The Inner Biome: 4 Signs Of A Compromised Gut
A community of microorganisms that reside in our intestines constantly protect and maintain our wellbeing each day. The gastrointestinal (GI) tract, commonly referred to as our gut, actively ingests helpful nutrients while keeping waste products out through digestion.
About 200 different species of bacteria, viruses, and fungi reside in each individual, and that gathering of microorganisms is termed as 'gut microbiome". Some residents are harmful but most of them are necessary and to our benefit.
An increasing number of studies across the decade have discovered links between gut health and the immune system, endocrine disorders, gastrointestinal disorders, cardiovascular disease, and mental health.
Many areas of everyday life can gradually affect your gut's condition. Constant stress, inadequate sleep, and overconsumption of processed food can impact your gut microbiome's ability to function.
Take note of these four signs that may arise when your gut is in trouble:
Upset stomach
As a part of your GI tract, disturbance in your stomach can also be a signal of problems in your gut. Common issues linked to gut health include experiencing bloating, diarrhea, constipation, and heartburn. These symptoms will decrease if your gut is balanced as your body absorbs food and eliminates waste better.
Sudden weight change
If you suddenly gain or lose significant weight without having changed your diet or participating in strenuous activity, then this can be a signal that your gut requires attention. When your gut is imbalanced, the natural functions of your digestive system are compromised, affecting your fat storage and blood sugar regulation. Loss of weight can also be attributed to malabsorption due to SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth).
Fragmented sleep
Our energy levels are affected by our diet and how naturally we break down food. One study noted that gut bacteria imbalance may be linked to fragmented sleep and shorter sleep lengths. The lack of sleep can then contribute to chronic fatigue. Though the direct impact is unclear, it may likely be related to metabolic function, mental health, and inflammation.
Food intolerance
When we struggle to digest certain foods, this may be a case of food intolerance. One example of this is lactose intolerance which is an inability to digest the sugar in milk. Food intolerance is separate from food allergies, severe reactions from our immune system when consuming specific types of food.
There already exists research that shows the link of poor gut bacteria and food intolerance. Commons symptoms that arise include abdominal pain, gas, diarrhea, bloating, and sometimes nausea.
Some research suggests that probiotics may significantly affect the makeup of the gut microbiome and positively impact immunity. For probiotic supplements, check out KPTown's Chong Kun Dang Lacto-Fit ProBiotics Gold and Pro B10. They contain Lactobacillus, a type of good bacteria, and help improve the intestinal environment.
