8 Awful Ways Your Gut Health Affects Your Body

Your gut is responsible for a lot more than just digesting food. It’s actually the command center for your overall well-being. Chances are, if you’re feeling poorly, it could be linked to your gut health. It can impact your body and mind in more ways than one, so the more you know, the better decisions you’ll be able to make. Especially when it comes to food! Eating all the tacos, empanadas, and snacks your heart desires every once in a while is great, but having consistent bad eating habits can affect your health more than you know. If you want to have a better understanding of gut health, here are 8 awful ways it can affect your body:

You have a bunch of digestive issues

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First off, the most obvious sign your gut is in trouble is digestive issues. Think bloating, gas, constipation, diarrhea, and that all-too-familiar tummy pain. An imbalance of good and bad bacteria in your gut can disrupt the digestive process, leading to these unpleasant symptoms. It's your gut's way of waving a red flag, signaling that something's off. If these are a part of your daily experience, it could be time to pay more attention to your gut health and see a doctor about how to improve it.

Your immune system is weak

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Did you know about 70% of your immune system resides in your gut? When your gut flora is out of balance, your immune defenses can take a hit. This means you're more susceptible to colds, flu, and other infections. Your gut bacteria play a crucial role in training your immune system to distinguish between friend and foe, so keeping them happy is key to staying healthy. If you’re quick to catch any virus or infection, look into your gut health.

You experience mental health issues

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Ever heard of the gut-brain axis? It’s two-way biochemical signaling, which means your brain and your gut are constantly communicating. Poor gut health can lead to mental health problems like anxiety, depression, and even brain fog. The gut produces neurotransmitters like serotonin (the happy chemical), and an imbalanced gut can throw these production levels off, impacting your mood and cognitive function. While gut health may not be the only cause, getting it in check can help your mental health more than you know.

You deal with skin issues quite often

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Skin conditions like acne, eczema, and rosacea can be tied back to gut health. When your gut is inflamed or imbalanced, it can cause systemic inflammation that shows up on your skin. It's like your body's way of telling you to pay attention to what's happening inside. Probiotics and a healthy diet can help restore balance and clear up your complexion, so make sure to discuss this with your doctor.

You’ve experienced unwanted weight gain or loss

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If you’ve shed or gained weight without explanation, your gut might be in trouble. An imbalanced gut can affect how your body absorbs nutrients, stores fat, and regulates blood sugar. This can lead to unexpected weight gain or loss, making it difficult to maintain a healthy weight. Plus, certain gut bacteria can influence your cravings and appetite, pushing you towards unhealthy food choices. If you’ve noticed these kinds of changes, it could be time to talk to your doctor about gut health.

You’re affected by chronic fatigue

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We all like to be a little dramatic sometimes and say we’re tired all the time. However, if you’re actually tired all the time, your gut health may have something to do with it. Poor gut health can lead to nutrient deficiencies, as your body struggles to absorb the vitamins and minerals it needs for energy production. Additionally, an imbalanced gut can cause chronic inflammation, which is known to sap your energy levels and leave you feeling exhausted. Look into it! Maybe what you need is a diet change to feel more energized and ready to tackle the world.

You have autoimmune conditions

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When your gut barrier is compromised (a condition known as leaky gut), toxins and bacteria can escape into your bloodstream, prompting an immune response. This constant state of alert can lead to your immune system attacking your own tissues by mistake, contributing to autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and celiac disease. If you’ve been diagnosed with any of these conditions, make sure your doctor looks into your gut health.

You struggle with bad breath

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Yep, bad breath can also be a sign of poor gut health! When your digestive system isn't working properly, food can stagnate in your gut, leading to the production of foul-smelling gases that can escape through your mouth. Additionally, imbalances in gut bacteria can affect the balance of bacteria in your mouth, contributing to halitosis. If bad breath has been resisting your and your dentist’s best efforts, looking into your gut health can lead to a breakthrough.