“Gut health” relates to the function and balance of bacterias in some parts of the gastrointestinal tract.
Optimally, organs like the esophagus, stomach, and intestines all work side by side to allow us to eat and digest food without feeling any discomfort.
However, there are more than 70 million people in the U.S. struggling with digestive diseases.
The food we consume is broken down in our guts, where it is turned into nutrients, ready to enter our bloodstream.
Yet, this won’t be possible if we have an unhealthy digestive system.
A healthy gut contains immune cells and healthy bacteria that fight infectious “pests”, such as viruses, fungi, and bacteria.
Having a healthy gut is extremely important for our general health and well-being because it communicates with the brain with the help of nerves and hormones.
But how do you know if you have an unhealthy gut?
Signs Of An Unhealthy Gut
- Sleep Deprivation and Persistent Fatigue
An unhealthy gut is a guarantee for sleep disturbances.
Poor sleep and insomnia potentially lead to chronic fatigue and a decrease in our productivity.
Serotonin, one of the hormones of happiness, is actually produced in the gut.
For this reason, having an unhealthy digestive system leads to producing less serotonin, which makes our life miserable.
- Food Intolerance
When we have difficulty digesting certain types of food, we experience food intolerance, which is completely different than food allergy. (It is caused by a reaction of the immune system)
- Accidental Weight Change
Caloric consumption is the primary reason why people lose or gain weight, however, unintentional weight change could occur for another reason.
When we have an unhealthy gut, it harms our body in a way that it has a problem absorbing nutrients.
Furthermore, our body’s ability to store fat or regulate blood sugar is also damaged.
Having decreased nutrient absorption increases our appetite and urges us to overeat.
- Irritated Skin
An unhealthy gut does not only harm us from the inside but externally as well.
Inflamed gut leads to “leaked” proteins from the gut to the skin, which causes irritation and itching.
Moreover, a bad digestive system could potentially lead to skin disorders such as eczema.
- Autoimmune Conditions
The impact of the gut on the immune system has been tested many times in the past.
Researchers have found that an irritated gut is related to systematic inflammation, which changes the proper function of our immune system.
This leads to autoimmune diseases where the body doesn’t protect itself versus harmful “enemies”, but it rather attacks itself.
Some autoimmune conditions are:
- Celiac Disease
- Ulcerative colitis
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Type 1 diabetes
- Crohn’s disease
Other signs of an unhealthy gut are:
- Abdominal Pain
- Bloating
- Loose stools
- Constipation
- Heartburn
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Influence Of Gut Health On Our Bodies
The microbiome within the gut is created from trillions of bacteria, other microbes, and fungi.
It plays a major role in our general welfare because it helps controlling digestion and benefits our immune system
A disproportion of healthy and unhealthy microbes within the intestines might lead to obesity, high blood sugar, high cholesterol, and other disorders.
We suggest eating a wide assortment of fruits and veggies to help support the growth of healthy microbes in your gut.
Takeaway Message
A healthy gut is important for maintaining a balance in our body and its proper functions.
Immune cells and healthy bacteria have a vital role in our body because they are connected to the brain.
We hope you understand how important it is to keep your microbes and healthy bacterias under control, for your overall wellbeing.
In part 2 of this article series, we’ll tell you the fundamental, actionable tips to instantly implement in your daily life and make your gut happy!