We don’t really consider the importance of a “healthy gut” – until we have a serious gut health issue

How often do you think about the health of your gut? If the answer is, “Not that much,” don’t worry – you’re in good company. 

Quick Read:

  • Your gut is important for more than just digesting food. The health of your gut impacts everything from the strength of your immune system to your mental state.
  • When your gut is healthy, almost every other part of your body runs smoothly.

What does gut health mean?

When it comes to a healthy gut, the keyword is BALANCE. A healthy gut means that everything is in balance and working in harmony; that is, the mix of bacteria, fungi and other tiny organisms that live in your digestive systems. These organisms work to help digest your food and absorb the essential nutrients from this food to keep your immune system strong and healthy.

It’s like a well-practised orchestra, all these players are perfectly in sync and doing their little jobs efficiently to keep you in great condition.

 

Symptoms of an unhealthy gut

When your gut isn’t functioning properly, it can affect your body in unexpected ways.

Not sleeping well

An unhealthy gut can leave you with many restless nights. Serotonin is a hormone that helps to improve the quality of our sleep. When your gut balance is not quite right, you may have low serotonin levels, which can lead to insomnia, trouble sleeping, or interrupted sleep. This, in turn, often means you’re constantly tired.

Mood swings

There is a significant link between your gut and brain. This is called the “gut-brain axis.” When the bacteria in your gut are out of balance, you may feel its effects on your mental health and it may trigger issues like depression, mood swings and anxiety. Studies show that your gut makes many chemicals that control your mood, so if your gut is not healthy, it can also affect how you feel emotionally.

Unhealthy gut symptoms

Skin problems

As an adult, you may be wondering why you’re suddenly having acne again. Yes, your gut problems can even impact your skin and create conditions like acne, eczema, or rashes. This is because when the gut is inflamed or imbalanced, it can cause inflammation in other areas of the body, including the skin.

Digestion and weight problems

If you find yourself losing weight without being on a diet or actively trying to, or conversely, gaining weight although your calories remain stable – these could be signs of a gut imbalance. These health conditions are often linked to your digestion. Frequent bloating, gas, constipation, diarrhoea or acid reflux are red flags that something’s off with your gut health. It’s like an alarm going off internally – pay attention!

Help at hand

It’s important to listen to your body and recognise when your gut is out of balance. If you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms regularly, it may be a sign that your gut health needs attention. Start by cleaning up and improving your diet. What you eat plays a big role in keeping your gut healthy.

  • Fill up on fibre-rich foods (fruits, vegetables and wholegrains). It’s all about nourishing the good bacteria in your gut.
  • Add fermented foods like yoghurt, kefir and sauerkraut to your meals.
  • Kick sugar, extra salt, and artificial ingredients out of your diet. These substances often upset the balance in your gut.
  • Make water your drink of choice. Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated to make digestion easier.

Images: Pexels

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