The gut’s tremendous complexity and significance to our general health are a growing area of a medical study. Several studies have linked intestinal health to the immune response, mood, mental health, inflammatory illnesses, endocrine disorders, skin ailments, and cancers in the last two decades. Our digestive tract was once thought to be a relatively “basic” body system, consisting primarily of one tube called through which our food would flow, be digested, and eventually be expelled. The bacteria which live in your intestines are the “gut microbiome.” In the gastrointestinal tract, a person possesses between 300 and 500 distinct types of bacteria. While certain bacteria are harmful and toxic, many others are useful and even required for a fit body to function correctly.
Contents
Signs that Your Gut Isn’t Healthy
Stomach Ache
Gas, cramping, constipation, diarrhea, and heartburn are all symptoms of bacterial overgrowth in the gut. A healthy stomach has an easier time absorbing food and removing waste.
Weight Fluctuations That Are Unintentional
Increasing or weight loss without changing your food or workout routine could indicate a problem with your intestines. An unbalanced gut can harm your body’s ability to absorb vitamins, control blood sugar, and dispose of fat. In addition, small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) can promote weight reduction, whereas insulin deficiency or the desire to overeat due to poor food intake can contribute to weight gain.
Consumption Of A High-Sugar Diet
You can reduce the number of good bacterias in the digestive tract by eating a diet high in refined foods and processed sugars. However, this can lead to an increase in sugar addiction, which can cause problems. Excessive sugars, especially high fructose corn, have indeed been related to an increase in systemic inflammation. Friction is a risk factor for a variety of diseases, including cancer.
Inflammation Of The Skin
Eczema and other skin disorders may be linked to a weakened gut. Inflammation in the stomach caused by a bad diet or food sensitivities can increase the “leaking” of specific proteins into the system, irritating the skin and causing disorders like eczema.
Sleep Disorders Or Persistent Exhaustion
Sleep disorders, such as sleeplessness or sleep problems, may be exacerbated by a sick stomach, resulting in chronic exhaustion. In addition, the gut produces the majority of the body’s serotonin, a substance that impacts mood and sleep. As a result, gut damage might make it challenging to get a good night’s sleep.
Food Sensitivities
Food allergies occur when some foods are hard to process (this is different from a food allergy caused by an immune system reaction to certain foods). Meal intolerances can be due to a lack of good microorganisms in the intestines. This can make it difficult to absorb the things that trigger, as well as cause unpleasant symptoms.
Autoimmune Diseases
Medical authorities are constantly uncovering additional evidence of the gut’s effect on the immune response. A dysfunctional stomach can induce systemic inflammation and interfere with the defense system’s appropriate functioning. As a result, autoimmune illnesses might develop, in which the body breaks down itself instead of dangerous invaders.
Conclusion
Food and gut health are highly intertwined. You should avoid processed meals and foods high in simple sugars if you want to keep your microbiome balanced. These foods kill beneficial bacteria and increase the harmful bacteria. You could also consume items that actively support the growth of good bacteria, which will benefit your general health.