Many aspects of daily life, including high tension, inadequate sleep, consuming refined and high-sugar foods, and taking antibiotics, can all affect our gut microbiota and gut health. This, in fact, can have an effect on other areas of our wellbeing, including the brain, heart, immune system, skin, weight, hormone levels and nutrient absorption.
A dysfunctional gut can show itself in a variety of ways. The following are three of the most prominent symptoms:
1. Upset stomachs & Food intolerances
Gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and heartburn may all be symptoms of an unstable stomach. A good gut would have less trouble consuming food and removing waste. Food intolerances, which involve difficulty digesting certain foods, could be the cause of this. Food intolerances are said to be caused by a deficiency of beneficial bacteria in the intestine
2. A high sugar diet
A high-processed-food and added-sugar diet will minimise the number of healthy bacteria in your gut. This imbalance will lead to intensified sugar cravings, which will aggravate your stomach even further. Excessive consumption of refined sugars, especially high-fructose corn syrup, has been related to an increase in inflammation in the body. Inflammation may be a precursor to a variety of illnesses, including cancer.
3. Sleep disturbances and constant fatigue
An unstable gut may induce sleep problems like insomnia or inadequate sleep, which can lead to chronic fatigue. The stomach produces most of the body’s serotonin, a drug that affects mood and sleep. As a result, gut damage will affect the ability to sleep peacefully. Few sleep conditions have also been related to an elevated risk of fibromyalgia.
Things you can do to improve your gut health
Check for intolerances
You may have a food allergy if you have cramping, bloating, stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea, exhaustion, or acid reflux. You can see how the symptoms change by removing typical trigger foods. If you can recognise a food or foods that are causing your complaints, improving your dietary behaviours can result in a positive improvement in your gut health.
Lower stress levels
Chronically elevated levels of tension are tough for the whole body, including your gut. Meditation, exercising, enjoying a massage, spending time with friends or relatives, diffusing essential oils, minimizing caffeine consumption, yoga, or simply spending time with a pet are all ways to relieve tension.
Eating slower
consuming your food properly and eating slower will further facilitate in maximum digestion and nutrient absorption. This may aid in the reduction of digestive pain and the maintenance of a balanced stomach.
Supplements
Lastly, using supplements in your diet can be an excellent way to increase your gut health. Prebiotic supplements have “food” to stimulate the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut.
