When was the last time you really thought about your gut health? You might not realize it, but your gut’s microbiome plays a huge role in your overall health. If your gut isn’t in good shape, your immune system can’t function at its best, you might struggle to eliminate toxins, and you could experience joint pain, stomach problems, and even brain fog. For many, this is an eye-opener and explains why they may not be feeling their best.
Being aware of your gut health can help improve your overall well-being. So, let’s dive into four signs that your gut might be unhealthy and what you can do about it.
One common sign of an unhealthy gut is frequent stomach issues, including diarrhea, constipation, gas, bloating, and heartburn. These problems can be not only uncomfortable but also very frustrating.
Your gut health can also affect your weight. Without any changes to your lifestyle, you might notice unexpected weight gain or loss. This could be because your body isn’t properly absorbing nutrients and either stores excess fat or sheds pounds.
Did you know that your skin health can also be tied to your gut? Skin conditions like dryness or chronic issues such as psoriasis could be linked to high levels of bacteria in your gut. Balancing your gut health can help improve your skin.
Sleep is another crucial aspect affected by your gut health. If you struggle to stay asleep, find it hard to fall asleep, or wake up tired even after a full night’s rest, your gut might be to blame.
To improve an unhealthy gut, focus on your diet. Ensure you’re eating a balanced diet rich in nutrients. Probiotics and prebiotics are often mentioned when discussing gut health, but they aren’t the same and might not be suitable for everyone.
Probiotics are live organisms that can offer health benefits. You can find them in fermented foods like yogurt, kombucha, kefir, and kimchi. They can help people with conditions like inflammatory bowel disease, diarrhea, and constipation. However, they aren’t suitable for everyone, particularly those with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, compromised immune systems, or other chronic diseases.
Prebiotics, on the other hand, are the food that these live organisms eat. They are found in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Prebiotics can help balance blood sugar, reduce intestinal inflammation, lower the risk of certain diseases, curb hunger, and aid in mineral and vitamin absorption. However, for some people, such as those with IBS, prebiotics can worsen symptoms.
If you aim to improve your overall health in 2023, focusing on gut health is a fantastic starting point. A healthy gut significantly benefits both your mind and body and should not be ignored.