Many people do not realise that a range of health issues can be connected back to your gut. Issues such as depression, diabetes, chronic fatigue syndrome, obesity and even mental health issues can be linked to gut health. Many of these associated health problems are as a direct result of poor eating and/or drinking habits, which result in poor gut health. So, what are the signs of an unhealthy gut?
There are the obvious signs, such as bloating (or gas) or irritable bowl syndrome. However, not all signs that something is not right with your gut is so easy to detect. This article talks about what to look out for if you suffer from poor gut health. Do you suffer from gut dysfunction? Keep reading to find out the symptoms of a poor gut or what is commonly known as a leaky gut.
Symptoms Of A Leaky Gut
1) Digestive issues
As a result of an imbalance of bacteria in your gut, which comprises of your intestines, colon, and stomach. Typical symptoms include bowel irritability or irregularity, bloating or gas. These symptoms are a sure sign that something is not right with your gut.
2) Craving sweets or sugary foods or drinks
Bad bacteria, as result of a poor diet for example, can contribute to sugar cravings because it thrives on fatty, sugary foods that are not good for us. These unhealthy foods affect our mood and cravings, which can create unhealthy habits.
3) Bad breath
Also known as halitosis, bad breath is usually as a result of poor digestive health, which leads to food not being properly digested or masticated leading to poor gum health and in extreme cases, gum disease. The balance of good and bad bacteria in the gut is essential to a balanced digestive system and in eradicating nasty infections like halitosis.
4) Food allergies or sensitivities
A problematic gut can be linked directly to food intolerances, such as gluten or dairy. Without a protective barrier, your gut is exposed to whatever comes into it. Therefore, making better food and drink choices can counteract the negative impact these substances have on your gut.
5) Mood, anxiety and depression
A compromised gut can also be associated to mental health. For example, it affects the serotonin and dopamine hormones, which are your mood receptors and vitamin D in your body. The majority of these hormones are made in your gut. The inner workings of your gut guide your emotions and feelings. Therefore, treating your gut can help support your mental health.
6) Skin problems
Many issues associated to the skin can be linked to poor digestive and gut health. For example, eczema is driven by systematic health conditions, such as inflammation, poor gut health or a compromised liver. Dealing with a compromised gut can make all the difference to clearing your complexion and improving the health of your skin.
7) Diabetes
According to scientific research, the health of your microbiota can be an indicator of diabetes. Changes in the large intestine can be linked to gut bacteria and type two diabetes. There are microbes in the intestinal bacteria population that form toxins that enter the gut and can cause inflammation throughout the body, including the liver and fat cells that affect overall metabolism and insulin sensitivities.
8) Autoimmune disease and suppressed immunity
These types of diseases manifest in the form of illnesses and infections. This is due to a supressed system. By healing the gut and removing intolerances, such as gluten and dairy may help to repair a leaky gut and combat these medical conditions.
Gut health is critical to overall health
All of the above symptoms are as a result of less-than-optimal gut flora, which can make you more susceptible to health conditions associated to poor gut health. There are many natural, non-evasive solutions to repair your gut so that it works in perfect balance with the bacteria going into it – good or bad. To achieve this balance, we recommend trying probiotics as it will kickstart you to a healthy digestive system and better overall health.