“Live Dirtier. Eat Cleaner” - Robynne Chutkan

Most people don’t realize this 👉

It’s a common misconception that the only signs of poor gut health are digestive problems, like gas, bloating, heartburn, constipation, or diarrhea.

Problems in the gut can also cause or aggravate:

Food Sensitivities

An unhealthy gut can lead to increased permeability of the intestinal lining, often referred to as "leaky gut." This condition allows partially digested food particles and toxins to enter the bloodstream, which can trigger immune responses and lead to food sensitivities. If you notice that you are becoming sensitive to foods that you previously tolerated well, it might be a sign that your gut health needs attention[5].

Skin Irritations

The gut-skin axis is a well-documented phenomenon where gut health directly impacts skin conditions. Issues like acne, eczema, and rosacea can be exacerbated by an unhealthy gut. Inflammation and imbalances in gut bacteria can lead to skin flare-ups, as the body tries to expel toxins through the skin[5].

Food Cravings

An imbalance in gut bacteria can influence your cravings, particularly for sugar and processed foods. Certain bacteria in the gut thrive on sugar, and when they are in excess, they can send signals to your brain, making you crave sugary foods. This can create a vicious cycle of poor eating habits and further gut imbalance[5].

Mood Changes

The gut-brain axis is a critical pathway that links your gut health to your mental health. An unhealthy gut can lead to the production of fewer neurotransmitters like serotonin, which is primarily produced in the gut. This can result in mood swings, anxiety, and depression. Additionally, inflammation in the gut can lead to inflammation in the brain, further affecting your mood and cognitive functions[4][5].

Brain Fog

Gut health plays a significant role in cognitive function. An imbalance in gut bacteria can lead to the production of neurotoxins, which can affect brain function and lead to symptoms like brain fog, difficulty concentrating, and memory issues. This is often linked to the gut-brain axis and the overall inflammatory state of the body[4][5].

While there can also be other factors contributing to these issues, it’s worth considering the domino effect that gut health has on nearly everything else in the body.

Want tips on improving your gut health? Be sure to follow for my upcoming posts.

Citations:

[1] https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/trust-your-gut

[2] https://zoe.com/post/5-healthy-gut-signs

[3] https://fearlessliving.org/how-to-follow-your-intuition-5-signs-your-intuition-is-speaking-to-you/

[4] https://time.com/6960278/gut-feelings-mental-health-effects-essay/

[5] https://www.everydayhealth.com/digestive-health/signs-of-unhealthy-gut-and-how-to-fix-it/