Gut Health & the Microbiome: How your gut impacts everything from immunity to mood—and everyday steps to support a healthy microbiome

Your gut does more than just digest food—it’s home to trillions of bacteria, fungi, and microbes that influence nearly every system in your body. Collectively known as the gut microbiome, this community plays a role in immunity, metabolism, mood, and even how your brain functions.

Why Gut Health Matters

• Immunity: Roughly 70% of your immune system lives in your gut. A balanced microbiome helps your body fight off illness and reduces inflammation.
• Digestion & Absorption: A healthy gut breaks down food efficiently, ensuring you get the nutrients you need from your meals.
• Mood & Brain Function: The gut and brain communicate through the "gut-brain axis". Imbalances in gut bacteria can contribute to anxiety, depression, and brain fog.
• Long-term Health: Poor gut health has been linked to chronic conditions like diabetes, autoimmune diseases, and even certain cancers.

Everyday Steps to Support Your Microbiome

• Eat more fiber: Whole grains, beans, fruits, and vegetables fuel beneficial bacteria.
• Incorporate fermented foods: Yogurt, kefir, kimchi, and sauerkraut introduce probiotcs to your system.
• Stay hydrated: Water supports digestion and helps nutrients move through the body.
• Manage stress: High stress can disrupt gut bacteria balance.
• Limit overuse of antibiotics: While sometimes necessary, antibiotics can wipe out healthy bacteria along with harmful ones.

How Testing Can Help Personalize Your Gut Health

Because every microbiome is unique, advanced testing can give you insight into what’s happening in your gut—and guide personalized changes. At Connected Health, some of our longevity screenings include:

• MRT Food Sensitivity Testing – identifies which foods may be triggering inflammation in your body.
• NutrEval® – provides a deep dive into your metabolic health, nutrient status, and how well your body processes food.
• Micronutrient Testing – evaluates vitamin and mineral levels to identify deficiencies that could affect gut and overall health.‍
• SIBO Testing – detects small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, a common but often overlooked cause of bloating, discomfort, and nutrient malabsorption.

These tools go beyond guessing—giving our providers the insights to create a truly tailored plan for your health. To schedule any of these tests, call us at 724-933-4305 or fill out our contact form today.

Final Thoughts

Your gut health is deeply connected to how you feel every day, from your energy levels to your mood and your long-term wellness. By supporting your microbiome through daily habits and utilizing advanced testing when needed, you can strengthen your foundation for a healthier, more resilient future.

At Connected Health, we have a registered dietitian on staff, and patients receive a complimentary consultation. Not a patient? No problem—we can still get you scheduled for one of the tests mentioned above or a quick chat with our dietitian to see what might be a good fit for you. To schedule, call 724-933-4305 or chat with us here on the website!