The below are excerpts from an article first published in the December 27, 2025 issue of Westchester Magazine.
“There’s been a lot of recent research regarding the importance of having good gut health for most body functions,” says Jack Rosemarin, MD, a gastroenterologist at White Plains Hospital Physician Associates (WPHPA) Digestive Disease and Nutrition Consultants of Westchester.
“If you have poor gut health, it affects digestion, as well as immunity, the brain, metabolism, virtually every part of your body.”
What’s more, growing evidence points to gut health possibly playing a role in conditions including obesity, depression, and Parkinson’s disease. Taking a closer look at gut health—beyond the hype—is well warranted.
Your gastrointestinal tract, running from your mouth to your anus, is home to trillions of bacteria, viruses, and fungi, known as the gut microbiome. These microorganisms live in a delicate balance: many are good, and some are bad.
When your system is in harmony, nutrients are absorbed well; your blood sugar and energy levels are regulated because your microbiome works to break down complex nutritional molecules (carbohydrates, proteins, and fats) into smaller, more accessible units. It also stokes your immune system to help fight off disease.
Experts say 70% of the immune system is located in the gut, where microbiota train immune cells, develop cells critical to immune tissue, and modulate the work of immune system components, such as T cells.
Your gut can act as a command center for overall wellness, lowering your risk for diabetes, IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), and psoriatic arthritis, among other illnesses. It may contribute to longevity, too: Maria Branyas Morera, who was the world’s oldest living person at 117 years and showed no signs of dementia, had her gut biome studied and found to be characteristic of a much younger person.
New research also reveals that the gut and brain are in constant contact, contributing to psychological and cognitive wellness; one study found that when people with major depressive disorder were given probiotics to improve their gut biome, there was a reduction in anxiety.
Digesting the Issues
Problems with gut health can occur due to factors we can control (diet, stress levels, fitness, and sleep habits) and those we cannot (genetics, environment, and age).
Gut issues can also be sneaky. Even people who don’t complain of stomachaches or problems with their bowel movements can still have gut dysfunction. Common signs that your gut health may merit a closer look include.
- Bloating
- Gas
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Mood changes (anxiety, depression)
- Joint pain
- Skin problems (eczema, psoriasis)
- Autoimmune disorders
- Weight loss or gain
- Changes in appetite
- Frequent infections
When these symptoms are more than occasional, you’ll likely want to take a closer look and check in with a healthcare professional, usually a generalist, before moving on to a specialist.
Bottom line
It may be wise to weigh your wellness needs and goals carefully when considering these tests and discussing options with your healthcare provider.