Gut Health And Overall Wellbeing: Things You Need To Know

Gut, a word that we come across quite often. Your gut is the gastrointestinal system which helps to break down the food and absorb nutrients. The gut aids in digestion and hence it is the foundation of your overall well-being.

If your gastrointestinal tract or gut is poorly managed, it can lead to several various health issues. In other words, we can say that the gut needs to be healthy as it influences everything from the immune system to digestive function.

In this blog, we will discuss everything regarding the importance of a balanced gut microbiome, its warning signs and the risk factors.

Why Should You Maintain A Healthy Gut?

There are trillions of bacteria, yeast and viruses in the body which are together known as the gut microbiome. Now, your gut is considered to be healthy only if there is a balance between good and bad microbiome in the body.

Also, the gut is the largest immune system and comprises the body’s 80 per cent of the immune cells. So, if the gut is not working properly, you will likely have a weak immune system making you prone to developing various diseases.

As said before, the gut is responsible for absorbing nutrients from the body and clearing out wastes. Hence, if you do not keep it healthy, you will struggle to get rid of toxins from the body which in turn will impact your overall health.

Here are some other ways by which the gut affects other bodily functions

Weight gain: Poor gut health affects body metabolism and leads to obesity in patients.

Bone disease: Reposts suggest that there is a link between gut health and bone health. A good microbiome is essential for maintaining bone density and strength.

Brain health: Beneficial bacteria produce many chemical neurotransmitters that affect the brain. An imbalance in the microbiome causes mental health issues.

How To Know That Your Gut Is Unhealthy?

According to the opinion of a gastroenterologist in Kolkata, there are certain symptoms to look for indicating poor microbiome.

Frequent discomfort, gas, bloating, constipation and diarrhoea
Always feeling tired despite enough sleep and rest
A constant craving for sugary items
An unintentional weight loss
Skin allergies like eczema, rosacea, acne, rashes and psoriasis
Autoimmune conditions like diabetes and thyroid issues
Severe anxiety and depression

If you have been experiencing these symptoms for a very long time, it is high time to seek medical help. Even if you do not suffer from any of these conditions, still make sure to get an annual gut health checkup to spot the problems early and prevent complications.

What Causes Harm To The Gut Bacteria?

Here are some surprising factors which can negatively affect your gut health

Sticking to only one kind of food: Food provides nutrients which help bacteria to grow. So, you need to eat a diverse variety of foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish and meat to promote the development of various microbiomes.
No physical activity: Regular exercise and physical activity increase the blood flow in the muscles of the abdomen. This not only helps in digestion but also changes the composition of the gut microbiome.
Lack of probiotics: Probiotics are gut-beneficial bacteria and fight against unhealthy bacteria. So, by consuming probiotics, you can outnumber the number of bad microbiomes.

Conclusion

Maintaining positive gut health goes a long way to improve your overall health. Remember that healing your gut requires consistency and time. It is always recommended to consult a top gastroenterologist in Kolkata who can prescribe the right medicine and suggest the appropriate diet to overcome your discomfort and promote well-being.