How do I know I have an unhealthy gut? 

Do I have an unhealthy gut? Could the issues I’m experiencing actually be stemming from a gut issue?  Many of us when we hear the words “unhealthy gut” immediately think of the traditionally known symptoms such as indigestion, bloating, gas, constipation, diarrhoea or even IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), and a whole host of other stomach and tummy issues. However, numerous notable studies have suggested that gut health impacts many areas of our wellbeing beyond digestion and can be the cause of some diseases. The findings suggest our gut microbiome balance affects the health of our brain, mood, mental health, skin health and even our immune system. Which means, there could be some conditions you’ve been experiencing your whole life, without knowing it’s actually related to your gut health, or that there are ways to support or potentially be free of them!

 

What is gut microbiome and why is it important?

Your microbiome is the community of microorganisms (such as fungi, bacteria, and viruses) that live in or on a particular part of the body, such as the gastrointestinal tract or skin. The human body contains between 100 - 300 trillion microorganism cells - outnumbering human cells by 10 to 1, and up to 10,000 species - therefore a person weighing 70kg can have up to 2kg of body weight in bacteria!

Your gut microbiome, also known as gut flora, is the community of microorganisms that live in the gastrointestinal tract. You need your gut to be in peak health because it's the main route of nutrient absorption and impacts the health of your entire body. It’s where you take in and process nutrients for your ultimate survival and wellbeing. Your gut bacteria also help you digest and fend off pathogens (such as unwelcome viruses, bacteria and fungi) being introduced into your body every day which can be hidden on your food, your hands, in water, or the air you breathe.

Not only that, but your gut is also home to about 80% of your immune system cells, just as well since it’s so exposed to the outside world all day long.

So, as your gut microbiome grows, it affects your body in a number of ways influencing:

• Digestion and assimilation of nutrients
• Regulating immunity
• Brain and mood function
• Protecting against other bacteria that cause disease
• Producing vitamins including B vitamins like B12, B1 and B2
• Making Vitamin K - needed for blood coagulation

 

10 signs of an unhealthy gut

There are a number of symptoms that can suggest you have an unhealthy gut or imbalanced gut microbiome. Here are ten common signs:

1. Bowel disturbances - diarrhoea, constipation or both, flatulence, bloating
2. Indigestion, reflux, heartburn
3. Digestive discomfort after eating
4. Skin complaints - such as skin rashes, eczema, dermatitis, acne
5. Weakened immune system causing susceptibility to illness or repeated infections
6. Low mood
7. Foggy brain - affecting memory, concentration, focus, clarity, comprehension
8. Difficulty with weight management
9. Disturbed sleep patterns
10. Mood fluctuations

 

Note: These symptoms can also be related to other health conditions, and we recommend you consult with our healthcare practitioner, free call 0800 88 15 15. If you are taking any medications, please also consult your healthcare professional.

Microbiome dysfunction can also be associated with autoimmune diseases when disease-causing bacteria is allowed to proliferate. Therefore, bacteria diversity is important!

Support your gut health with a probiotic 

The diversity of your gut microbiome and its balance can be supported by taking a probiotic.

Lifestream offer 3 probiotics to choose from designed to support your specific needs:

Probiotics Mood + Immune: is a unique formula that supports your gut flora for healthy mood balance and immune defences. It's designed to support your body's response to everyday stress, support your immune system health and gut microbiome balance.

Probiotics Metabolise: contains 7 specific beneficial bacteria strains designed to support healthy gut and weight balance. It supports a healthy BMI, blood sugar levels, and healthy gut microbiome balance.

Probiotics 14 Strains: is a broad spectrum probiotic formula that can support the health of your skin, digestion, immune defences and more by supporting the growth of beneficial bacteria. The capsules are micro-encapsulated for better absorption into your body, plus there's no need to keep them refrigerated - which is great if you need to keep your probiotics in your bag with you. 

Find our full probiotics and gut support range at lifestream.co.nz, or all other leading pharmacies and health stores nationwide.