Your gut is often called your “second brain” for good reason. It plays a significant role in your digestion, immune system, and mental health. When your gut isn’t in balance, it can throw off your entire body. But how can you tell when your gut health is off? Thankfully, your body sends plenty of signals when something isn’t quite right, and once you know what to look for, it’s easier to take steps toward fixing it. Here’s a breakdown of what gut health really means, how to spot the signs of an unhappy gut, and actionable tips to help you get back on track.
What Is Gut Health?
Gut health refers to the balance of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms living in your digestive tract. Collectively called the gut microbiome, this community of microorganisms plays a crucial role in your overall well-being.
A healthy gut not only ensures efficient digestion but also supports your immune function, regulates hormones, and can even impact your mood and mental clarity when this system is out of balance—whether due to diet, stress, or medical factors—it can lead to a range of health issues.
Signs of an Unhappy Gut
Your gut is excellent at letting you know when something isn’t right. Here are some common signs that indicate an imbalance:
- Digestive troubles: Bloating, gas, constipation, or diarrhea often point to a gut in distress.
- Chronic fatigue: If you’re constantly tired, an imbalance in gut bacteria could be affecting your energy levels and nutrient absorption.
- Frequent illness: About 70 percent of your immune system resides in your gut. If you find yourself catching colds or infections often, your gut may need attention.
- Skin issues: Eczema, acne, or other skin problems can stem from inflammation caused by an unhealthy gut.
- Mood swings or anxiety: Through the gut-brain axis, these two organs communicate, meaning gut imbalances can influence your mental health.
- Food intolerances: Suddenly reacting to certain foods could indicate your gut can’t properly break them down.
How To Address Concerns
Being able to tell when your gut health is off is half the battle—now it’s time to learn how to fix it.
Adjust Your Diet
What you eat directly impacts your gut health. Prioritize whole, unprocessed foods and add lots of fiber-rich fruits and vegetables. Probiotic-rich options like yogurt, kefir, kimchi, and sauerkraut can replenish your gut’s good bacteria. Likewise, prebiotic foods such as garlic, bananas, and oats feed that good bacterium, helping it thrive. Even honey might be the perfect prebiotic supplement, and its delicious flavor is just a bonus.
As you consume more gut-friendly foods, reduce your intake of processed foods, which are more likely to harm your microbiome.
Manage Stress
Your gut also processes stress. Therefore, chronic anxiety can upset the balance. Try meditation, yoga, or simply taking regular breaks during the day to calm both your mind and your microbiome.
Get Enough Sleep
Your body heals and restores itself, including its digestive system, during sleep. Aim for 7–9 hours of quality sleep each night to give your gut the reset it needs. Also, avoid heavy meals and caffeine before bedtime to establish better sleep hygiene.
Stay Hydrated
Water plays a key role in breaking down food and supporting smooth digestion. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated and keep your digestive system functioning optimally.
Consult a Professional
If undesirable gut health symptoms persist despite lifestyle changes, consult with a healthcare professional. A doctor or dietitian can provide tailored advice, recommend tests, or suggest supplements to help restore your gut health.
This article was written for WHN by Casey Cartwright, a passionate copyeditor highly motivated to provide compelling SEO content in the digital marketing space. Her expertise includes a vast range of industries from highly technical, consumer, and lifestyle-based, with an emphasis on attention to detail and readability.
As with anything you read on the internet, this article should not be construed as medical advice; please talk to your doctor or primary care provider before changing your wellness routine. WHN does not agree or disagree with any of the materials posted. This article is not intended to provide a medical diagnosis, recommendation, treatment, or endorsement.
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