The gut plays a significant role in our overall health and wellbeing. It is responsible for digestion and absorption of nutrients, but also acts as a barrier to protect us from harmful toxins and microorganisms. The gut is also home to trillions of bacteria known as the gut microbiome, which plays a vital role in maintaining our immune system, brain function, and mood.
Research has shown that the gut microbiome, plays an essential role in human health. Here are some examples of how the gut microbiome influences health:
Digestion: The gut microbiome helps break down food and absorb nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, from the diet.
Immune system: The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in regulating the immune system by training immune cells to distinguish between harmful and harmless bacteria. An imbalance in the gut microbiome, called dysbiosis, has been linked to autoimmune diseases, allergies, and other immune-related disorders.
Metabolism: The gut microbiome can influence metabolism by producing substances that affect energy balance, insulin sensitivity, and fat storage. Studies have found that individuals with an imbalanced gut microbiome are at higher risk of developing metabolic disorders, such as obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Brain function: The gut microbiome communicates with the brain through the gut-brain axis, which can affect mood, behavior, and cognitive function. Dysbiosis has been associated with a higher risk of mental health disorders, such as anxiety and depression.
Inflammation: The gut microbiome can either promote or suppress inflammation in the gut and other parts of the body. An imbalance in the gut microbiome has been linked to chronic inflammation, which is a risk factor for numerous health problems, including cancer, heart disease, and autoimmune disorders.
Studies have also found that the gut microbiome can be influenced by various factors, such as diet, stress, medications, and environmental exposures. Therefore, maintaining a healthy gut microbiome through lifestyle modifications, such as a healthy diet, exercise, stress reduction, and avoiding unnecessary antibiotics, can have significant health benefits.
There is a growing body of evidence to suggest that yoga, breathwork, mindful movements, and meditation can improve gut bacteria.
For example, a study published in the journal Frontiers in Psychiatry found that a mindfulness-based stress reduction program improved the abundance of beneficial gut bacteria in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Another study published in the journal BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that regular practice of yoga improved the diversity and abundance of gut bacteria in healthy individuals.
Furthermore, a study published in the journal Psychosomatic Medicine found that regular practice of yoga and meditation was associated with a reduction in the markers of inflammation and stress in the body, which can contribute to gut dysbiosis (an imbalance of gut bacteria).
Overall, while the research in this area is still developing, there is promising evidence to suggest that these practices can have a positive impact on gut bacteria and overall gut health.
The yoga class will bring your attention deep into the gut and the spincters in the gut. By bringing greater awareness and focus internally we can start to recognise what it feels like when food suits us as an individual, and what food has an adverse effect on how we feel. The class will also bring about a better balance within the Autonomic Nervous System.
The sphincter between the esophagus and stomach is called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). Problems with the LES can lead to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition in which stomach acid and other contents flow back into the esophagus, causing symptoms such as heartburn, regurgitation, and difficulty swallowing.
The sphincter between the stomach and the duodenum is called the pyloric sphincter. This muscular valve regulates the flow of partially digested food from the stomach into the small intestine.
Problems with the pyloric sphincter can cause various digestive symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
The sphincter between the duodenum and the small intestines is called the duodenojejunal (DJ) sphincter, also known as the suspensory muscle of the duodenum. Problems with the DJ sphincter can cause a variety of digestive symptoms, including bloating, cramping, and diarrhea.
The ileocecal valve is a sphincter located at the junction of the small intestine (ileum) and large intestine (cecum).
When the valve is not working properly, it can lead to a variety of digestive symptoms, including bloating, gas, diarrhea, and constipation.
The anal sphincter is composed of two muscles: the internal anal sphincter, which is an involuntary muscle controlled by the autonomic nervous system, and the external anal sphincter, which is a voluntary muscle controlled by the somatic nervous system.
The rectum is the last part of the large intestine, and its function is to store feces before it is expelled from the body through the anus. The rectum is lined with muscles that help to push the feces out of the body during a bowel movement. The rectal muscles also work in conjunction with the anal sphincter to control the release of feces from the body. Dysfunction in the anal sphincter or rectal muscles can lead to conditions such as fecal incontinence or constipation.
Enjoy!!
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