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“Hack Your Health” puts the buzz around the gut microbiome into perspective.
by Alexa Morales
Many are guided by a “gut feeling” that tells them what to do in an uncomfortable situation. This isn’t just a metaphor for instinct or intuition but an actual physiological phenomenon. The human body is not only adept at regulating our emotions but it is also able to establish connections between the different systems in our bodies.
The Netflix documentary Hack Your Health: The Secrets of Your Gut explores this exact connection by delving into the intrinsic role of the gut microbiome in shaping overall health. The film’s narrator Giulia Enders, a German scientist and writer, offers an informative perspective about gut health by combining personal stories with expert insights to highlight the importance of the gut microbiome in regulating different aspects of health.
The film explores three main themes. The first is this “gut feeling” or “second brain”. Specifically, the film emphasizes the important role of the gut microbiome in neurotransmitter production, like dopamine and serotonin, which are essential for mood regulation.
The film also discusses the gut’s connection to immune function and microbial diversity. Nearly 70% of the immune system resides in the gut, where healthy bacteria help produce disease-fighting chemicals. The composition of bacteria defending each person’s health is unique, reflecting their unique cultural environment, behaviors, and experiences.
Hack Your Health’s focuses on four individuals’ journeys with different health concerns, demonstrating that a person’s gut feelings might shed some light on the profound connection between the gut and their overall health.
Hack Your Health is available on Netflix.
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