The health of your gut can tell a lot about your body’s overall health and well-being. A healthy gut plays an important role in your immune system, brain and heart health, as well as sleep and digestion.
Your gut contains trillions of microorganisms made up of bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, and yeast that live in your digestive tract. Collectively, they are known as the microbiome.
Problems in the gut have their origin in changes in the microbiome such as imbalances of good and bad bacteria or reduced diversity of microorganism species. The symptoms can be varied and this article will take a look at some of the symptoms which can indicate signs of poor gut health.
Upset Stomach
An upset stomach which regularly causes discomfort such as gas, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea are all signs of poor gut health. While diet can contribute to these symptoms a healthy gut will have fewer issues digesting food and eliminating waste.
Fatigue
Feeling constantly tired may be an indication of imbalance in your gut. Most of the body’s serotonin (a hormone that affects sleep and mood) is produced in the gut. If your gut is unhealthy, this can affect your serotonin levels which can contribute to sleep problems such as insomnia. This can lead you to feel exhausted and constantly fatigued throughout your day.
Skin Conditions
Skin problems such as eczema may be connected to damage in your gut. An inflamed or irritated gut caused by food allergies or a poor diet may cause proteins to “leak” from the gut into the body, which can then irritate the skin.
Food Intolerance
Food intolerances are often caused by immune system imbalances in the gut. They are thought to be caused by bacteria in the gut which are of poor quality and lead to problems digesting certain foods resulting in symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhea.
Weight Changes
Sudden changes in weight without changes in diet or exercise habits may indicate an unhealthy gut. Imbalances in the gut can hinder your body’s ability to store fat, regulate blood sugar levels, and absorb nutrients which can lead to unintentional weight changes.
Weight loss can also be attributed to small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, or SIBO, whereas weight gain can be caused by insulin resistance which creates the urge to overeat as a result of reduced nutrient absorption.
Ways to Improve Your Gut Health
There are few simple and easy habits you can introduce that can help improve your gut health. Eating slowly and chewing your food properly can assist in the digestion of food and absorption of nutrients. This can also reduce any stomach problems and discomfort such as heartburn or indigestion.
Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water can also be beneficial for the mucosal lining of your gut and in balancing its good bacteria. Adding a probiotic to your diet may also help to improve your digestive problems by promoting the growth of good bacteria in your gut.
Click here to read more about some of the solutions that address the root causes of poor digestive health.
