Your entire body is crawling with bacteria. But hold up, that doesn’t mean you need to run to a shower, disinfect everything, or wear a hazmat suit. Actually, this would be a huge mistake. Bacteria keeps you healthy & your immune system strong. In fact, 80% of good bacteria is in your gut, which boosts your immune system. Studies indicate that exposure to germs & certain illnesses as a child may be linked to decreased asthma rates and a stronger immune system.
Signs Your Gut Is Imbalanced
Your gut is smart and warns you when it’s out of whack. This can cause a leaky gut or an overgrowth of unwanted bacteria. If you experience the below indicators, your gut might be warning you that it is unhealthy:
- Constant fatigue
- Skin issues (acne, eczema, etc)
- Food intolerances
- Upset stomach (cramping, diarrhea, constipation, bloating, etc)
- Autoimmune disorders
- Mood swings
- Anxiety
- Depression
So what are some things you may be doing that can hurt your gut health?
Eating Meat
Although you want to consume bacteria, you need to make sure it’s the healthy ones. Bringing meat into your home increases the risk of food borne pathogens getting into your food or cross contaminating your home. Although it can cause horrible health problems, selling Salmonella tainted poultry is more common than you’d think in the US. When you avoid animal products & processed foods, you see a healthier gut microbiome. Cutting out animal products decreases gut inflammation. Inflammation of the gut can cause a host of problems including diarrhea, irritable bowl syndrome, Crohn’s disease, cramping, & even arthritis.
Eating Processed Foods
Obviously, food plays a huge role in your gut. This is why, when you see the word “processed food”, think “Can I find this in nature?” The Standard American Diet (SAD) is high in sugar & fat which are added to processed foods to give them shelf stability & taste better. Unfortunately they are not good for your gut. These foods are linked to metabolic diseases, such as heart disease & type two diabetes. Because your brain and gut are linked, behavioral issues can arise when your gut microbiome is unbalanced. When you aren’t fueling your body with the best food to keep your gut healthy, you can experience memory issues, fatigue, or anxiety too.
Not Paying Attention To Medications
There are 2 instances in our lives when I know my family was unnecessarily prescribed antibiotics (ANTI = against; BIOTICS = living organisms). Although I know antibiotics have been a great discovery, they wreck havoc of your body’s microbiome, can cause you to become more ill, & can contribute to antibiotic resistant bacteria, which are nastier & harder to get rid of than the original bacteria. There are also other medications that can mess with your gut health. Always, do your research, take this research to a trusted provider who has similar values to your own, & discuss with them. You should understand the reason you’re on this medication, when & how long to take it, & the dosage. If you’re taking a medication that alters your gut, it’s a good idea to ask about pre- and probiotics with your provider too.
Using Toxic Products
As with your food, you should be reading labels on your beauty & cleaning products. Certain ingredients can not only effect your gut, but also your respiratory, endocrine, and nervous systems. Avoid these products by making them yourself, or finding a trusted company, & avoiding antibacterial hand soaps.
Being Stressed
Taking care of yourself includes your mental well being. In a society that focuses on the negative to make catchy news titles & scare everyone, stress may be a normal thing you don’t consider. Stressors can be physiological, environmental, and physical. When stressed, your gut health is compromised. This makes you more vulnerable to illness. Performing a mindful task everyday can help decrease stress & boost your immune system. Mindful activities include:
- Being artistic (paint, write, draw)
- Meditation
- Yoga
- Deep breathing exercises
- Preparing for restful sleep (no blue light, appropriate temperature, etc)
How will you boost your gut health?
This isn’t intended as medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider if you suspect gut issues.
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