Facing gut health problems?
Well, you’re not alone!
Did you know that 7 out of 10 people in urban India suffer from gut health issues? The survey also states that 59 percent complain of gut issues every week.
Our gut is home to trillions of microorganisms (like viruses, bacteria, fungi, etc.), which combine to form the gut microbiome. Many factors are instrumental to gut health, like genetics, lifestyle, diet, atmosphere, hydration, etc. A healthy gut ensures proper digestion and functioning of the body. A healthy gut also maintains a happy mood.
What is Gut Health And Why is it Important
The term gut refers to the entire digestive system. It encompasses the entire path our food travels through. Gut microbiome is a dynamic ecosystem within our gastrointestinal tract. Made of trillions of microorganisms, it is a diverse colony of various bacteria, viruses, and fungi. These microorganisms are responsible for the breakdown of food, metabolism, nutrition absorption, and proper functioning of the digestive system and the body. Gut health is the term used to refer to the optimal balance and working of the GI tract.
Gut microbiome imbalances lead to serious chronic diseases, such as IBD, mental health disorders, type 2 diabetes, and autoimmune diseases etc. A healthy gut microbiome nurtures the immune system and regulates serotonin levels in the body.
What are the Bad Gut Health Symptoms?
Bad gut health impacts various aspects of our lives. Worried about having gut issues? Watch out for these bad gut health symptoms:
1. Food intolerances
A faulty gut microbiome may lead to intolerance to certain foods, drinks, ingredients, and additives. Intolerance often doesn’t lead to allergic reactions but gastric troubles like diarrhea, vomiting, gas, bloating, nausea, and stomach pain.
How do I know if I have a food intolerance?
Intolerance leads to immediate indigestion, which is why doctors recommend maintaining a food diary. Take notes of your food habits and refer to them in case of indigestion. This trick will help you create a list of foods that might act as a trigger.
2. Bloating and/or Gas
Bloating is another major symptom of gut microbiome imbalances. Food intolerance has grades. While some foods may cause immediate diarrhea, others may cause bloating, gas, or both. Constant bloating or bloating after meals is a significant sign that your gut bacteria are not in harmony.
How do I know if I have bloating or gas?
While everyone knows what gas is, bloating might go unseen without attention. Do you have days when your clothes fit a little tighter than usual? You may feel full, and your abdomen might be distended or firm to touch. Bloating is common in people who have GERD, IBS, IBD, or other digestive issues. Bloating before menstruation is common and should not be a cause of health concern.
3. Halitosis (Bad breath)
While bad breath can be a symptom of bad oral health or cavities, it is also a symptom of an unhealthy gut. An imbalance in gut microbiome leads to a build-up of bacteria called H. pylori in your gastrointestinal tract, which leads to foul breath.
How do I know if my bad breath is because of a faulty gut?
Maintaining a strict oral regime can help deal with bad breath related to oral health. Constant bad breath, even after following an oral regime with no cavities, indicates poor gut health.
4. Constant Fatigue
While fatigue is widespread these days due to our faulty diet and unhealthy lifestyle, it can also be a sign of gut problems. Improper digestion leads to malnutrition in the body, which causes fatigue and tiredness.
How do I know if my fatigue is a sign of a gut problem?
To determine the leading cause behind constant fatigue is to use the elimination method. Doctors often suggest investigative tests to rule out nutritional deficiencies and other diseases to pinpoint a valid reason for chronic fatigue.
5. Sudden Weight Changes
Improper digestion can lead to sudden weight changes. It can cause sudden weight loss or weight gain. Gut microbiome affects various aspects of the body, such as metabolism and nutrient absorption. Dysbiosis (imbalance of gut microbiome) can cause inflammation of the hormones that regulate appetite.
Do I feel more hungry because of gut issues?
Many bodily changes impact your appetite, and gut imbalance is one of them. Improper digestion often leads to hunger pangs or loss of appetite. Discuss any sudden changes in your appetite with your primary doctor.
6. Autoimmune Diseases
Studies reveal a close correlation between gut microbiome and autoimmune diseases. A healthy gut is responsible for a healthy and proactive immune system. Some gut bacteria can cause inflammation and trigger autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid, diabetes, etc.
How To Improve Gut Health?
To improve and maintain a healthy gut, you need to follow a healthy lifestyle with a balanced, nutritious diet. The gut microbiome is called the second brain of the body. It directly influences many health aspects. Maintaining a healthy and diverse gut microbiome is mandatory. You can test your gut microbiome and get valuable insights into your gut health and potential diseases. Follow these points to restore your gut health:
- Eat a diverse diet
- Include prebiotics and probiotics in your diet
- Limit artificial sugar
- Avoid stress and anxiety
- Exercise daily
- Stay hydrated
- Limit alcohol consumption
- Avoid smoking
Conclusion
We have already established the importance of gut microbiome. A thriving gut is your body’s best friend for vitality. Listen to your body’s cues and understand its requirements. As they say, health is wealth. Remember to love and nourish your body, follow a healthy lifestyle, and, more importantly, stay happy.
Have a happy gut day!!
Frequently Asked Questions
The gut microbiome refers to the diverse community of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microbes, that inhabit the gastrointestinal tract. It plays a crucial role in digestion, nutrient absorption, immune function, and overall health.
Yes, gut health affects mental health. Gut health is responsible for the production of serotonin and other neurotransmitters that influence mental health. This strong connection between the brain and gut is also called the gut-brain axis.
Gut health takes some time for improvement. Constant care and dedication to a healthy lifestyle can show visible results after 3-4 months.
Foods that support gut health include fiber-rich fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, fermented foods (such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi), as well as foods rich in prebiotics like garlic, onions, leeks, and bananas. These foods help nourish and maintain a diverse gut microbiome.
