Well-being | 4.5.2026
Gut health: how a healthy gut supports wellbeing
The intestine is an important but often overlooked organ. Gut health has a major influence on our overall wellbeing. This is because the intestine not only digests food but also plays an important role in our immune system and metabolic processes. The good news: with the right habits, we can positively influence our gut health, according to gastroenterologist Dr Joachim Mertens.
Structure and function of the intestine
The intestine extends from the stomach outlet to the anus and is divided into the small intestine and large intestine.
The small intestine, measuring approximately three to five metres in length, is connected to the stomach and lies folded within the abdominal cavity. It receives the food pulp broken down by stomach acid and, with the help of enzymes and bile, further digests nutrients into their chemical components. These nutrients then enter the bloodstream and are transported to the body’s organs.
The remaining food mass is then moved into the large intestine, which is located in the lower right abdomen and measures around one to one and a half metres in length. Here, water and salts are absorbed. The final section is the 16-centimetre-long rectum, where stool is stored before being expelled.
The gut microbiome plays a crucial role throughout the entire digestive process. It is a complex ecosystem of microorganisms whose diversity and balance are essential for good health.
