Paying Attention to Your Gut Health
Any visit to a natural food store and one might get lost in the sea of gut health-related products and supplements. The truth is digestive health is turning out to be a bigger deal than originally thought. Recent studies have concrete evidence that our gut flora (health) is related to advanced disease and even neurological health issues such as depression. Most gastroenterologists recommend taking steps to keep your gut health in balance.
What Does A Balanced Gut Mean? A balanced gut means your gut microbiome (community of microorganisms) is in good health. It probably seems counterintuitive to want to protect the bacteria in your body. However, in the case of gut health, there are millions of species of microbes that are beneficial to your health.
Signs and Symptoms of Poor Gut Health The signs of a poor gut can present in some ways, very dramatic fashion, or somewhat subtle. Obvious signs of trouble might be the diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome or IBS, Chron’s Disease, and other related problems with your digestive health.
More subtle signs might be:
• Diarrhea or persistent stomach upset, gas, or bloating can be symptomatic of a larger issue. There is nothing like stomach cramps and diarrhea to alert you that something is not quite right. It could also be a strong indication of Leaky Gut Syndrome. This is where the walls of the intestine suffer from holes, or cracks, and become permeable to allowing bacteria to pass into the bloodstream.
• Sugar Cravings – While it is normal to have a sweet tooth, not being able to effectively manage your cravings could indicate a disruptive balance in gut bacteria.
• Bad Breath – This is a big give-away that your gut is “unhappy”. Sulfuric compounds, the chemical that creates the rotten egg odor is probably influencing your mouth hygiene.
• Food Sensitivity or Intolerance – You may find that eating certain foods just don’t work well anymore. This represents an active change within your gut microbiome.
• Moody Behavior, Depression, Anxiety – A compromised gut doesn’t utilize effectively Vitamin D, serotonin, or dopamine. All of these things regulate our ability to cope with stress and affect contentment.
What Can You Do to Improve your Gut Health? All arrows point directly to improving your diet. Most medical experts agree that a solid nutritional plan is your best defense against leaky gut. A diet that consists of fiber-rich fruits and vegetables is a great start, with a special shout out for eating carrots. Nutritionists specify that eating raw carrots might be especially good for gut health. They contain a unique fiber that binds with endotoxins like excess estrogen and harmful bacteria.
Additionally, including fermented food choices like kimchee, pickles, and the popular drink kombucha is also recommended, as they contain live natural forms of good bacteria. Supplementing with probiotics might also be something to consult with your doctor about. Probiotics have been the source of many positive outcomes for those who suffer from poor gut health-related symptoms.