7 Signs Of An Unhealthy Gut
The Gut Microbiome
We all know how complex and important our gut is to our overall Health. Numerous studies have been done demonstrating the links between gut health and mood, mental health, autoimmune disease, endocrine disorders, skin conditions, cancer and immune system.
‘Gut microbiome’ refers to the microorganisms living in your intestines. There are numerous amounts of different species of bacteria in our digestive tracts. Some are harmful, some are incredibly beneficial and even necessary to our overall health. Having a wide spectrum of these beneficial bacteria means your immune system can be enhanced, improved mood, help with digestion and numerous other benefits.
#1 Upset Stomach
Stomach disturbances like gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and heartburn can all be signs of an unhealthy gut. A balanced gut will have less difficulty processing food and eliminating waste.
#2 A High-Sugar Diet
A diet high in processed foods and added sugars can decrease the amount of good bacteria in your gut. This imbalance can cause increased sugar cravings, which can damage your gut still further. High amounts of refined sugars, particularly high-fructose corn syrup, have been linked to increased inflammation in the body. Inflammation can be the precursor to a number of diseases and even cancers.
#3 Unintentional Weight Changes
Gaining or losing weight without making changes to your diet or exercise habits may be a sign of an unhealthy gut. An imbalanced gut can impair your body’s ability to absorb nutrients, regulate blood sugar, and store fat. Weight loss may be caused by small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), while weight gain may be caused by insulin resistance or the urge to overeat due to decreased nutrient absorption.
#4 Sleep Disturbances Or Constant Fatigue
An unhealthy gut may contribute to sleep disturbances such as insomnia or poor sleep, and therefore lead to chronic fatigue. The majority of the body’s serotonin, a hormone that affects mood and sleep, is produced in the gut. So gut damage can impair your ability to sleep well. Some sleep disturbances have also been linked to risk for fibromyalgia.
#5 Skin Irritation
Skin conditions like eczema may be related to a damaged gut. Inflammation in the gut caused by a poor diet or food allergies may cause increased “leaking” of certain proteins out into the body, which can in turn irritate the skin and cause conditions such as eczema.
#6 Autoimmune Conditions
Medical researchers are continually finding new evidence of the impact of the gut on the immune system. It’s thought that an unhealthy gut may increase systemic inflammation and alter the proper functioning of the immune system. This can lead to autoimmune diseases, where the body attacks itself rather than harmful invaders.
#7 Food Intolerances
Food intolerances are the result of difficulty digesting certain foods (this is different than a food allergy, which is caused by an immune system reaction to certain foods). It’s thought that food intolerances may be caused by poor quality of bacteria in the gut. This can lead to difficulty digesting the trigger foods and unpleasant symptoms such as bloating, gas, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and nausea. There is some evidence that food allergies may also be related to gut health.
How Chiropractic Can Help
Chiropractors are well known as doctors for neck and back pain, but regular adjustments can benefit the body in many ways. Chiropractors treat the spine, which is essential to the function of the central nervous system (CNS). The CNS is responsible for every function in the body, including digestion. When it isn’t functioning optimally, the other systems don’t work as well either. So by improving the health of your CNS, you enable it to do its job along with enabling the other systems of the body to function optimally, too.
The first approach will be to return the spine to proper alignment. Everyday wear and tear causes the vertebrae of the spine to move a bit out of place or become misaligned. The use of spinal manipulations and other chiropractic treatments can put those vertebrae back in place. This allows the spine and central nervous system to work properly and improve the health and function of the rest of the body systems, like digestion! Book now for your initial consultation!
At WYLD Chiropractic, we also recommend supplements to support the body.
References
https://www.healthylifechiropractic.com/health-and-wellness-articles/got-gut-problems-get-adjusted
https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/can-gut-bacteria-improve-your-health
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-brain-gut-connection
https://www.gutmicrobiotaforhealth.com/category/research-practice/
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20190121-what-we-do-and-dont-know-about-gut-health