The human body is filled with trillions of bacteria, and the majority of them can be found in the gut. Many of them aid in digestion and promotion of good health. When your gut bacteria become imbalanced, the imbalance can contribute to the development of a number of health conditions. At Genesis Health Institute, we are dedicated to finding the right treatment options to help our patients restore their gut bacteria to healthy levels. To learn how to restore gut health, contact us today!
Causes of Poor Gut Health
Gut bacteria affect every part of your body, from your metabolism to your mood to your immune system. Although the exact connections are still unclear, it is thought that gut bacteria imbalance can play a role in a number of diseases.
Dysbiosis (imbalance of normal bacterial flora) in your gut may be a contributing factor to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. Pathogenic (disease-causing) bacteria like H. pylori have also been implicated in colorectal cancer. Inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, may be caused by harmful bacteria that attack your gut or too-low levels of certain anti-inflammatory bacteria. Also, greater levels of inflammation-causing bacteria may cause arthritis.
Gut Health and Depression
The state of your gut health may impact your mental health as well. The gut is filled with a large amount of nerve endings that connect to brain, known as the gut-brain axis. It has been suggested that there is a link between gut bacteria and psychiatric illnesses like anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder, particularly in light of the fact that there are many receptors for the neurotransmitter serotonin in the gut.
Symptoms of Poor Gut Health
You might have poor gut health if you have the following symptoms:
- Acne
- Heartburn or acid reflux
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Halitosis (chronic bad breath)
- Depression
- Stress
Probiotics and Gut Health
Probiotics are microorganisms naturally found in the body and in certain foods, such as yogurt. Probiotics are important, as they supply the body with a number of health benefits. It is believed that some probiotics may help to prevent certain symptoms of poor gut health–for instance, diarrhea–and even fix gut health.
Improve Your Gut Health
One of the best ways to improve gut health is to eat a nutritious diet filled with fiber and probiotics, while avoiding foods that are high in fat and sugar.
Foods to include in your diet may include:
- Apples
- Raspberries
- Beans (kidney, pinto and white)
- Lentils
- Broccoli
- Almonds
- Blueberries
- Yogurt
- Whole grains
- Green tea
It is important to not focus solely on fiber and probiotics; make sure that your diet is balanced, filled with a healthy amount of other nutrients like vitamins and minerals.
Other treatments for getting a healthy gut can include exercise, which may promote the growth of a variety of gut bacteria, and probiotic supplements. There are also treatment options available for the numerous diseases that poor gut health may cause, such as medication and surgery for inflammatory bowel disease.
At Genesis Health Institute, a gut health doctor will help you decide which treatment method is best for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Causes Poor Gut Health?
Your gut is filled with many different forms of bacteria. It is believed that imbalance in your gut bacteria may negatively affect your body and contribute to a number of conditions.
What Diseases Are Caused by Poor Gut Health?
While poor gut health has not been proven to be a singular cause of any disease, it is believed that poor gut health can be a causative factor of many medical conditions such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, inflammatory bowel diseases, arthritis and depression.
What Should I Eat to Have A Healthy Gut?
Fiber and probiotics are two components of a healthy gut that are found in many foods. To have a healthy gut, you should have a well-balanced diet of fruits and vegetables, as well as fermented foods such as yogurt.
Request Your Appointment Today!
Your gut health can affect every part of your life. That is why we at Genesis Health Institute believe so deeply in finding the right treatment methods to return your gut bacteria to healthy levels. Call ☎ (954) 561-3175 or contact us online today to schedule your free consultation!
