So often we look at a body issue and we think it’s a localized concern. We think the skin issue is coming from the skin, the odor from the body part that smells, and a lack of mental clarity from the brain.

But it’s important to remember that everything is interconnected in your body. Nothing is an island unto itself. Whatever is imbalanced in one area of your body will affect other areas and systems, as well.

Did you know that the health of your gut can have a direct effect on the rest of your health?

When your gut is out of balance, it can have a huge impact on how you feel and how you look – in ways you might not be aware of.

Roughly 70% of your immune system is located in your gut. Your gut biome, which is a simple way of talking about all the bacteria that live in your gut, holds the key to your overall health.

It directly influences the health and function of many other body systems you may not know are connected to your gut.

The health of your skin can be deeply impacted by the health of your gut. Issues such as acne, dry or scaley skin, mysterious skin sores, eczema, and more can be traced back to the balance of bacteria, or lack thereof, in your gut.

Brain fog, mental clarity, your moods, your ability to focus and even your creativity can be significantly affected by an imbalance in your gut bacteria.

The root cause of body odor can also reflect what’s happening in your gut and can be a sign of an imbalance or overgrowth of unhealth bacteria therein.

Thankfully, your gut is very responsive to changes in diet and lifestyle.

There are some things you can do right away that can improve the health and function of your gut.

Consuming more fiber from fruits and vegetables can help immensely. The more colorful and varied, the better.

Reducing or eliminating gut health disruptors such as alcohol, smoking, and over the counter medications can also help.

Drinking more water, moving your body regularly, and reducing or eliminating ultra-processed foods from your diet can have a positive impact on your gut health, too.

Even taking a daily probiotic supplement is a great way to start to repopulate your gut with healthy bacteria.

Small changes can make a huge difference.

Your life is having an impact on your body and your health, too.

Your health, and all that detracts and contributes to it, is made up of a much larger picture than the health of the physical body alone.

What you think and believe, what you feel, where and how you live… it all has an effect – positive or otherwise – on your overall health and wellbeing.

So, the next time a body challenge arises, think big picture with yourself.

Yes, address the localized physical symptoms, but don’t forget to think bigger and look at yourself and your life with a wider lens.

When you take in the totality of your life, and how everything is either helping or hindering your health, you can begin to make changes to create the level of vitality you desire.

Remember everything is connected. Making those connections more conscious is one way you can create and experience amazing levels of health for yourself, today.

PS: Thankfully, our guts are very responsive to diet and lifestyle changes. Green smoothies are a simple and easy way to get more fiber in your diet, balance the bacteria in your gut, load up on nutrition that only comes from plants, and heal your body from the inside out. Grab my free guide here and try one for yourself!