We hear the phrase “gut health” a lot, but what does it really mean? The gut, or gastrointestinal (GI) system actually affects our overall health, including mood and immune function. Dr. Sooraj Tejaswi explains that a healthy gut “contains healthy bacteria and immune cells that ward off infectious agents like bacteria, viruses and fungi.” A healthy gut also communicates with the brain through nerves and hormones to maintain health and well-being.
So how do you know when your gut isn’t so healthy? Doctors share these red flags to watch out for:
- Digestive problems - One obvious sign is constant digestive issues, which can include IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), diarrhea and such. Dr. Tejaswi points out that everyone experiences things like bloating, constipation, heartburn, nausea or vomiting sometimes, but when it’s persistent, it could be a sign of an underlying medical problem.
- Skin issues - Dietitian nutritionist Doug Cook explains, “The health of our gut influences the health of our brains and vice versa, so it really shouldn’t come as a surprise that gut health has an impact on other organs such as the skin. Dr. Raj Kumar notes that gut microbiomes can affect acne and dermatitis.
- Sugar cravings - Intense sugar and carb cravings could be a symptom of unhealthy gut bacteria, which nutrition expert Traci D. Mitchell compares to a forest fire. “Unhealthy gut bacteria is fierce, dangerous and can grow out of control quickly,” she explains. “Think of sugar as wind. When you add sugar to the mix, bacteria grow like crazy. You're fanning the flames on the fire!” But increasing good gut bacteria helps get rid of those sugar and carb cravings.
- Sleep issues - It turns out, gut health impacts sleep and vice versa. Dr. Michael Gelb explains that sleep apnea and other sleep airway disorders can damage your gut microbiome, which can then affect production of melatonin and serotonin, which both affect your ability to sleep.
Source: Eat This Not That
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