Believe it or not, some of the bacteria in your body can actually be good.
In particular, having the right bacteria in your gut is essential for good health and well-being.
With the gut being the center of the body, it can affect the health of many other organs. Maintaining a healthy gut can help maintain a strong immune system, a healthy heart, and overall health.
But how do you know if you have the right bacteria in your gut and what are the symptoms you don’t have?
Here are the signs of an unhealthy gut, and ways to make sure your gut is healthy and functioning properly, according to Healthline.
Why having a healthy gut is important
According to research, poor gut health is linked to:
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Immune system problems
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Mental problems
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Cancer
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Heart attack
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Diseases of the stomach
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Autoimmune diseases
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Endocrine disorders
What can cause an unhealthy gut?
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Unhealthy foods. Eating foods high in sugar and saturated fat, or processed foods, and drinking too much alcohol can reduce the good bacteria in your gut.
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Not getting enough sleep. Studies have shown that lack of sleep can cause changes in gut flora and increase the number of bacteria that are associated with weight gain and obesity, according to Healthline.
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Depression. Extreme stress has been shown to alter gut bacteria and lower blood pressure.
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Use of antibiotics. Antibiotics have been shown to cause a decrease in beneficial bacteria in the gut.
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Lack of exercise. People who are active tend to produce more health-promoting bacteria.
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Smoking. This can harm any organ in the body, including the intestines.
What are the symptoms of an unhealthy gut?
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Stomach upset. These can be diseases such as gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhea or heartburn.
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Changing weight accidentally. This can be weight loss or weight loss without changing your diet or exercise.
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Sleep disturbances. Fragmented sleep or short-term sleep.
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Skin irritation. Low-grade bacteria can affect the entire body, including the skin.
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Food intolerance. This is the result of not being able to properly digest certain foods.
What foods can help improve gut health?
By eating more of the foods listed below, gut health can be improved.
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Fruits, vegetables, beans and legumes. Many of these foods are high in fiber, which is good for your gut bacteria. It includes raspberries, apples, bananas, artichokes, broccoli, green peas, peas, lentils, beans and whole grains.
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Fermented foods. Examples of these foods include yogurt, kimchi, sauerkraut, kefir, kombucha and tempeh.
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Prebiotic foods. These include onions, garlic, leeks, asparagus, berries, oats and bananas.
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Foods rich in polyphenols. These are plants that can help lower blood pressure, inflammation and cholesterol. It includes cocoa and dark chocolate, red wine, grape skins, green tea, almonds, onions, blueberries and broccoli.
Although the intestines are complex and research is still ongoing, any medical professional will tell you that the intestines are not only the center of the body, but also of good health.
