A4q2EHypTLuv4AhGwa3Yug.jpg
 
 

What is gut health?

Your gut is a tube lined with a single layer of cells which are tightly joined, a delicate balance of microbes (bacteria, fungi and viruses) and a mucous layer. In order to have a healthy gut these components need to be intact. Your gut is home to approximately 100 trillion microbes whose genetic material collectively outnumber your own by 10 to 1. The microbic DNA in the body is referred to as the microbiome. There is a symbiotic relationship between these microbiota and humans. These microbes:

  • Prevent colonisation by harmful bacteria and viruses

  • Assist with the absorption of nutrients

  • Help synthesise certain vitamins

  • Metabolise toxins

  • Assist in the production of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine

  • Are involved in regulating the permeability of the gut and

  • Help control the body’s inflammatory pathways amongst numerous other things.

Increased gut wall permeability and gut dysbiosis (the incorrect balance of microbes) is associated with a multitude of illnesses, including:

  • Autoimmune diseases

  • Diabetes

  • Anxiety and depression

  • Asthma

  • Eczema

  • Acne

  • Arthritis

  • Allergies

  • Fibromyalgia.

We have the ability to repair the gut through diet, supplements, stress management and reintroducing healthy microbes. 

What compromises gut health?

Some of the things that can compromise gut health are:

  • A poor diet

  • Exposure to antibiotics

  • Exposure to toxins in the environment

  • Chlorine in the water we drink

  • Pesticides

  • Stress

  • Infections

  • Being born via cesarean section

  • Not being breastfeed.

Who will benefit from the retreat?

Oppidum Health Retreat is a programme everyone will benefit from. The main focus of the retreat is to restore gut health which will decrease general inflammation in the body, increase energy levels, reduce anxiety, assist with sleep and assist with the management of various chronic illnesses. One of the motivating factors for doing the gut repair in a retreat setting is to provide a relaxing environment which will allow clients to consolidate the information that is imparted thereby creating lasting results. Stress has a huge effect on gut health and one’s microbic composition, and doing the gut repair in a stress-free environment and providing clients with the tools to manage their stress is key to success.