When was the last time you really thought about your gut health? Do you know much about your gut’s microbiome and its impact on your overall well-being? If your gut isn’t in good shape, your immune system can’t work at its best, it’s harder to eliminate toxins, and you might experience joint pain, stomach issues, and even brain fog.
Many people might be surprised by this, which could explain why they don’t feel their best. Paying attention to your gut health can make you healthier overall, so let’s explore four signs of an unhealthy gut and how to improve it.
A frequently upset stomach is one of the most common signs of poor gut health. Issues like diarrhea, constipation, gas, bloating, and heartburn can be uncomfortable and frustrating.
Your gut health also affects your weight. You might gain or lose weight without any lifestyle changes because your body isn’t absorbing nutrients properly, which can cause weight loss, or it might store fat, leading to weight gain.
Your skin is another indicator of gut health. Problems like dry skin or chronic conditions like psoriasis might be linked to high amounts of bad bacteria in your gut. Balancing your gut can improve these skin issues.
Sleep is crucial for your overall health, but many people struggle with it. If you wake up frequently at night, have trouble falling asleep, or feel tired no matter how long you slept, your gut might be to blame.
To fix an unhealthy gut, change your diet to include a balance of nutrients that support gut health. You often hear about probiotics and prebiotics, but they’re not the same and may not be right for everyone.
Probiotics are live organisms found in fermented foods like yogurt, kombucha, kefir, and kimchi. They can help those with inflammatory bowel disease, diarrhea, or constipation but may not be suitable for everyone—especially those with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, compromised immune systems, or other chronic conditions.
Prebiotics, on the other hand, are the food for these live organisms. Found in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, prebiotics help balance blood sugar, reduce inflammation, lower disease risk, curb hunger, and improve mineral and vitamin absorption. However, people with IBS might find that prebiotics worsen their symptoms.
If you want to boost your overall health in 2023, focusing on your gut health is a great start. A healthy gut has numerous benefits for your mind and body and shouldn’t be ignored.
