Ixcela

1. Inconsistent Bowel Movements

Bowel movement inconsistency is the first indicator of poor gut health. Although there is not a certain number of bowel movements you should have in one day or even a certain time that you should go, healthy individuals typically find that they go to the bathroom at the same time every day and about one to three times per day. If you fluctuate between constipation and diarrhea, or feel that you never know when a bowel movement will occur, your gut may need extra attention.

2. Abdominal Pain and Bloating

Bloating and stomach ache are common after a large meal, but if you experience unexplained bloating or consistent discomfort, your gut may be trying to tell you something. The gut is home to a variety of organisms, specifically bacteria. When food enters the gut, bacteria begin breaking down and digesting the food. Although this is a normal process, an imbalance of bacteria in the gut can lead to an overproduction of gas, slowed digestion, reflux, and a variety of other uncomfortable symptoms.

3. Skin Issues (acne, intermittent rashes, flaky skin)

Acne, eczema, rosacea, dry skin, psoriasis, and even sagging skin can all be linked to the gut. A damaged gut can cause an inflammatory response that leads to skin inflammation that presents in a variety of ways. For example, you may notice acne flare-ups or a stubborn pimple after a weekend of unhealthy eating and poor sleep. If you struggle with skin irritation and inflammation, consider reviewing the other signs of a damaged gut. If you struggle with another common sign on this list, gut health may be the missing piece of the puzzle.

4. Sleep Trouble

Gut bacteria have an intricate relationship with sleep. We are confident that a healthy gut supports sleep and that a consistent sleep pattern supports gut health. Serotonin, known as the happy chemical, is the precursor to melatonin, the sleep hormone. The gut is responsible for about 90% of the body’s serotonin production. Our gut bacteria also support our sleep-wake cycle known as the circadian rhythm. If you have long considered yourself a bad sleeper, it is time to get serious about your gut health.

5. Physical or Mental Fatigue

The breakdown and utilization of nutrients is one of the gut’s most important jobs. When nutrients are not adequately broken down and absorbed in the gut, it can lead to reduced energy and poor athletic performance. Many of us have felt but not realized the strong connection between the gut and the brain. Whether it was the upset stomach when feeling nervous or the lack of concentration that comes from constipation, the connection is real!

6. Sugar Cravings

Do you reach for sweets, chocolate, or caffeine at 2:00 p.m.? This craving might be related to an imbalance of bacteria in your gut. Believe it or not, bacteria can affect our food cravings, blood sugar, and our ability to fight the urge to overindulge.

7. Food Sensitivities or Intolerances

When the body reacts to a food and creates symptoms like swollen lips or abdominal pain, this is an immune response. A majority of the immune system is located in the gut, and food sensitivities can indicate that the gut is “leaky.” This happens when the beneficial bacteria in the gut aren’t doing their job to maintain the intestinal barrier. When the barrier gets loose, it can allow particles to leak through the intestinal wall and present as symptoms similar to food allergies.

8. Inability to Manage Stress

The gut-brain axis has long been a mysterious connection, but researchers are starting to understand just how important a healthy gut is for a healthy mind. The gut helps to facilitate the production of chemicals known as neurotransmitters, which support feelings of well-being, the ability to manage stress, and initiative-oriented behavior. When the gut is unbalanced, it can affect how well the gut supports the production of neurotransmitters, making it challenging to work through stressful situations.

9. You Have Been Diagnosed with Thyroid Disorders

Gut bacteria support the breakdown and production of thyroid hormones. When the gut is inflamed, it can further exacerbate thyroid disorders and the troublesome symptoms connected to hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. By supporting the gut with a healthy diet, you can better manage thyroid disorders.

10. Bad Breath

When certain strains of bacteria populate the gut, they can cause halitosis (bad breath), and increase the risk of dental cavities and gum disease. If you wake up in the morning with a foul taste in your mouth, or your partner has politely told you to brush your teeth, consider taking steps to support your gut health. A high-fiber diet and a multi-strain probiotic, like Ixcela Biome Support, can help improve bad breath. Crunchy, raw vegetables have been called nature’s toothbrush because they naturally clean the teeth while chewing, and as a bonus the fiber will support a healthy gut!

The fascinating thing about each of the signs and symptoms listed above is that they not only reflect a messed-up gut, but also many of them can damage the gut. For example, if you are chronically stressed, follow a poor sleep schedule, or eat high-sugar foods daily, you will struggle to maintain a healthy gut microbiome. Talk about a vicious cycle! The challenge is breaking the cycle, and that is where testing your gut will help. Ixcela will help you to understand which nutrition practices, lifestyle habits, and targeted supplements will support your gut health so you can start feeling better.