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Signs of an Unhealthy Gut and Tips to Improve Gut Health
Signs of an Unhealthy Gut and Tips to Improve Gut Health
Dr Ferro avatar
Written by Dr Ferro
Updated over a year ago

Gut Health

Gut health is critical to overall health. Research into the complexity and power of the gut, as well as its importance to our health, is ever-increasing in the medical community. In functional medicine, it is believed that every system in the body is connected. The digestive and hormonal systems depend on one another. At the center of our health is a properly functioning digestive system and a healthy gut.

The term “gut microbiome” refers to the microorganisms living in your intestines. A person has about 300 to 500 different species of bacteria in their digestive tract. Some microorganisms are harmful to our health, but many are beneficial and necessary. Having a wide variety of these good bacteria in your gut can enhance your immune system function, improve symptoms of depression, help combat obesity, and provide numerous other benefits.

An unhealthy gut can lead to health issues including diabetes, obesity, rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune conditions, depression, and chronic fatigue syndrome. How can one pinpoint an unhealthy gut? Below are common signs and symptoms of an unhealthy gut.

Signs of an Unhealthy Gut:

  1. Digestive issues like bloating, gas, diarrhea

  2. Food allergies or sensitivities

  3. Sleep disturbances or fatigue

  4. Anxiety and/ or depression

  5. Mood swings, irritability

  6. Skin problems like eczema, rosacea

  7. Diabetes

  8. Autoimmune disease

  9. Frequent Infections

  10. Poor memory and concentration, ADD or ADHD

Today's modern life can lead to an unhealthy gut. Factors such as a high-stress and fast lifestyle, demanding jobs, an abundance of high-fat and high-sugar foods, and constant medication can leave one's gut debilitated. This is why it is crucial to practice self-love and self-care.

Quick Tips to Improve Gut Health:

  1. Reduce stress levels via meditation, massages, family time, watching a comedy, yoga, etc.

  2. Decrease intake of caffeine and alcohol.

  3. Sleep a minimum of 7- 8 hours a night.

  4. Eat a nutrient-dense, low- sugar and low-fat diet

  5. Aim to chew food thoroughly, eat around the same times daily and sit down to enjoy meals.

  6. Eat plenty of plant-based foods, lean protein, and fiber

  7. Stay hydrated

  8. Take a prebiotic or probiotic supplement. Prebiotics provide “food” meant to promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut, while probiotics are live good bacteria.

  9. Check for food intolerances. Symptoms of intolerance are cramping, bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea, rashes, nausea, fatigue, and acid reflux.

In order to help maintain a healthy gut, it is important to make lifestyle changes. Aim to reduce stress levels, get a full night's rest, and practice healthy eating habits. Prebiotic and probiotic supplements can also be taken to help improve the gut. If you experience any of the discomforts listed above, you may need to focus on healing and restoring your gut.

It is important to note that the health of your gut can greatly affect the functioning of your whole body. Taking care of your gut is an essential part of self-care.

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