The incredible complexity of the gut and its importance to our overall health is a topic of increasing research in the medical community
Numerous studies in the past two decades have demonstrated links between gut health and the immune system, mood, mental health, autoimmune diseases, endocrine disorders, skin conditions, and cancer.
Your gut is home to trillions of bacteria along with yeast and viruses that live among this bacteria. Collectively, these microorganisms are called your gut microbiome.
When the bacteria, yeast, and viruses that live in your gut are in balance, the rest of your body is in harmony too.
However, when things go awry, and the bad bacteria are able to take over the good, it can lead to an unhealthy gut called ‘gut dysbiosis’, which negatively affects the rest of your body. Here are some of the signs to look for:
1. Gas and bloating
Gas is produced as a normal part of the digestion and fermentation process in the gut. Howeve, some strains of gut bacteria naturally produce more gas than others. If you have more of these super-gas producing “bad” strains, it could lead to excessive fermentation, trapping gas in the gut and creating bloat.
2. Constipation
Although researchers haven’t been able to pinpoint a single underlying cause of constipation, one scientific review points out that functional constipation and irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) is connected to gut imbalance.
People who suffer from constipation typically have lower levels of certain types of bacteria, including Bifidobacteria, in their stool samples.
3. Diarrhea
Occasional loose stool affects everyone at some point, but chronic or acute diarrhea can be a sign of bacterial overgrowth or an infection with Clostridioides difficile, a type of bacteria that lives in the gut in small numbers, but can create problems when it multiples.
Diarrhea can also make gut health worse by pushing out the good bacteria in your gut, contributing to even more gut dysbiosis.
4. Mood disorders
Your microbiome plays a vital role in your mental health and the way you respond to stress. Although the exact mechanisms aren’t totally clear, there’s evidence that certain hormones that are made in the gut—collectively called gut peptides—control the signaling between your gut and brain (and vice versa). If this hormonal balance is thrown off, it can contribute to anxiety, and other mood disorders.
5. Skin inflammation and acne
How to heal your guts:
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Manage stress levels
Stress wreaks havoc on your entire system, and your gut is especially susceptible. Chronic stress causes an inflammatory response that contributes to gut dysbiosis and intestinal permeability, a condition more commonly known as “leaky gut.”
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Move your body regularly
Getting regular exercise is also an important step in getting your gut back into balance. According to one review on the effects of exercise on the microbiome, aerobic exercise can increase the amount of bacteria in your gut and contribute to overall bacterial diversity.
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Get enough sleep
Not getting enough or sufficient quality of sleep can have serious impacts on your gut health, which can in turn contribute to more sleep issues. Try to prioritize getting at least 7–8 hours of uninterrupted sleep per night. Your doctor may be able to help if you have trouble sleeping.
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Stay hydrated
Drinking plenty of water has been shown to have a beneficial effect on the mucosal lining of the intestines, as well as on the balance of good bacteria in the gut. Staying hydrated is a simple way to promote a healthy gut.
