You don’t have to be a gut health specialist to be aware of the strong links between gut health and our physical and mental health, as it has become a common topic in the media. Almost everyone has heard that the gut is now being dubbed the “second brain”.
With studies showing correlations between gut health and our brain, sleep, immune system, mental health, and even cancer, it is certainly an important subject of which all of us should be aware.
Our award-winning naturopath Tony Daniel has been a gut health specialist for 20 years, and is well-versed in the concerns that come with imbalanced gut health, and can help you improve your gut flora for a healthier and happier life.
Signs of Poor Gut Health
Having poor gut health typically means that your microbiome or bacteria that live in your intestines are lacking or imbalanced. A healthy gut will usually have about 100 trillion bacteria of around 500 different species – the more the merrier! The top three signs that your gut bacteria is in poor shape and in need of some assistance include, but are certainly not limited to:
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Digestive discomfort
If you experience frequent digestive upsets or discomfort like bloating, constipation, diarrhea, excess or malodorous gas, indigestion or heartburn, this is very likely due to poor gut health. While some of these symptoms can also be caused by medical conditions such as diverticulitis or Crohn’s disease, it’s very common for people to experience severe stomach discomfort simply due to an unhealthy gut. Research also suggests that imbalanced gut bacteria can lead to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). No matter the cause, our health professionals can help to alleviate your symptoms and manage your digestive issues by focusing on improving your gut health.
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Fatigue and sleep disturbance
Our gut is constantly communicating with our brain and central nervous system, so many of the chemical messengers that send signals between the body and the brain are produced and regulated by our gut microbiome. This includes sleep hormones such as serotonin and tryptophan, which are responsible for balancing and lifting mood and promoting sleep via its conversion to melatonin. When these hormones are not being produced or regulated properly, your depression increases, cravings for sugar increase and your sleep quality is reduced, meaning you are more likely to feel fatigued during the day.
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Food cravings and weight gain
The bacteria in our gut survives on the food we eat, so the more diverse our diet, the more diverse our gut bacteria become. Poor gut health commonly indicates that we are not eating a diet that is diverse enough to feed the varying bacteria in our gut. Commonly, people who eat a diet high in sugar and processed foods have a less diverse microbiome which, in fact, causes them to experience cravings for sugar and simple carbohydrates. It can also affect the production of hormones that make us feel full and satiated, resulting in overeating and weight gain. Try some of our healthy and delicious recipes for good gut health here. Tony Daniel our Award Winning Naturopath is a gut health specialist, in addition to helping people lose weight and feel great. (You can find more information on our successful weight loss programs here.)
Talk to our Gut Health Specialist Today!
These are three common signs of poor gut health, but you may be feeling other symptoms such as mood instability, inflammation of allergies, migraines, skin irritations, and more. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is very likely that you can alleviate them and prevent the development of more severe conditions with the help of our gut health specialist here at Capalaba Natural Health.
With our expert in gut health and naturopathy, we can help you ease your pain naturally and proactively. We take a holistic approach, looking at all elements of your health including diet, environment, activity levels, stress, and more. Our priority is to treat the origin of your symptoms to improve your physical and mental health for vitality and better quality of life.
Call us on (07) 3823 3103 to secure an appointment or book your Naturopathic digestive health consultation online now – and take the first step towards regaining your vitality.
