You Are What You Eat…Digest, Absorb, and Assimilate
Most of us have heard the saying, "You are what you eat." While there is some truth to that statement, it doesn't tell the whole story.
A more accurate statement would be:
You are what you eat, digest, absorb, and assimilate.
What does this actually mean?
It means that eating healthy foods is only one piece of the puzzle. You can eat the most nutrient-dense diet in the world, but if your digestive system isn't functioning properly, your body may struggle to access and use those nutrients effectively.
Digestion is the process of breaking food down into smaller components that your body can use. Absorption is how those nutrients move from your digestive tract into your bloodstream. Assimilation is how your cells, tissues, hormones, and organs actually utilize those nutrients.
When any part of this process is impaired, it can affect your energy, digestion, immune system, hormones, and overall health.
The Important Role of Your Gut Microbiome
One of the biggest factors influencing digestion and absorption is the gut microbiome.
The gut microbiome refers to the trillions of microorganisms that live throughout your digestive tract. This includes bacteria, yeast, viruses, and other microbes. While that may sound alarming, these organisms are a normal and essential part of human health.
The key is balance.
When beneficial microbes are thriving, they help support digestion, nutrient absorption, immune function, inflammation regulation, and even mood. However, when harmful microbes begin to dominate, symptoms and health challenges can develop.
Read: 5 Natural Ways to Beat Bloating and Feel Light Again
How Gut Bacteria Help Digest Your Food
Many people are surprised to learn that we rely heavily on our gut bacteria to help process certain foods.
For example, humans cannot fully digest many types of dietary fibre on their own. Instead, beneficial bacteria ferment these fibres and convert them into compounds that support health.
This is where prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics come into the picture.
Prebiotics
Prebiotics are fibres that feed beneficial bacteria in the gut. Common sources include onions, garlic, asparagus, apples, oats, legumes, and bananas. Think of prebiotics as fertilizer for your healthy gut bacteria.
Probiotics
Probiotics are the beneficial bacteria themselves. Foods that naturally contain probiotics include yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, and fermented vegetables. These foods can help introduce beneficial microbes into the digestive system.
Postbiotics
Postbiotics are beneficial compounds produced when bacteria ferment fibre. Research suggests postbiotics help support the gut lining, immune system, metabolic health, and healthy inflammation levels throughout the body. In many ways, postbiotics are where much of the magic happens.
Why Gut Health Matters
When your microbiome is healthy and balanced, your body is better able to digest food, absorb nutrients, and support overall wellness.
However, if your gut is struggling, you may experience symptoms such as bloating, gas, constipation, diarrhea, food sensitivities, fatigue, brain fog, and skin concerns.
These symptoms may be signs that your digestive system needs additional support.
At Winnipeg Nutrition, we help clients uncover the root causes behind digestive symptoms and create personalized plans to support long-term gut health.
If you're dealing with bloating, digestive discomfort, food sensitivities, or ongoing health concerns, book a consultation at Winnipeg Nutrition today. Together, we can help you understand what's happening beneath the surface and create a plan to help you feel your best!
Asher Kleiber
Registered Holistic Nutritionist
