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No matter what major (or minor) health obstacles come your way, an unhealthy gut will make them so much worse. Seriously! Your gut health is of the utmost importance. And some of your very common food and lifestyle habits may actually be throwing your gut health into complete disarray.
How Do You Know If You Have an Unhealthy Gut?
There are many ways to tell if you have an unhealthy gut. From stomach discomfort to the color of your bowel movements (really!) here are a few key indicators you need to know.
You’re Having Digestive Issues
Stomach upset is a key sign that you have an unhealthy gut. With no other explanation for bloating, gassiness, or heartburn (like a virus or food poisoning), it’s safe to assume that the bacterial balance of your gut is off-kilter.
You may also experience stools that are too hard or too soft for comfort. Bathroom troubles are a sure sign your unhealthy gut needs some attention.
Related: 5 Unhealthy Gut Symptoms That May Be Causing Other Health Issues
You’re Feeling Fatigued More Often Than Not
Frequent or constant exhaustion is another sign of an unhealthy gut. Your gut is the central station for energy and fuel dispersion throughout your body. When the bacterial balance is off, you definitely won’t be ready to run a marathon.
What’s more, an unhealthy gut makes restorative sleep a true hassle. So you’re likely to further compound feelings of fatigue and fogginess by tossing and turning all night.
You’ve Experienced a Lot of Skin Irritation Recently
Your skin acts as a window to your inner health. When your gut is unhealthy, your skin is likely to show it.
Bags under your eyes, dry patches, and/or discoloration are a few skin issues that can be repaired with just a little time and attention to your unhealthy gut. It’s amazing to think striking a balance with your insides will mean a more beautiful outside, too!
Bonus point: think of your family and friends with the healthiest, glowing skin. There’s a good chance the foods they eat contribute to their outward appearance.
4 Food Mistakes Causing an Unhealthy Gut
There are several common mistakes people make with their diet that attribute to an unhealthy gut. Are you making any of them?
Focusing Just on Probiotics
Listen, probiotics are a fantastic solution to unhealthy gut problems. But they can’t be the only tool you’re using! Just like doing bicep curls shouldn’t be the only exercise you’re doing at the gym, it’s time to spruce up your gut health routine.
If you’re taking probiotics and still experiencing stomach upset, it’s important to consult with your doctor and take a look at the overall picture of your health and habits. What else can you change to support a healthy gut besides taking the magic probiotic pill?
Related: Do Probiotics Do You Any Good? – How To Choose The Right Supplement
Drinking Caffeinated Beverages
As common and habitual as it is to enjoy daily caffeinated beverages, they aren’t good for your overall gut health. Decreasing or eliminating your caffeine intake will seriously help with your unhealthy gut symptoms.
Luckily, there are many alternatives to caffeinated beverages—all readily available wherever you can find your usual caffeine kicks. Stores and restaurants alike have delicious decaf options, like decaf coffee, tea, and soda.
Not Drinking Enough Water
Dehydration or lack of hydration, even if you don’t feel thirsty, can have serious consequences for your gut. You can calculate the accurate amount of water you should be drinking each day (in ounces) by dividing your total body weight (in pounds) by half.
Get in the habit of carrying around a large water bottle and refilling it as needed throughout the day. Adding a water vessel to your list of routine personal items (like your cell phone) will help you stay hydrated so you can repair your unhealthy gut.
Also, pay attention to how many times a day you urinate! Frequent liquid output is a good sign that you’re good and hydrated.
Skipping Fiber-Rich Foods
Give fiber a more important spot on your dinner plate from now on. (Make that true for all your meals, actually!) Foods packed with fiber help your gut process your meals and make your stools a more desirable color and texture (you know what I mean!).
Fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole-grain foods will help to regulate your bowels and repair your unhealthy gut.
As a good rule of thumb, fiber-rich foods should be the largest serving of any food on your plate.
If any of these common unhealthy gut rituals are part of your day, it’s time to make some changes! Pay close attention to the foods and beverages you eat and how your body reacts to them in order to evaluate your gut health regularly. You’ll be so glad you did!
