines don't work well or when you don't provide them with healthy food, it has consequences for your energy level.

Having a bad meal might not be immediately noticeable if you've built up good reserves. But after a festival weekend fueled by alcohol, fries, and burgers, you'll definitely feel it.

In addition, the inner cell layer of the intestines is renewed every few days (3). When your gut flora is balanced, your intestines can handle this without you noticing. However, when your gut flora is out of balance, energy will have to come from somewhere else to get the job done. The result: less energy for you.

Keeping Your Intestines Healthy

As you can see, it's important to keep your intestines healthy and your gut flora in balance. This way, your energy level and resistance stay on track, and you're less susceptible to diseases and infections.

How do you do that? By living a healthy lifestyle! Eat plenty of vegetables and fibers, drink enough water, be cautious with alcohol and unhealthy food, avoid stress, and make sure you get enough exercise.