Gut Health
Much has been written about gut health...and for good reason. Proper gut health is essential for physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
When your diet is poor and the gut unhealthy it can lead to leaky gut syndrome. This, in turn, may lead to pain, arthritis, gas, constipation, diarrhea, gastrointestinal disorders and other autoimmune diseases.
Here are seven signs of an unhealthy gut:
- Upset stomach
Stomach disturbances like gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, IBS, and heartburn can all be signs of an unhealthy gut. A healthy gut will function optimally and have less difficulty processing food and eliminating waste.
- A high-sugar diet
A diet high in processed foods and added sugars can disrupt the healthy microbiome in your gut. This imbalance can increase your cravings for sweets, which only disrupts this balance further. Diets high in processed sugar, especially high fructose corn syrup, have been linked to increased inflammation in the body. Inflammation can lead to several diseases and even cancer.
- Unintentional weight changes
Weight loss may be caused by small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), while weight gain may be caused by insulin resistance due to poor dietary choices.
- Sleep disturbances or constant fatigue
Insomnia or poor sleep may also result from an unhealthy gut. Serotonin affects mood and sleep. Most people do not realize that we have “two brains” – one in your head and one in your gut. The majority of the body’s serotonin is produced in the gut. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter. It has a popular image as a contributor to feelings of well-being and happiness, though its actual biological function is complex and multifaceted, modulating cognition, reward, learning, memory, and numerous physiological processes such as vomiting and vasoconstriction
- Skin irritation
Skin conditions like eczema may also be related to an unhealthy gut caused by a poor diet or food allergies.
- Autoimmune conditions
An unhealthy gut may increase systemic inflammation and alter the proper functioning of the immune system. This can lead to autoimmune diseases, where the body attacks itself rather than harmful invaders.
- Food intolerance
Food intolerance is different than food allergies and are caused by the immune system not functioning properly. This may be caused by an imbalance of bacteria in the gut. So, what can be done to correct this condition. This is an individual process and must be unique to each patient. At our center we first take a complete history and do a thorough exam. We then evaluate blood tests and questionnaires to formulate the best approach for you, which will involve dietary changes, supplements, and lifestyle changes. If you are ready for this journey call the office to set up an appointment.
Dr. Bill Rice has been in practice since 1977, as an acupuncturist, chiropractor, and nutritional consultant. He currently practices in Palm Beach Gardens.
For more information, call Dr. Bill Rice at: 561.439.6644 or email drbill@writeme.com