10 Signs of Poor Gut Health

Many people suffer with digestive issues; approximately 70 million Americans endure a wide range of digestive problems, including gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and more. There are many contributing factors to gut health, such as genetic history, body type, diet and more. Some of these factors are under our direct control like diet and stress and others are not. But, when our gut is functioning properly there’s an ideal balance of good bacteria present. This will help you to get more nutrition and energy from the food you eat. Good gut health is essential to clear toxins and fight disease and it can even boost our mood. When you’re free from chronic symptoms, such as gas, bloating, constipation, abdominal cramps, loose stools and diarrhea, the quality of your life is improved. In this article, we will explain how the gut bio works, detail ten signs of poor gut health and offer some advice on how to fix the problem. 

Understanding the Gut Biome

The gut biome is mainly located in the small and large intestines, but portions of it are found throughout the body. Research has identified the gut biome as a virtual body organ that’s home to around 100 trillion micro-organisms. These may be bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi which can be beneficial or detrimental for health. The gut biome can encode around 3 million genes that can influence our health, fitness and some physical traits. The micro-organisms in the gut microbiome play various roles, but they work together. They may be maintaining metabolic functions, protecting against pathogens and digesting the food we eat. When the micro-organisms are working in harmony we don’t tend to notice them and we are more likely to feel well. According to a Nature magazine study from 2021, people with an enriched gut microbiome may live long into their 80s or 90s!It’s important to understand that good bacteria and other helpful microorganisms are necessary for many vital bodily functions. The gut microbiome can also contain some harmful microorganisms too which can lead to a host of health issues. The ratio of good bacteria may be altered by a number of factors, including: medication, dietary changes, illness and more. These changes may disrupt the balance of good vs bad bacteria and other micro-organism in the gut biome. The resulting imbalance has been linked with a number of chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, colorectal cancer, cardiovascular disease and inflammatory bowel disease. 

10 Signs of Poor Gut Health 

If you experience one or more of the following ten symptoms you may have poor gut health. They are:

•Chronic Fatigue: Some people that are lethargic may have an imbalance in their gut biome. A study found that almost 50% of people with chronic fatigue suffered from IBS.

•Upset Stomach: Those with frequent diarrhea, gas, bloating, stomach cramps and heartburn may be struggling to process their food and eliminate waste.

•Food Intolerances: Some people are intolerant to certain foods because they have poor quality bacteria in their gut biome. This can lead to digestion issues, nausea, gas, bloating and abdominal cramps after eating.

•Insomnia: If you experience poor quality sleep or complete insomnia the origins may be in your gut biome. Most of the serotonin which affects our mood and sleep is produced in our gut. If there is bad bacteria or inflammation this may affect the quality of our sleep. 

•Weight Changes: If you’ve experienced unintentional weight gain or loss this may indicate that the gut biome is out of balance. Your body may be struggling to regulate blood sugar, store fat and absorb nutrients from the food you eat. 

•Extreme Food Cravings: When we eat too much sugar we can encourage bad bacteria in the gut biome. The consumption of sugar and high-fructose corn syrup specifically has been linked to inflammation and disease. 

•Migraines: Studies have found that there is a link between gastrointestinal disorders and frequent migraines or headaches. This is especially true if you’re nauseous and/or vomiting during a particularly bad migraine.

•Skin Irritations: Certain skin conditions, such as: eczema, acne and psoriasis are often related to poor gut health.

•Anxiety and Depression: Poor gut health can lead to nervous system inflammation which may lead to feelings of anxiety and depression.

•Autoimmune Conditions: Certain bad bacteria in the gut can trigger an autoimmune condition, such as: type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis and thyroid issues. 

How Can I Fix My Gut Health?

Don’t despair, it is possible to restore balance to your gut biome and improve your gut health. This will alleviate the health issues and help you to enjoy a better quality of life. Try one or more of the following tips and tricks and if they don’t help seek the advice of your doctor and/or a nutritionist. 

•Add Probiotics: A probiotic can be taken in a variety of forms, including: kefir, yogurt, kimchi, kombucha or as a vitamin capsule. These will promote healthy bacteria growth to tip the balance back to normal.

•Slower Eating: Make sure that you’re chewing your food thoroughly to absorb all the nutrients and to aid proper digestion.

•Limit Sugar and Processed Foods: Concentrate on cleaner lean proteins and plant-based foods with plenty of fiber to improve your gut health.

•Proper Hydration: Drink plenty of water, this will improve digestion and your overall health. 

•Try an Elimination Diet: If certain foods are causing acid reflux, cramping, nausea and other issues try an elimination diet to identify and remove them. 

•Get Adequate Sleep: Try to get 7-9 hours sleep every night for better hormone balance. Don’t eat or become stressed too close to your bedtime to encourage good sleep. 

•Get Regular Exercise: When we move our bodies the healthy microbes work better to prevent disease, keep the bowel movements regular and improve our overall health. 

•Quit Smoking: The digestive system is harmed by smoking in multiple ways, including: ulcers, liver disease, heartburn and even cancer.

•Reduce Stress: Living a stressful life can play havoc with your gut biome and it can lead to IBS. Look for ways to manage and reduce stress in your daily life and this may improve your gut health.