What’s an Unhealthy Gut? How Gut Health Affects You
Unravel the mysteries of your gut health and its profound impact on your overall wellbeing. Discover the signs of an unhealthy gut and learn how to nurture it back to optimal health, enhancing your life in unexpected ways.
The gut microbiome
The incredible complexity of the gut and its importance to our overall health is a topic of increasing research in the medical community
- Numerous studies have demonstrated links between gut health and the immune system, mood, mental health, autoimmune diseases, endocrine disorders, skin conditions, and cancer
- Many facets of modern life such as high stress levels, too little sleep, eating processed and high-sugar foods, and taking antibiotics can all damage our gut microbiome
Sleep disturbances or constant fatigue
Gut inflammation may contribute to sleep disturbances such as insomnia or poor sleep, and therefore lead to chronic fatigue.
Autoimmune conditions
An unhealthy gut may increase systemic inflammation and alter the proper functioning of the immune system. This can lead to autoimmune diseases, where the body attacks itself rather than harmful invaders.
Take a prebiotic or probiotic
Prebiotics provide “food” meant to promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut, while probiotics are live good bacteria.
A high-sugar diet
High amounts of refined sugars, particularly high-fructose corn syrup, have been linked to increased inflammation in the body.
- Inflammation can be the precursor to a number of diseases and even cancers, including colorectal cancer.
Check for food intolerances
If you have symptoms such as cramping, bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea, rashes, nausea, fatigue, and acid reflux, you may be suffering from a food intolerance. Try eliminating common trigger foods to see if your symptoms improve.
Unintentional Weight Changes
Gaining or losing weight without making changes to your diet or exercise habits may be a sign of an unhealthy gut.
Get enough sleep
Prioritize getting at least 7-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep per night
Change your diet
Reducing the amount of processed, high-sugar, and high-fat foods you eat can contribute to better gut health
- A diet high in fiber contributes tremendously to a healthy gut microbiome
- Foods that promote the growth of beneficial bacteria include plant-based foods and lean protein
Collagen-boosting foods
collagen-rich foods such as bone broth and salmon may be beneficial to overall health and gut health specifically
- A healthy gut contributes to a strong immune system, heart health, brain health, improved mood, healthy sleep, and effective digestion, and it may help prevent some cancers and autoimmune diseases
Skin irritation
Inflammation in the gut caused by a poor diet or food allergies may cause increased “leaking” of certain proteins out into the body, which can in turn irritate the skin and cause conditions such as eczema and skin conditions.
Food intolerances
These can be caused by poor quality of bacteria in the gut, which can lead to difficulty digesting the trigger foods and unpleasant symptoms such as bloating, gas, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and nausea.
- Some evidence suggests that food allergies may also be related to gut health.
Lower your stress levels
Chronic high levels of stress are hard on your whole body, including your gut.
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