How Important is Your Gut Health?

We are starting to understand, more and more, the importance of maintaining and improving gut health. The gut is not simply restricted to the stomach but impacts your general health. Recent years have revealed links between your gut’s health and the immune system, mental health, endocrinological diseases, skin health and even cancer.

The gut is a microbiome. This is because it sustains tiny microorganisms, who all carry out important roles in processing your food. Each of us has 300 to 500 different species of microorganisms living in our intestines: It’s a pretty busy place!

In fact, according to the Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, the wider the range of bacteria species you have living in your gut, the better your general health will be.

How to Tell Your Gut Needs Attention
Your gut microbiome is not only important but also fragile. Daily stresses such as not sleeping enough, eating processed food, too much sugar and taking antibiotics all upset your gut. Here are some signs that your gut may be under pressure!

1. Stomach upset
Perhaps the most obvious sign that your gut microbiome is not well, is a general sense of malaise in that region. If you are having unexpected gas, bloating or diarrhoea, that could be your body’s way of letting you know that your gut isn’t happy with you.

2. Random Weight Changes
Dropped or gained a few pounds without meaning to, or changing your diet and exercise routine? It could be a sign that your gut health is suffering.

3. Fatigue and Poor Sleep
Sleeping badly is actually a sign that your gut health is impaired. Serotonin, a hormone controlling the mood and sleep quality, is actually produced in the gut. If your gut isn’t functioning properly, you may find that you are producing less serotonin.

4. Skin Issues
If you are coming out in hives or eczema, it could be a sign of chronic inflammation. Gut health impacts the levels of chronic inflammation in the body and this can irritate the skin. Healthy skin is a sign of a healthy gut.

It Gets Better!
You can improve your gut health in a few ways. Probiotics, such as fermented food and yoghurt are good for nurturing your gut bacteria colonies. Drinks like kefir and unsweetened kombucha are particularly good for this.

You should also ensure you are eating plenty of fibre, such as beans, oats, bananas and green leafy veg to boost your gut health. Moreover, collagen-boosters like bone broth and salmon will also work wonders.