A Healthy Gut to Keep You Out of the Unhealthy Gutter
By Sabine Docteur
There could be several areas of body parts that a person may like over the other. But the thought that one area could severely affect several others rarely crosses our minds. Beyond the liking or disliking of a heavy midsection, there are other considerations to make about that specific region of our bodies. There have been many investigations into the way that the health of our gut affects other areas, such as our mental health, development of certain diseases, and the health of other body systems.
Because of its incredible importance to our overall health, here are ways to recognize when gut health is deteriorating and what we can do to combat it.
Common Signs of an Unhealthy Gut
Some of the most common signs of decreased health in the gut will be centered primarily around that abdominal area. These signs include being bloated or gaining weight around the midsection. Gaining weight through excess stored fat could be an indication of unhealthy gut flora. The gut could also display its unhealthiness through the signs of fatigue and poor sleep. When it comes to sleep and its connection to the gut, one major hormone that controls mood and sleep, serotonin, is produced there. If there is damage in the gut, there is no question that sleep and mood would be disrupted in some way.
How to Get out of the Gutter
There are a number of ways that we can make sure we prevent damaging our gut health. Some practical steps can be taken, such as eating slowly and staying hydrated. These are protective measures to guard and care for our digestive organs. Eating the right types of food is also integral to improving one's gut health. The most beneficial food types for the gut are those high in fiber. Legumes, leafy vegetables, and oats fall within that category. Other foods that help boost welcome gut flora are fermented foods such as yogurt and sauerkraut; they provide a natural source of probiotics, which is a great way to enhance gut health.
Whether through the foods we eat, or the way we intake our food and drink, we have the power to stay out of the unhealthy gutter and positively affect our gut health, which will serve as a wonderful impact on our overall health.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Spanish Fork, Utah.