Digestive health is important to our overall health and can actually be connected to other major health issues. When the microbes and good bacteria in your gut are unbalanced, it can cause inflammation, bloating, and food sensitivities. Unhealthy guts can be painful and inconvenient to deal with, especially if they cause another long-term diagnosis. Let’s look at some of the health conditions that can be worsened or jump-started by a damaged GI tract.
Why Is Gut Health So Important?
Many studies have shown that the gut is connected to many other parts of our body, especially the brain and nervous system. When the gut microbiome is unbalanced, it can lead to a variety of food sensitivities, bloating, headaches, and mood disorders. Letting gut health decline can cause other parts of your health to rapidly decline, leading to a more debilitating lifestyle.
Anxiety & Depression
The gut and brain connection can cause mood disruptions or gut disruptions when one is experiencing an imbalance. The gut microbiome can play a critical role in your mental health, leading to worsened anxiety and depression. The enteric nervous system and the central nervous system are also connected to your gut health and have been linked to triggering mood changes. Healing your gut or getting mental help can help you limit extreme symptoms.
Dermatitis, Psoriasis, Acne, Ect.
Your skin is directly connected to your diet, environment, gut health, and hormones. When a person’s gut is inflamed, they may experience something called “leaky gut,” which can cause food allergies or sensitivities as well. This inflammation can spread to other places in your body, causing rashes, acne, dermatitis, or other skin conditions. Having enough healthy bacteria in your body will help fight the bad bacteria. Keeping up with a skincare routine and eating a balanced diet can help improve your skin and gut microbiome.
Fatigue & Sleep Issues
Insomnia or poor sleep can result from an unhealthy cut, leading to fatigue during the daytime. The majority of our bodies’ serotonin is produced in the gut, so when it is inflamed, it may not be able to produce enough to aid in sleep. When your sleep is affected, it can be hard to stick to your routine or improve other aspects of your life. If you are constantly experiencing sleep disturbances, you should take action to learn more about your gut health before you begin experiencing other symptoms.
Autoimmune Diseases
The most common reaction to an unbalanced gut microbiome is worsened symptoms of autoimmune diseases. Some people who experience prolonged gut disruptions have developed an autoimmune disease like thyroid issues, type 1 diabetes, Hashimoto’s, chronic fatique, multiple sclerosis, etc. Since about 80 percent of your immune system is located in your gut, supporting your gut can help boost your immune system and limit severe symptoms of autoimmune diseases.
Enhanced Sugar Cravings
Extreme food cravings of any kind can be linked to gut health. The imbalances can make it difficult for you to digest certain foods, store fat, and regulate your blood sugar. This could also lead to unexplained weight loss or weight gain. Craving sugar can be one of the first indicators of poor gut health, especially if you are eating a diet filled with processed food and refined sugars.
Intolerance To Some Foods
If you start to have seemingly random sensitivities to certain foods, this can be a sign of an unhealthy gut. Lactose sensitivity, upset stomach after acidic or sugary foods, or extra bloating after eating are signs of poor gut health. After you eat, if you have bloating, nausea, diarrhea, or abdominal pain, it will be beneficial to have your gut health checked. Struggling to digest food can make life harder and less enjoyable, leading to further issues down the line.
GI Support And Testing From Regeneration Health
Working with Regeneration Health can help you improve your gut health and overall health. We provide services like nutrition counseling, food sensitivity testing, and help with different diets. We know that keeping up with a healthy diet and all of the changes in your body can be taxing, so our team helps provide you with personalized guidance that is catered to your specific situation and background.
Regeneration Health will get to the root cause of your symptoms, rather than just suggesting medication or limiting stress. Whether you struggle with food cravings, autoimmune conditions, or weight loss challenges, we are here to help you create a comprehensive health plan. Schedule a consult with us to see how we can improve your health!