Sometimes said to as your ‘second brain’ and with good reason. Billions of microbes live inside us, helping digestion, the immune system and even mood. When this balance is out of kilter it can affect your general health. If you want to improve your gut health and avoid larger issues down the line, it’s important to be aware of the warning signs of poor gut health.
Digestive Problems
If you are constantly experiencing digestive issues such as bloating, gas, constipation, or diarrhoea, it is a good clue that your gut health needs some love. A common issue is that the bacteria in your gut are out of balance which may cause meals to not be digested all the way. Do you feel uncomfortable after consuming food? It could be a sign your gut is having issues (Mayo Clinic, 2023).
Recurrent Infections
Did you know that 70-80% of your immune system is in your gut? A compromised gut health can result in a weakened immune system, making you more vulnerable to disease (Harvard Medical School, 2023). If you’re becoming ill more often than usual, or having a terrible time rebounding back, it might be your gut health.
Skin Issues
“What happens inside your body is reflected in your skin.” Poor gut health relates to acne, eczema, and psoriasis (National Institutes of Health, 2023). If your gut microorganisms are out of whack, it can cause inflammation that manifests on your skin. If topical therapies aren’t working for your skin problems, it might be time to check in on your gut health.
Fatigue and Sleep Problems
Can’t stay awake? Trouble sleeping well at night? It can be due to bad gut health. Your gut creates the hormone serotonin which influences mood and sleep. If the levels are not balanced, it can interfere with these functions and cause tiredness and difficulty sleeping well (American Academy of Sleep Medicine, 2023).
Mood Swings
Are you anxious, unhappy, or irritable? It could be your gut health. The gut is linked to the brain and an imbalance in gut bacteria can lead to mood issues (Harvard Medical School, 2023). “There’s a lot of serotonins in your gut. And if your stomach is out of whack, your serotonin can be out of whack too. It can affect your mental health as well.”
Craving Junk Food
Are you the type who often craves high-sugar or high-fat foods? It’s no accident. When your gut bacteria are out of whack, they can talk to your brain and tell you that you crave meals that feed the bad bacteria (Mayo Clinic, 2023). As you bring equilibrium back to your stomach, you may be able to minimize these cravings and encourage healthy eating.
Weight Changes, Unexpected
Gut health can hugely alter your metabolism. And upset tummies can also interfere with how your body absorbs nourishment, which can lead to changes in weight (National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, 2023). Poor gut health is linked to sudden weight gain or decrease.
Conclusion
The Bottom-Line
Gut health plays a crucial role in many aspects of your overall health. A healthy gut is the foundation of a balanced and happy life from your immune system and digestion to your emotions and complexion. If you have any of these warning indicators, it might be time to pay attention to your gut health. A balanced diet and probiotics will work wonders to get your stomach back in equilibrium.
References
American Academy of Sleep Medicine. (2023). High blood pressure with sleep apnoea. Retrieved from https://www.sleepapnea.org
Harvard Medical School. (2023). Hypertension with Chronic Stress. Source: Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from https://www.health.harvard.edu
Mayo Clinic. (2023). How your weight impacts your blood pressure. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org
National Institutes of Health. (2023). Potassium and its role in controlling blood pressure. Retrieved from https://www.nih.gov
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2023). High blood pressure and smoking. Retrieved from https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov
Sleep Foundation. (2023). Blood pressure and sleep. Retrieved from https://www.sleepfoundation.org