Chances are you’ve read a headline in the past year or two about the importance of gut health. But what exactly is gut health about? And why should you care about whether or not you have a healthy gut? These are question I want to give you the answer to today.
Your digestive system acts as a home to many different types of bacteria that line your entire digestive system, and each person has their own unique blend of different bacteria in their gut. Having too much of certain types of bacteria can cause a multitude of problems.
Here are a few ways to help you find out if you may have an unhealthy gut.
1. Stress, Anxiety and Depression
The lining of your intestines contains nerves that communicate with the brain; your intestines are also responsible for releasing neurotransmitters that make you feel good. This means that your gut health does not only affect your physical health, but your emotional health. So if your gut is working well then you are likely to feel more mentally healthy and happy as well.
2. You Get Sick a Lot
According to the Gut Health Project “It has been estimated that about 75% of our immune system is found in out GI Tract”. In other words a weakened gut means a weakened immune system. This may explain why no matter how much Vitamin C you take you still seem to catch the cold - you simply have an unhealthy gut.
3. Skin Problems
Your gut affects the inflammation throughout your entire body, which in turn greatly affects your skin. So it you have acne, dandruff, or dry, itchy skin that won’t go away no matter how dutifully you slather on lotions and ointments, the problem might be originating from your gut.
4. Stubborn Weight
Studies have shown that people who are overweight have differing intestinal bacteria from those who have a healthy weight. This different combination of bacteria can be one that has existed since birth, making is harder for some people to maintain a health weight. The good news is that as overweight people lose weight their gut bacteria become more balanced as well. But, if you you can’t seem to lose weight at all the first step may be to work on your gut health.
5. Lack of Energy
An unhealthy gut prevents your digestive system from working properly which may mean that your body is not absorbing the nutrients it needs to function properly, leaving you feel fatigued. So if you can’t seem to get your energy levels up no matter how much sleep you get the real problem might be found within your gut.
Check back in later this month for some tips on how to gain a healthy gut, and in the meantime try our enzyme blend to maintain a healthy gut.