The gut’s immense mystery, as well as its relevance to our general wellbeing, is a growing area of medical study. Gut health has been linked to the immune system, mood, mental health, autoimmune diseases, endocrine disorders, skin conditions, and cancer in several trials over the last two decades.
Our digestive system was once thought to be a pretty “simple” body system, consisting largely of one long tube into which our food would flow, be absorbed, and then be excreted. The microorganisms that live in your intestines are referred to as the “gut microbiota.”
Author: Dr. Sarmed Sami MBChB, MRCP, PGCME, PhD
Consultant Gastroenterologist, Founder and Director of Digestive Health UK. https://digestivehealthuk.com/
Signs that you need to improve your digestive health
Many aspects of daily life will damage our gut microbiota, including elevated stress levels, insufficient sleep, consuming packaged and high-sugar foods, and taking antibiotics. This, in fact, may have an effect on other facets of our health, including the brain, heart, immune system, skin, weight, hormone levels, nutrient absorption, and even cancer growth.
A dysfunctional gut can show itself in a variety of ways. The following are seven of the most famous warning signs for a bad digestive health:
Upset stomach
Gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and heartburn are all symptoms of a bacterial overgrowth in the stomach. A healthy stomach has an easier time absorbing food and removing waste.
A high sugar diet
The amount of healthy bacteria in your intestine can be reduced by eating a diet rich in refined foods and added sugars. Increased sugar cravings will result from this mismatch, further damaging your stomach. Refined sugars, especially high-fructose corn syrup, have been related to an increase in body inflammation. Inflammation is a risk factor for a variety of illnesses, including cancer.
Weight changes
Gaining or losing weight without changing your diet or workout routine may indicate a problem with your stomach. Your body’s ability to digest carbohydrates, control blood sugar, and store fat will all be harmed by an unbalanced stomach. Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) can cause weight loss, while insulin resistance or the need to overeat as a result of reduced nutrient absorption can cause weight gain.
Fight with sleep disorders
Sleep problems, such as anxiety or inadequate sleep, can be exacerbated by an unhealthy stomach, resulting in persistent fatigue. The stomach produces the bulk of the body’s serotonin, a drug that affects mood and sleep. As a result, gut injury will make it difficult to get a good night’s sleep. Sleep disruptions have also been attributed to an increased risk of fibromyalgia.
Irritation of skin
Eczema and other skin disorders can be linked to a weakened stomach. Inflammation in the stomach caused by a healthy diet or food allergies can lead to a rise in the “leaking” of such proteins into the bloodstream, irritating the skin and causing conditions like eczema.
Conclusion
Food intolerances occur when such foods are unable to digest (this is different from a food allergy, which is caused by an immune system reaction to certain foods). Food intolerances are believed to be caused by a lack of good bacteria in the gut. This can cause bloating, gas, diarrhea, stomach pain, and nausea, as well as making it impossible to digest the trigger foods. Food allergy can be linked to gut function, according to some evidence.