Gut Health: The Answer to All Your Problems

Gut Health- defined, symptoms, guide

Upset stomach, skin irritation, and trouble sleeping at night. These common obstacles may sound all too familiar for those who struggle with bad gut health. The topic of gut health has risen to the surface within the last year shedding light on the impact that food intake has on not only weight gain but also many other issues that people may face on a day-to-day basis.

WHAT IS GUT HEALTH

The gut which includes organs such as the esophagus, stomach, and intestines, also is home to many bacteria. The majority of it is helpful because it digests food and turns it into nutrients. That “good” bacteria also multiples itself inside of the gut to help fight off the “bad” bacteria. With too many of the “bad” bacteria, health-related issues come into play.

WHY DOES IT MATTER

Healthy gut=Healthy you

According to UCDavis Health, “A healthy gut contains healthy bacteria and immune cells that ward off infectious agents like bacteria, viruses, and fungi. A healthy gut also communicates with the brain through nerves and hormones, which helps maintain general health and well-being.”

Research has also shown that without a healthy gut, there is also a rise in mental and physical health issues. With changes in the balance of good and bad bacteria, the brain can be affected causing symptoms like Parkinson’s, autism, anxiety, and depression.

As far as the physical health aspect goes, when your gut is not feeling great, neither are you. Think about it: you were super hungry, you pulled into the closest fast-food restaurant with a drive-thru and inhaled a cheeseburger. Pretty soon after, you are crouched over in pain, regretting every bite that you took of that ever-so delicious burger. 

It is not something anyone wants to hear, but processed food that contains destructive bacteria that causes all of the aches, pains, and bloating after eating it.

Protecting your gut and being mindful of what you are putting into your body is essential to a healthy lifestyle.

HOW TO HAVE GOOD GUT HEALTH

Food intake plays a primary role in how healthy one’s gut is. Healthline.com highlights a few foods that promote a healthy gut lifestyle.

1.Fruits, Vegetables, Beans, and Legumes
Some high fiber examples include: 

  • Raspberries

  • Artichokes

  • Green peas

  • Broccoli

  • Chickpeas

  • Lentils

  • Beans (kidney, pinto and white)

  • Whole grains. 

These foods contain so much fiber which helps the growth of beneficial bacteria like  Bifidobacteria.

2. Fermented foods
When foods are fermented that means that they can convert sugar into acids or alcohol. Some examples include:

  • Yogurt

  • Kimchi

  • Sauerkraut

  • Kefir

  • Kombucha

  • Tempeh

Probiotic Supplements
Probiotics are live microorganisms that contain health benefits when consumed. They are able to alter the balance of gut bacteria to get the gut back to a healthy state. Probiotics are also able to support metabolism. 

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF A BAD GUT

As mentioned before, some of the symptoms of poor gut health are more common than what you might think.

  • Sugar cravings

  • Fatigue

  • Digestive issues

  • Autoimmune issues like thyroid issues, rheumatoid arthritis and type 1 diabetes

  • Trouble sleeping

  • Skin allergies or rashes

If you start to experience anything listed above, go with your gut and take care of yourself. 

Sean Hall