These days, the phrase "gut health" gets a lot of attention for good reason, as it may affect overall health, the immune system, and more.
But do you know the warning signs of an unhealthy gut? No worries because we’re here to offer some valuable intel!
However, let’s backtrack first with …
A Gut Health Refresher
According to Healthline.com, the digestive system was once considered a pretty basic body system, comprised essentially of one long tube for our food to pass through, be absorbed, and then excreted.
But now, the medical community understands that it's more complex.
The term “gut microbiome” refers to the microorganisms residing in your intestines. And each of us has about 300 to 500 different species of bacteria in our digestive tract. Some of these microorganisms are undesirables, while others are incredibly beneficial for our health.
The goal is to have a wide variety of these good bacteria in your gut to enhance the immune system function and numerous other benefits.[i]
Our stress-filled, sleep-deprived, high-sugar- and processed- food-eating lifestyles can wreak havoc on this delicate balance and affect aspects of our health and our ability to absorb nutrients.[ii]
Got an Unhealthy Gut?
Here are five of the common signs that your gut may be out of kilter.
1. Digestive Dilemmas
If you frequently struggle with gas, bloating, and constipation, there's a good chance your gut is sending you a signal. You see, a balanced gut has less trouble processing food and eliminating waste.
2. Food Intolerances
Do you experience bloating and gas after eating certain foods? Listen to your body and look for the common denominator in those meals. Food intolerance is a digestive system response rather than an immune system response. It occurs when something in a specific food irritates your digestive system, and you simply can’t properly digest or break down the food.[iii] Common food tolerances include lactose and gluten.[iv]
3. Frequently Under the Weather
Your gut microbiome plays a starring role in supporting your immunity. A poor immune response may be a sign of an unhealthy gut. A study[v] from Stanford showed that those whose gut bacteria levels were lower due to antibiotic use exhibited a lower immune response to a flu vaccine compared to a group who had normal gut bacteria.
4. Sleep is Suffering
Studies have shown that those who struggle with sleep may have unbalanced gut bacteria. An unhealthy gut microbiome can also mess with your natural circadian rhythm, which can disrupt sleep and leave you feeling tired throughout the day.[vi]
5. Mood Issues
There’s a well-documented link between your gut and your brain. So, it may stand to reason that the gut can influence your mood, too. A scientific review[vii] found that gut disturbances and inflammation in the central nervous system may affect mental health.
What To Do About It
The list for gut health fixes is a mile long, but here are some good places to start. Lower your stress levels with exercise, meditation, or just plain laughing. Next, prioritize sleep and stay hydrated. Also, reduce the amount of high-sugar, processed foods in your diet, and try to nail down food intolerance triggers.
And finally, consider adding a probiotic supplement to your daily ritual. ZenZYMES+™ from Zenwise® is the perfect pick. It provides premium digestive support with enzymes to help break down food, probiotics to support regularity and a Digestive Botanical Blend.†
Featuring clinically proven shelf-stable Reliably AliveTM DE111® probiotic, this formula offers comprehensive digestive and immune health support.†
For more advice about the best supplements for your individual needs, contact our knowledgeable customer service team. Reach them at support@zenwise.com or M-F from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST at (800) 940-1972. And as always, all Zenwise® products are backed by the "Eat Freely...or its Free" guarantee!
Zenwise. Then Eat.®
†These statements have not been evaluated by the food and drug administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
[i] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3983973/
[ii] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7213601/
[iii] https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10009-food-problems-is-it-an-allergy-or-intolerance
[iv] https://www.medicinenet.com/what_are_the_most_common_food_intolerances/article.htm
[v] https://med.stanford.edu/news/all-news/2019/09/peoples-response-to-flu-vaccine-influenced-by-gut-microbes.html
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