How to recognise signs of an unhealthy gut
Did you know that your gut is one of the most important organs? Balanced gut flora is essential for digestion, absorption of vitamins and nutrients from food, and a functioning immune system.
However, it is easy for the intestinal flora to become damaged, whether through antibiotics, poor nutrition, or an unhealthy lifestyle. Today, we will explore the symptoms of disturbed gut flora and how to maintain a healthy gut flora. But first, let’s delve into the role of intestinal flora.
Functions of the Intestinal Flora
The intestinal flora, or the collection of microorganisms in the small and large intestines, plays a crucial role in your digestive system.
One important function of intestinal bacteria is to aid digestion, particularly for components of food that cannot be processed without their help, such as dietary fibres. Intestinal bacteria produce special enzymes to break down these fibres, providing energy for the body. Additionally, the gut is considered the seat of the immune system.
Together with the extensive intestinal mucosa, the intestinal flora forms a first line of defence against pathogens ingested with food. The intestinal flora is also responsible for the production of hormones and vitamins, including serotonin and dopamine (known as "happiness hormones") and melatonin, which regulates sleep.
As you can see, maintaining a healthy gut flora is crucial for overall well-being.
What is Disturbed Intestinal Flora?
Your gut contains up to two kilograms of bacteria, with millions of different types living in harmony to support digestion. A healthy gut maintains a balance of bacteria where “good” bacteria aid in digestion, produce vitamins, neutralise toxins, and bolster the immune system. However, an imbalanced diet, medication, an unhealthy lifestyle, or food intolerances can disrupt this balance, leading to an overgrowth of certain bacteria and a decrease in others. This imbalance can cause the “good” bacteria to be displaced, reducing your gut's ability to protect against harmful bacteria. Understanding the causes of imbalanced gut flora is crucial for addressing this issue.
Symptoms of a Disturbed Intestinal Flora
A disrupted gut flora can manifest through various symptoms, such as:
- Flatulence
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhoea
- Constipation
- Inflammation of the bowel
- Deficiency symptoms
- Permanent white coating on the tongue
- Depressive mood
- Poor sleep
- Allergies
- Acne
- Neurodermatitis
- A weakened immune system
- Exhaustion and food intolerance
It is important to recognise and address a disturbed gut flora promptly to avoid chronic health problems.
Possible Causes of Disturbed Intestinal Flora
Nutrition: Diet plays a significant role in the health of your gut flora. For instance, a diet rich in certain types of food can lead to an overgrowth of specific bacterial species, while others may diminish. Changes in diet, whether due to food intolerance or lifestyle shifts, can also impact gut flora.
Medication: Certain medications, particularly antibiotics, can disrupt gut bacteria. Antibiotics target pathogens but often do not distinguish between beneficial and harmful bacteria, leading to a significant reduction in healthy gut flora. Understanding the causes of imbalanced gut flora helps in preventing and managing disturbances.
How Can You Promote Healthy Gut Flora?
There are effective ways to improve the balance of good and bad bacteria in your gut:
- Incorporate Probiotic Foods: Fermented foods are beneficial as they contain live bacteria that support gut health. These foods, such as yoghurt, kefir, and sauerkraut, introduce valuable strains of bacteria, such as lactic acid bacteria (Lactobacillus), into your system.
- Consider Probiotic Supplements: For a more concentrated source of beneficial bacteria, consider taking gut health supplements like our Premium Probiolac Probiotic. Each capsule contains 30 different strains of good bacteria.
- Include Prebiotics in Your Diet: Prebiotics are non-digestible food components that promote the growth and activity of beneficial gut bacteria. They can be found in foods like garlic, onions, and bananas.
For more information on gut health, you can explore our e-book: "Intestinal Health - More Well-being Through a Healthy Gut".
