Gut health is a term that’s thrown around a lot – but what exactly does it mean? Many people don’t realize the key role our gastrointestinal system plays in our overall wellbeing. We all know that our gut works hard for us behind the scenes, processing the food we eat and balancing our digestive tract. However, most people don’t realize that the gut’s ability to absorb nutrients and produce healthy bacteria support a multitude of other bodily functions such as hormonal balance, skin health, mental acuity, energy production and even toxin elimination.
Is Your Gut Trying To Tell You Something About Your Health?
Approximately 70-80 percent our immune system tissue resides in gastrointestinal systems, making it vital to keep our digestive tracts operating at peak performance levels. With so much riding on our GI balance, it’s important to understand the signs of an unhealthy gut. Several basic warning signs suggest something is out of whack internally and may require modification to diet and daily routines. Some key indicators of poor gut health include:
Digestive Problems
Not surprisingly, issues with digestion are telltale signs that something is amiss with our gut. Gas, bloating, IBS, heartburn, diarrhea, and constipation are just some of the many symptoms stemming from unhealthy bacteria in our digestive system.
Skin Issues
Sure, we all get an occasional breakout on our skin. However, recurrent episodes of acne, eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis could all be indicative of unbalanced bacteria levels in our gastrointestinal tract.
Autoimmune Disease
Autoimmune issues prompt our body to attack its own systems, making it challenging to manage once the condition begins. Hashimoto’s, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease may all be the result of an unhealthy gut.
Cognitive Disorders
Gut wellbeing can have a direct impact on your brain function. Bacteria found in our guts produce neurotransmitters that are vital to our cognitive health. The imbalance of these neurotransmitters can result in a multitude of brain disorders such as depression, anxiety, OCD, and brain fog. If you suddenly find yourself suffering from these mental issues, your digestive tract may be to blame.
Consistent, Unmanaged Stress
Chronic stress can wreak havoc on our physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. Yes, periodic anxiety is often an avoidable fact of life. However, prolonged stretches of unchecked stress elevate cortisol, which prohibits your gut from performing as it should. Getting your stress under control can have a positive influence on this critical internal function.
Are you concerned about your gut health? We can help. Schedule a no-risk consultation with one of our veteran chiropractic neurologists to discuss your specific health profile.