A healthy gut microbiome, i.e. a balance of microorganisms in the intestinal tract is pivotal not only for an optimal digestive healthy, but in order to treat and prevent mood-related disorders, weight and skin problems, as well as autoimmune illnesses.
Sadly, the modern American diet and the excessive use of antibiotics, as well as the insufficient intake of fermented foods are contributing to a gut imbalance. This being said, there are specific ten symptoms which indicate that your gut may be imbalanced and your body is full of toxins.
Check out the symptoms below and continue reading the article to learn how to best restore the balance naturally.
10 Symptoms of Gut Imbalance
- Frequent yeast infections
- Constant cravings for sugar and sugary foods
- Weight gain
- Pain in the joints
- Depression
- Mental fog
- Digestive problems like IBS, bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea, or constipation
- Acne, hives, psoriasis, or eczema
- Allergies
- Problems with learning and behavior
The Negative Effect of an Imbalanced Gut on the Overall Health
- Gaining weight
In order to lose and maintain a healthy and balanced weight, the microbiome needs to be healthy. By restoring the balance in the gut, one may improve the metabolism and thus, increase the chances of improving their weight.
- Inflammation
When there are too many bad bacteria and other organisms in the gut, they can lead to excessive inflammation which will consequently trigger joint and body pain, skin problems, and even autoimmune illnesses.
- Poor emotional health
A misbalanced microbiome puts you at a higher risk of anxiety, depression, tiredness, and brain fog. Also, stress can have a negative impact on the microbiome, as well as on your mood and digestion.
Optimal Ways to Improve Your Gut Health
- Choose probiotics
These foods encourage the growth of healthy bacteria in the GI tract because they are abundant in inulin, arabinogalactans, and fiber. Such foods are garlic, artichokes, onions, asparagus, beans, leeks, carrots, and okra.
- Include probiotics too
These good bacteria are known to support the microbiome balance. You can find them in supplement form or acquire them from fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kombucha, pickled veggies or kimchi.
- Use anti-microbial supplements
Antimicrobial herbs and supplements can contribute to the destruction of pathogenic organism like parasites, yeast, and bad bacteria. This being said, introduce more garlic, berberine, oregano, olive leaf extract, caprylic acid, and grapefruit seed extract to your daily diet.
- Reduce your sugar consumption and foods made with flour
Did you know that pathogenic organisms feed off sugars and refined carbs? Therefore, reducing their food source is a pivotal step in restoring the balance in the microbiome.