Reasons You Probably Have an Unhealthy Gut & 5 Ways To Improve It
There are several different reasons your gut may be unhealthy. Many studies from the last two decades show us the links between our gut health and our mental health, immune system, autoimmune diseases, mood, skin conditions, cancer, and endocrine disorders.
Once upon a time, the digestive system was thought of as a relatively simple body system. Truth be known, the digestive tract and its functions are pretty complex. Some people consider the microbiome as a bit of a universe inside of our body.
Signs of an Unhealthy Gut
Numerous facets of life: high-stress levels, eating over-processed foods, high-sugar content foods and beverages, lack of sleep, and the use of antibiotics, can cause damage to our gut's microbiome.
From here, a vicious cycle that will infringe upon other aspects of our health and wellness.
Aspects of Health Affected by Gut Health
⦁Immune System
⦁Brain & Brain Function
⦁Skin Health
⦁Heart
⦁Hormone Levels
⦁The Ability To Absorb Nutrients
⦁Development and Growth of Cancer
Upset Stomach
An upset stomach can be a symptom of many health-related issues, and it's one of the most common symptoms people complain about. Gas, bloating, constipation, heartburn, and diarrhea are all signs that a gut is unhealthy.
Unintentional Weight Changes & Fluctuations
Weight gain or loss that occurs without a change in diet or exercise habits can signify gut health issues. An imbalance in the microbiome can disrupt and impair the body's ability to absorb nutrients, regulate blood sugar, and store fat. SIBO or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth might be the cause of weight loss. Weight gain could be caused by insulin resistance or overeating caused by a decrease in nutrient absorption.
Constant Fatigue & Sleep Disturbances
It's safe to say that an unhealthy gut could contribute to sleep disturbances, bouts of insomnia, and crummy sleep, which result in chronic fatigue! Most of our body's serotonin is created in the gut. So, when your gut is damaged, it can impair and disrupt your ability to get much-needed sleep.
Autoimmune Diseases & Issues
Research shows us that our gut has a profound impact on our immune system. An imbalanced and unhealthy microbiome can increase systematic inflammation and alter the proper functioning of our immune system. Autoimmune disease is a condition where the body attacks itself rather than any harmful invaders.
Food Intolerance
Poor gut health can result in the body having difficulty digesting certain types of food. It is believed that food intolerances might be caused by the poor quality of bacteria in the gut. We need healthy, beneficial bacteria to help digest food!
Reasons For an Unhealthy Gut
⦁Poor Diet
⦁Antibiotics
⦁Illness-causing Bacteria
⦁SIBO
⦁Stress
⦁Underline Illness
⦁Too Much Sugar
⦁Too Much Salt
⦁Too Few Beneficial Bacteria
⦁Processed Foods
5 Ways To Improve Your Gut
1.Chew Your Food: Life can be hectic, and sometimes we eat too fast. The better we break down our meals before our intestinal system has to, the easier the task is, and the more beneficial it is for nutrient absorption.
2.Limit Stress: Stress isn't always easy to manage or get under control, but lowering our stress can improve our gut's well-being. Little things like getting enough sleep, breathing techniques, meditation, and self-care go a long way. Cut out whatever toxicity you can.
3.Stay Hydrated: Drinking enough water has been shown to positively impact the mucosal lining of our intestines. Staying hydrated also has a beneficial effect on the balance of beneficial bacteria.
4.Probiotics & Prebiotics: You can naturally eat certain foods containing probiotics and prebiotics or go for supplements. Prebiotics are the food that beneficial gut bacteria feed on to stay healthy. If you might have SIBO, avoid probiotics until speaking with a doctor or specialist.
5.Sleep: Our body does a lot of repairing, restoring, and revitalizing while we snooze. When we are sick or injured, a doctor suggests getting enough rest because the body will need extra time. Try to get 6 to 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep every night.
Good gut health is one crucial key to our general health and well-being. There's always room for improvement you only have to take the steps that pave the way!