Signs of A Unhealthy Gut
It’s certainly not the most glamorous organ in the human body, but don’t underestimate the little yet mighty gut. This often-overlooked player has an impact on our health that goes beyond simple digestive functions.
Let’s understand the differences between a healthy and unhealthy gut.
First – microbiome
The "gut microbiome" is the collection of tiny living organisms in your intestines. If you could peek into your digestive tract with supersonic vision, you’d find approximately 200 different types of bacteria, viruses, and fungi. While some of these micro-organisms can be harmful, many are helpful and necessary for your continued good health. In fact, some research suggests that having a diverse range of bacteria in the gut might lower the chances of health conditions such as diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease and psoriatic arthritis.
A Unhealthy Gut
In the context of gut health, "unhealthy" means there’s an imbalance or disrupted state of the gut microbiome. This could include an overgrowth of harmful micro-organisms, not enough beneficial bacteria or any other dysfunction that may cause digestive issues, discomfort, or illness.
Telling Signs of A Unhealthy Gut
Digestive issues:
- Bloating, gas, diarrhoea, constipation, or heartburn are all tell-tale signs of imbalances in your gut. Sometimes, it’s easy to overlook constipation or diarrhoea because bowel movements vary for different people. When it’s persistent though – in either scenario – check your symptoms with your doctor.
Food Intolerances
- Suddenly experiencing new sensitivities to specific foods or discomfort after a normal meal is again your gut sounding an alert signal. It could be due to the gut's inability to properly process a specific substance in that food or an imbalance in its micro-organisms. It’s a delicate dance within your gut – when its equilibrium is disrupted – it can lead to heightened sensitivities and reactions to foods that were once well-tolerated.
Weight Changes
- Losing weight through diet and exercise is normal. However, if you’re suddenly gaining or losing weight, it could be connected to disruptions in your gut health. Your gut's balance of micro-organisms affects how your body absorbs nutrients and manages your appetite. So, an unhealthy gut can cause inefficient nutrient absorption, potentially leading to weight gain. Conversely, imbalances can reduce nutrient absorption and appetite, leading to weight loss. Time to see your doctor in either of these cases…
Chronic Bad Breath
- Yep, this could be more than just last night’s garlic bread… Ever wondered why that persistent bad breath just won't budge? Well, it turns out that your gut health might be playing a sneaky role. You see, the gut is like a bustling city of microorganisms, some good, some not-so-good. When the balance goes awry, those not-so-good guys can cause trouble beyond your stomach. The troublemakers can release compounds that travel through your bloodstream and eventually reach your lungs, leading to an unpleasant breath situation.
Fatigue
- If you’re getting a full night’s sleep most days of the week and still feeling low on energy, your gut health could be running amok. Imagine your gut as a sleep conductor, responsible for orchestrating your restful nights. When things go haywire in your gut, those rebellious microorganisms can release compounds that mess with your body's internal sleep rhythm.
Tip
Don’t ignore worrying signs of an imbalance within your gut. Always go for a check-up and get treated for the underlying health issues before it leads to potentially far more serious conditions.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. Always check with your doctor or medical practitioner about any health concerns, before embarking on any fitness or nutrition programme, or using any medication.