When’s the last time you really thought about your gut health? How well do you understand your gut’s microbiome and its influence on your overall health? You might be surprised to learn that if your gut isn’t in good shape, your immune system can’t work at its best. You might struggle to eliminate toxins, and you could experience joint pain, stomach problems, or even brain fog.
For many, this revelation could explain why they may not feel their best. Paying attention to your gut health can improve your well-being, so let’s explore four signs of an unhealthy gut and how to address them.
One of the most common indicators of an unhealthy gut is an often upset stomach. This can happen due to various factors, but your gut health could be a key reason. Issues like diarrhea, constipation, gas, bloating, and heartburn can be uncomfortable and annoying.
Gut health also influences your weight—it can cause you to gain or lose weight without any changes to your lifestyle. This happens because your body might not be absorbing nutrients correctly, which could lead to weight loss or fat storage.
Did you know your skin is also linked to your gut health? Conditions like dry skin or chronic skin issues like psoriasis might be connected to high levels of bacteria in the gut. Balancing your gut can help address skin problems.
Getting enough quality sleep is crucial for overall health, but it can be challenging for many. If you find yourself waking up often, struggling to fall asleep, or feeling tired even after sleeping well, your gut might be to blame.
To improve an unhealthy gut, consider changing your diet and staying hydrated to ensure your gut receives the proper nutrients. Probiotics and prebiotics often come up as ways to balance the gut, but they are not the same and might not suit everyone. The linked blog post explains their differences.
Probiotics are live organisms with various health benefits. They are present in foods like yogurt, kombucha, kefir, and kimchi. While they can help with issues like inflammatory bowel disease, diarrhea, and constipation, they may not be suitable for everyone. Those with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, weakened immune systems, and certain chronic illnesses might experience negative effects.
These live organisms need nourishment from prebiotics, found in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Prebiotics can help stabilize blood sugar, reduce intestinal inflammation, lower disease risk, curb appetite, and improve mineral and vitamin absorption. However, individuals with IBS may find that prebiotics worsen their symptoms.
If you’re looking to enhance your health in 2023, focusing on your gut health is a smart move. A healthy gut benefits both your mind and body in numerous ways and shouldn’t be neglected.
