Ever wondered why your stomach feels like it’s auditioning for a role in a horror movie after a meal? You might just be navigating the chemical jungle of US food! From pesticides sneaking into your salad to social media influencers pushing the latest gut health supplements, it’s a wild world out there.
Navigating the US Food System
Understanding the Gut-Brain Connection
The gut-brain connection is more than just a catchy phrase. It’s a critical link between your digestive system and cognitive functions. Your gut is your second brain; it’s home to trillions of microbes that affect everything from mood to immune response. When your gut is happy, your brain often follows suit. This relationship explains why gut health foods and probiotics are more than just dietary fads—they’re essential for overall well-being.
The next time you feel anxious or down after a meal, consider what you’ve eaten. Pesticides and chemicals in food can disrupt your hormonal balance, leading to a range of issues. As many of these chemicals are known endocrine and hormone disrupters. Understanding how to improve gut health naturally can help you make smarter choices, leading to a happier gut and a clearer mind.
Pesticides and Fertilizers
Pesticides, designed to kill pests, frequently find their way into our bodies and waterways. In combination with fertilizers help in producing larger and more visually appealing crops, the downside is their impact on your health and the environment. Pesticides can alter the gut microbiome, the delicate ecosystem of bacteria in your digestive system, leading to imbalances that affect everything from digestion to mental health.
Sex Changes In Fish And Frogs
We can see the hormonal effects in the species living within contaminated waterways. Scientists from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Geological Survey undertook studies in 19 national wildlife areas in the Northeast United States. They found that 60-100% of male smallmouth bass are intersex.
In Vermont, at the Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge—which happens to be one of the most productive and pristine wetland ecosystems in the Northeast—about 85% of male smallmouth bass are intersex. In this case meaning they are growing female egg sacs in their testes. Feminized male fish have been found in 37 species all over the world.
This is also prevalent in frogs which are turning from males into females, something not known to happen naturally in amphibians. One culprit is a pesticide known as atrazine which affects testosterone production.
Even when you go fishing in the most pristine wetlands and think you are catching a clean ‘natural’ fish, when you eat it you are consuming atrazine or pharmaceuticals. This is the new “natural” world we live in. Understanding how to improve gut health naturally includes minimizing exposure to these hidden enemies, thereby fostering a healthier gut environment. Eating locally grown organic produce really can make a difference in how you feel. With the added benefit of being better for the environment as well.
Chemicals in Our Food Supply
Beyond pesticides, a slew of other chemicals lurk in our food supply. Preservatives, artificial colors, PFAS, BHT, BVO and flavor enhancers are just a few examples. While they may extend shelf life or make foods more appealing, these chemicals can wreak havoc on our health. Many of these chemicals are also known endocrine and hormone disruptors.
Many additives disrupt the gut microbiome, leading to issues like inflammation, poor digestion, and even mood swings. A diet focused on gut health foods, such as fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, can help mitigate these effects. Reading labels and being mindful of what you consume are essential steps in how to improve gut health naturally.
The fewer chemicals you ingest, the better your gut can function. So next time you’re grocery shopping, think twice about that brightly colored snack or overly processed meal. Reach for the organic. Your gut—and your overall health—will thank you.
