Unhealthy gut

Signs of unhealthy gut

How to improve gut health

Take Away 

The gut's tremendous complexity, as well as its significance to our general health, is a growing area of medical study. Gut health has been coupled to the immune system, mood, mental health, autoimmune illnesses, endocrine disorders, skin ailments, and cancer. Our digestive system once was thought to be a rather basic body system, consisting primarily of one long tube through which our food would flow, be digested, and eventually be expelled. The gut microbiome refers to the bacteria that exist in your intestines. A person's digestive tract contains around 300 and 500 different species of bacteria. Although certain bacteria are harmful to human health, others are beneficial and even necessary for our survival.

Signs of unhealthy gut:

Many aspects of modern life can harm our gut microbiome, including high stress levels, insufficient sleep, regularly eating and high-sugar foods, and using antibiotics. This, in turn, could affect several aspects of human health, such as the brain, heart, immune system, skin, weight, hormone levels, food absorption, as well as the development of cancer. A sick tummy can manifest in a number of ways. The following are the most common warning signs:

1. Upset stomach

The signs of a bacterial overgrowth in the gut include gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and heartburn. A healthy stomach digests food more quickly and removes waste more effectively. 

2. A high sugar diet

A diet high in processed foods and added sugars can diminish the amount of healthy bacteria in your stomach. Sugar cravings may grow as a result of this imbalance, further hurting your gut. Refined sweets, particularly those with a high corn syrup content, have been linked to increases in systemic inflammation. Inflammation is a risk factor for a variety of diseases which includes cancer.

3. Changes in weight

Weight gain or loss with changing your food or exercise routine may indicate a problem with your intestines. An imbalanced stomach can affect your body's capacity to absorb nutrition, control blood sugar, and retain fat. Weight loss might be aided by small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), whereas weight gain can be exacerbated by insulin resistance or the drive to overeat as a result of poor meal absorption.

Sleep disorders, such as insomnia or sleep disruption, may be exacerbated by an unhealthy gut, resulting in chronic exhaustion. The gut produces the majority of the body's serotonin, a hormone which impacts mood and sleep. As a result, gut damage might make it tough to get an efficient sleep. Sleep disruptions were also linked to an increased incidence of fibromyalgia.

5. Irritated skin

Eczema and other skin disorders could be linked to a weakened gut. Increased "leaking" of specific proteins into the body caused by inflammation in the gut caused by bad nutrition or food allergies can irritate the skin and cause illnesses like eczema.

New evidence of the gut's effect on the immune system is constantly being discovered by medical specialists. A malfunctioning stomach is thought to cause systemic inflammation and impair the immune system's ability to operate properly. As a consequence, autoimmune diseases may arise, in which the body targets itself rather than foreign intruders.

7. Food intolerances

When certain foods are hard to digest, food intolerances develop. Food intolerances are thought to be caused by a lack of helpful microorganisms in the gut. This can result in bloating, gas, diarrhea, stomach pain, and nausea, and also making the trigger meals more difficult to digest. According to some evidence, food allergies may well be connected to gut health.

How to improve gut health:

1. Lower the stress levels

High stress levels have an adverse effect on the entire body, particularly your gut. Meditation, walking, getting a treatment, spending time with friends and family, dispersing essential oils, lowering caffeine intake, giggling, yoga, or having a pet are all stress-relieving activities.

Sleep deprivation has been shown to have a bad influence on general gut health, which can lead to further sleep issues. Make getting 7–8 hours of uninterrupted sleep a night your priority. A doctor may be able to help you if you're experiencing trouble sleeping.

Chewing your food thoroughly and eating the meals slowly can help with digestion and nutritional absorption. This may help to alleviate stomach discomfort while also maintaining a healthy gut.

Drinking enough water has been shown to enhance the mucus membrane of the intestines as well as the balance of healthy bacteria in the gut. Staying hydrated is a simple way to help your intestines stay healthy.

Reduce the amount of processed, high-sugar, and high-fat foods you consume to improve your gut health. In addition, eating foods high in plant-based foods and lean protein could improve your gut health. The health of the gut microbiota has been shown to be influenced by a high-fiber diet.

Take Away 

The human digestive system is far larger than previously thought, and it has a major impact on general health. A healthy gut can boost your immune system, heart health, brain health, improve mood, good sleep, and correct digestion, and it may even help you avoid cancer and autoimmune diseases. You may enhance your digestive health and, as a result, your entire health by making a few lifestyle changes.