Signs of an Unhealthy Gut

We have a complex makeup of many systems within our bodies, and one of the most important systems is that of our gut. Our guts can tell us so many things about our bodies and what is going on. 

Your stomach biome is one of the things that can help with immunity, skin conditions, mental health, and more. 

Photo by Melissa Belanger on Unsplash

Although research is ongoing, these strong links mean that we now know more about how an imbalance might present itself and what we can do about it.  It used to be assumed that as bodily processes go, the gut was a simple system and that it simply processed food.  Amazingly each person has somewhere between 300 and 500 different species of bacteria in their digestive tract. A small number of those are detrimental to our health, while others are beneficial - and we need them to remain healthy. 

With that in mind, it is hard to see why we might have issues appear elsewhere if the balance is off in our gut. So if you notice any of these signs, then it is a great time to reassess what you are eating and drinking. 

Keep in mind that there are some things that will heavily upset the balance, like extra spicy food, food beyond its best before date, and overconsumption of some foods and alcohol. Any problems with alcohol or other substances should be addressed by a professional, like alcohol rehab - and that can help get your gut back on track. 

Here is what you can look for: 

Tummy troubles 

From time to time, you might have the occasional upset stomach; it might involve some bloating, gas and constipation, or diarrhea. While many people experience this once in a while, it is a good idea to talk to your doctor if you get this often. 

When your gut is balanced, it will be able to process and eliminate food and drink with less difficulty than one that might be unbalanced. 

Fatigue or sleep issues

Sleep disturbances, insomnia, wakeful nights, or the issue of constant fatigue can be huge indicators that there is something unbalanced in your tummy. 

We know that the body's serotonin is created in the gut, and when something isn't right, your sleep will be affected. 

Serotonin plays a very important role in the body; it is that hormone that helps with mood regulation and sleep. 

Any damage or gut issues usually directly impact how we sleep and if we sleep at all. 

Skin irritation

Some skin conditions can be made worse depending on the health of your gut. Allergies and a poor diet can contribute to the skin's inability to heal during flare-ups too. 

Gut inflammation can cause the leaking of some proteins into the body, and these proteins can irritate the skin and cause things like eczema. 

It is good to discuss any skin conditions with your doctor and ask for a dermatologist referral. 

Skin conditions can see a lot of improvement with the right diet and topical treatments. 

Food intolerances 

There is a difference between food intolerances and food allergies. An immune reaction to certain foods causes food allergies. 

And while more studies need to look at how food intolerances happen, it is suggested that an imbalance in the gut biome might cause them. When the balance isn't correct in the gut, it can mean that there are difficulties digesting specific food. 

Often intolerances can be noticed when after eating specific foods, you become bloated, have some abdominal cramping, feel sick, and might be gassy. 

While food intolerance isn't as serious as a food allergy, it can be very uncomfortable. 

Weight changes

If you notice that no matter what you eat, you seem to be either losing or gaining weight without meaning to, this can indicate something going on in your gut that needs to be addressed. 

An imbalanced gut will have difficulty absorbing nutrients, storing fat, and regulating blood sugar. This might mean you are hungry or have no appetite.

If you have no appetite, this can be due to an overgrowth of small intestinal bacteria, and weight gain can be caused by decreased nutrient absorption or insulin resistance. 

Unintentional weight gain or weight loss can be a signal that there is something going on your doctor should be looking at. 

You can improve your gut health by taking some of the following steps:

Eat more consciously, rather than standing and eating, snacking on the go, or eating at a quick pace. Try to slow down and focus on when you actually feel full. This can prevent overeating and will help you digest your food in comfort. 

Sleeping well is very important for your body to repair systems. Those who don't get enough sleep are likely to gain weight.  If you have high-stress levels, this can raise your blood sugar levels and disrupt your gut. Making sure that you are taking part in things that lower your stress levels can see a huge improvement in your gut health. Many of us aren't staying hydrated enough and aren't drinking enough water. Increasing your water intake can ensure that your digestive tract can complete all of its functions well. 

Probiotics and prebiotics can help you maintain the right balance of good gut bacteria and give you a helping hand with your digestion. You can get pre and probiotics in things like yogurt, fermented vegetables, and more.  Reducing the amount of processed food that you eat will have one of the biggest impacts on your gut health. When you reduce or eliminate processed foods from your diet, and replace them with fruits and vegetables. The increase in fiber will help your digestive tract incredibly, and your body will have a much bigger dose of all the things it needs to work as it should.  Promoting healthy gut bacteria can be as simple as reducing high sugar foods and high-fat foods. 

Changing your eating habits will happen over time, but here are some ways that you can stay on track: 6 Ways to Motivate Yourself to Eat More Nutritious Foods.