4 Unexpected Things Impacted by Gut Health

Ever feel a little bloated after a meal? Think it’s completely normal? Well, it’s not. While it might be extremely common, it’s definitely not normal. Bloating after meals can signal that your body is not properly digesting food, which can lead to nutrient deficiencies and many other health issues down the line, including autoimmune issues, hormone issues, acne, or brain fog.

A healthy gut is one of the most important keys to your overall health. If you’re having an issue with bloating, acne, low energy, or fatigue, chances are this could be stemming from your impaired gut health.

So many health conditions can result in a digestive system that is less than optimal.  Here are a few systems of the body where your gut health plays a massive role:

Your Skin Health.

Inflammation of the skin can be a huge sign that your gut health is imbalanced. Having intestinal dysbiosis can lead to inflammation, causing acne, psoriasis, or eczema. Skin issues can actually be one of the first signs that something is imbalanced in the gut. Inflammation in the gut can cause an increase in intestinal permeability (also known as “leaky gut”), which can show up on the skin.¹ There is also a correlation between rosacea and SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth). A recent study found that those who suffer from rosacea were 10 times more likely to have SIBO, and once the SIBO was resolved, so was the rosacea. Along with this, 34% of people who have IBS also have issues with their skin.² Healing an imbalanced gut can clear up your skin and prevent other skin issues from coming to the surface.

Your Mental Health.

Your gut is called your second brain for a reason. The gut is connected to the brain through the vagus nerve, playing a huge role in your mood and can result in depression and anxiety. 95% of the serotonin in your body is produced in your gut, so an imbalanced gut can lead to a decrease in serotonin production. Not only this, but serotonin plays a huge role in how fast food is carried through your system.³ This is why depression sometimes accompanies a poor appetite, constipation, and digestive problems such as IBS. A balanced microbiome can also improve stress resilience. An imbalanced gut also causes inflammation, which is a known contributor to depression.⁴

Your Immunity.

70% of your immune system lives in your gut, and a well-balanced gut means the good bacteria is able to fight off any bad bacteria.  However, in the case of an imbalance, the bad bacteria is allowed to take over and starts attacking the good bacteria in your gut.⁵

Your Energy Levels.

An unhealthy gut can affect your sleep quality. It can contribute to insomnia, poor sleep, and eventually chronic fatigue. Serotonin, produced in the gut, also affects sleep quality.⁶

A healthy gut is your ticket to optimal overall health. Keeping your gut health balanced, healthy, and in check can boost your immunity, improve your mood, improve your stress response, improve your sleep, and improve your skin.

If you’re looking to improve your digestion and your overall health, check out Gut Health 101, the program designed to take you step-by-step to truly healing your gut.

Sources:

1. https://cdhf.ca/health-lifestyle/how-does-your-gut-health-affect-your-skin/

2. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080130170325.htm

3. https://atlasbiomed.com/blog/9-ways-gut-bacteria-and-mental-health-probiotics-and-depression-are-linked/

4. https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/the-gut-brain-connection 

5. https://www.dupagemedicalgroup.com/health-topic/5-ways-to-boost-your-immune-system-through-your-gut 

6. https://www.dupagemedicalgroup.com/health-topic/5-ways-to-boost-your-immune-system-through-your-gut