Gut health has been a hot topic in the wellness world in recent years.
“Gut health” refers to the balance of good and bad bacteria in your digestive tract. Although the gut is just one part of your body, it’s responsible for many essential functions. Surprisingly, gut health is crucial to your overall well-being in ways you might not expect. The bacteria in your digestive tract can impact digestion, support your immune system, boost energy, fight infections, and influence mood. Significantly, a key component of gut health is your ‘microbiome,’ the community of microbes that naturally live in your body. This microbiome, unique to each person, includes bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites and is shaped by your diet and environment. Your gut microbiome interacts with various body systems to help them function properly. Above all, when your microbiome is balanced, you have good gut health, which is vital for enhancing your overall health and well-being.
Prebiotics and Probiotics – What’s the Difference?
When it comes to gut health, you might have heard about prebiotics and probiotics, but what’s the difference? Simply put, probiotics are live bacteria that are good for your digestive system. They keep your gut microbiome in balance and promote good digestion. You can find them in foods like yogurt, sauerkraut, and other fermented goodies. On the other hand, prebiotics are the food that these good bacteria love to eat. They’re a type of fiber that our bodies can’t digest, but the good bacteria in our gut thrive on them. Foods like bananas, onions, and whole grains are rich in prebiotics. Think of prebiotics as the fuel that keeps your gut’s good bacteria happy and healthy, supporting overall gut health.
Symptoms of Poor Gut Health-
Poor gut health can manifest in various ways, affecting different aspects of your body and well-being. Here are the top 10 symptoms that may indicate issues with gut health:
Digestive Discomfort:
This includes symptoms like bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation, and heartburn.
Frequent Illness:
A compromised gut can weaken the immune system, leading to more frequent colds and infections.
Fatigue:
Poor gut health can affect energy levels, leading to chronic tiredness and fatigue.
Unintended Weight Changes:
An imbalanced gut can cause both weight gain and weight loss. This can affect the body’s ability to absorb nutrients and regulate blood sugar.
Food Intolerances:
You might develop sensitivities to certain foods, which can cause digestive issues, bloating, or other symptoms after eating them.
Skin Issues:
Problems like acne, eczema, or other skin rashes can sometimes be linked to an unhealthy gut.
Mood Disorders:
Anxiety, depression, and mood swings can be connected to gut health. The gut and brain communicate closely through the gut-brain axis.
Sleep Problems:
An unhealthy gut can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to insomnia or poor-quality sleep.
Bad Breath:
Persistent bad breath, even with good oral hygiene, can indicate an imbalance in the gut microbiome.
Sugar Cravings:
An imbalance in gut bacteria can increase cravings for sugary or high-carbohydrate foods.
If you’re experiencing several of these symptoms, it might be worth exploring ways to improve your gut health. Consider adjusting your diet and incorporating more probiotics or prebiotics.
Prebiotics and Gut Health
A well-balanced plant-based diet will have enough prebiotics naturally without the need for supplementation. Prebiotics are generally fiber found in different forms.
Examples
- Bananas
- Onions
- Whole grains
- Legumes
- Nuts and seeds
Probiotics and Gut Health
A diet rich in fermented foods will provide enough probiotics to maintain a healthy gut balance. Fortunately, there are so many great options for fermented foods, both store-bought and homemade.
Examples
- Yogurt
- Sauerkraut
- Kefir
- Kimchi
- Kombucha
- Pickles
- Miso
- Tempah
In short, your gut health can suffer when your body isn’t getting enough essential prebiotics and probiotics. As a result, this imbalance may lead to a variety of health problems. It’s more than just self-care–it’s your health and wellness. To ensure you’re meeting your body’s needs, it’s a good idea to incorporate foods from the lists above into your daily diet. Ultimately, if you’re unsure about your intake or experiencing symptoms, consult your primary care doctor. They can recommend appropriate supplements to support your gut health and overall well-being.
Knew Health Is Here For You
Like nutrition and supplements can support gut health, Knew Health supports your well-being. The wellness of our entire community is our top priority; for most of us, that starts in the gut. As a result, we encourage yearly wellness visits to your Primary Care doctor. Therefore, preventive care is always part of your Knew Health Membership. Bloodwork and labs and access to our amazing health coaches are often at no cost for Members. Additionally, you can always use your Wellzy Perks Membership to find the lowest prices on organic foods. One of our favorite perks for members is access to our high-quality online dispensary. You’ll receive a 35% discount on top-brand supplements to stock up on prebiotics and probiotics when needed. Best of all, those supplements are delivered to your door. That’s just the beginning of what a Membership can do for your health and wellness. Visit our website or message us to learn what else Knew Health can offer you and your family.
Disclaimer: This information is being provided to you for educational and informational purposes only. It is being provided to educate you about how to take care of your body and as a self-help tool for your own use so that you can reach your own health goals. It is not intended to treat or cure any specific illness and is not to replace the guidance provided by your own medical practitioner. This information will be used at your own risk based on your judgment. If you suspect you have a medical problem, we urge you to take appropriate action by seeking medical attention.
Sources:
“Gut Microbiome.” Cleveland Clinic, 18 Aug. 2023, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/25201-gut-microbiome.
Merkley, Meredith G. DO, FAAP. “Prebiotics Vs. Probiotics: What’s the Difference, and Should You Take Them?” GoodRx Health, 13 Dec. 2023, www.goodrx.com/well-being/gut-health/prebiotics-vs-probiotics#prebiotics-examples.
