Is Your Gut Healthy? 5 Symptoms of an Unhealthy Gut

It is vital to understand the root cause of gut problems. Modern lifestyles with high levels of stress, low levels of exercise, and diets containing a lot of processed foods are often the culprits. However, diet also has a significant impact on gut health. Refined sugars, artificial sweeteners and highly processed foods may negatively impact the beneficial bacteria in the gut and promote the growth of harmful bacteria.

The good news is that with conscious effort, you can potentially improve your gut health. It all starts with raising awareness and then making small but sustainable changes.

5 Symptoms of Poor Gut Health
The gut is a mysterious world. It contains around 100 trillion microorganisms, mainly in the form of bacteria, which can have a major impact on your overall health and well-being.

But how do you know when something is wrong with your gut? What symptoms should you look out for?

Let’s explore five symptoms of poor gut health that you need to be on the lookout for. From insomnia to food intolerances, knowing the signs of a problem in your gut is the first step in steering your health back on track.

1.Skin conditions
Experts link conditions such as skin allergies, eczema, acne and psoriasis to intestinal problems. When the lining of the gut becomes permeable, toxins may escape and spread throughout the body, leading to inflammation that manifests itself on the skin. Therefore, when treating skin conditions, it may be worthwhile to consider the gut as the source of the problem. According to this study, a healthy gut has the potential to lead to healthier skin.

2.Weight fluctuations and gastrointestinal problems
An imbalance of gut bacteria can hinder the absorption of nutrients and may lead to weight loss or gain. And stomach problems such as chronic bloating, acid reflux and flatulence may suggest an unhealthy digestive system and are warning signs of problems.

In addition, gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease are often linked to gut health. Bad bacteria in the gut can cause inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, leading to abdominal pain and discomfort.

3.Insomnia or constant fatigue
When your sleep schedule is disrupted by late nights or stress, it’s not just your energy levels that are affected. This disruption has the potential to lead to an imbalance of gut bacteria, known as microflora dysbiosis.

This imbalance not only affects your digestive health, but also your overall health and circadian rhythm – the 24-hour cycle that affects your sleep patterns.

Therefore, sleep and gut health are a two-way street. If you don’t get enough sleep, your gut health may be negatively impacted. And if your gut health is poor, you may have a hard time getting a good night’s rest.

That’s why a disrupted sleep cycle – which often leads to insomnia or constant fatigue – can be an indicator of poor gut health.

4.Extreme cravings for sugar
Some studies have shown that the cravings that seem to control you are likely controlling your gut bacteria instead.

For example, a study on mice found a link between sugar intake and gut bacteria. This begs the question of the relationship between the human gut microbiota and sugar cravings.

5.Intolerance to certain foods
If you have allergic reactions to specific foods, such as swelling, rashes, or difficulty breathing, it may be related to the health of your gut. Damage to your gut can lead to ‘leaky gut syndrome’, which can make you more susceptible to food allergies and intolerances.

Ways to Improve Your Gut Health
Now that you know more about the symptoms of poor gut health, you may be wondering how to improve your gut health. Here are some strategies to consider:

Stay hydrated: Water aids in the digestion of food and the absorption of nutrients. Proper hydration is essential for gut health.
Learn how to eat for your gut. Think: Eat more whole, colorful, fiber-rich foods. MyFitnessPal’s new Gut Health Plan offers do’s and don’ts for regulating your digestive system and feeding your gut good bacteria.
Control stress: Chronic stress can damage gut bacteria. Practices such as meditation, deep breathing and yoga can help reduce stress, which can improve gut health.
Use antibiotics correctly: While antibiotics are sometimes necessary, overuse or misuse of antibiotics can disrupt the balance of the gut bacterial microbiota. Always consult a healthcare professional before taking antibiotics.
CONSIDER PROBIOTIC FOOD SOURCES: Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are beneficial to human health, especially digestion. They are found in supplements and some foods such as yogurt and fermented foods. It is important to note that consuming probiotics from food is more beneficial than consuming them from supplements.
Focusing on your digestive health and taking steps to improve the condition of your gut can help improve your overall health.