Why gut health matters more than you think
Published:Wednesday | February 4, 2026 | 12:12 AMKeisha Hill/Senior Gleaner Writer
For many Jamaicans, health conversations often centre on blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease. But emerging research continues to point to another critical system that influences overall well-being: the gut.
According to Dr Orlando Thomas, maintaining good gut health is fundational to physical, mental, and metabolic health.
“The gut is not just about digestion. It plays a major role in immunity, inflammation control, hormone regulation, and even mental health. When the gut is unhealthy, the effects can be felt throughout the body,” Dr Thomas said.
Jamaica continues to face a heavy burden from non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which account for the majority of illness and premature deaths nationwide. The Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW) has consistently highlighted that conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and obesity place significant strain on individuals, families, and the health system.
Dr Thomas indicated that gut health is increasingly recognised as a contributing factor in both the development and management of NCDs.
“An unhealthy gut can worsen inflammation and insulin resistance, which are key drivers of conditions like diabetes and heart disease. Supporting gut health should therefore be seen as part of a broader strategy to reduce NCD risk,” Dr Thomas said.
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has also underscored the link between diet, gut health, and chronic disease, noting that diets high in ultra-processed foods and low in fibre disrupt the gut microbiome and increase vulnerability to NCDs across the Caribbean.
The human gut is home to trillions of microorganisms, collectively known as the gut microbiome, that help break down food, absorb nutrients, and protect against harmful pathogens.
“A healthy gut microbiome supports nutrient absorption and helps regulate immune responses. When that balance is disrupted, individuals may experience digestive discomfort, frequent infections, fatigue, or worsening of existing chronic conditions,” Dr Thomas said.
GUT-BRAIN AXIS
PAHO has warned that poor dietary patterns, characterised by high sugar, salt, and unhealthy fat intake, are now common across the region and are closely linked to rising rates of obesity and metabolic disease.
Dr Thomas believes Jamaica’s traditional diet offers powerful tools for improving gut health when properly balanced.
“Many of our local foods, ground provisions, fruits, vegetables, legumes, and fermented items, naturally support gut health. These foods are high in fibre, which feeds beneficial gut bacteria,” he said.
The MOHW continues to promote increased consumption of fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole foods as part of national dietary guidelines aimed at reducing NCD risk.
The challenge, Dr Thomas said, comes when these foods are replaced by ultra-processed options that disrupt gut bacteria and fuel inflammation.”
The gut-brain axis, that is the communication network linking the digestive system and the brain, has also gained increasing attention from global health agencies.
“There is a strong connection between the gut and mental health. Chronic stress can negatively affect digestion, while an unhealthy gut can influence mood, anxiety, and stress responses,” Dr Thomas said.
PAHO has emphasised the importance of addressing mental health and lifestyle factors as part of comprehensive NCD prevention strategies. Dr Thomas encourages individuals to pay attention to symptoms that may indicate poor gut health, including:
• Persistent bloating or abdominal discomfort
• Irregular bowel movements
• Frequent infections
• Unexplained fatigue
• Food intolerances
“These symptoms are often normalised, but they may be early warning signs of deeper metabolic or inflammatory issues,” he said.
Improving gut health does not require drastic measures, Dr Thomas said. “Simple changes, drinking enough water, increasing fibre intake, reducing processed foods, managing stress, and getting adequate sleep, can have a significant impact over time,” he said
He cautions against indiscriminate use of supplements. “Probiotics are not one-size-fits-all. Individuals, especially those living with NCDs, should seek professional advice before starting supplements,” Dr Thomas said.
As Jamaica works to curb the growing burden of NCDs, Dr Thomas believes gut health deserves greater visibility in public health education. “When we talk about prevention, gut health should be part of the conversation. It supports immunity, metabolic health, and overall resilience,” he said.
This aligns with MOHW and PAHO’s calls for prevention-focused, lifestyle-based interventions to reduce chronic disease and improve quality of life across the population.
“If we nourish the gut, we strengthen the foundation for long-term health,” he said.