You usually don’t think about your gut when it’s doing well. But when you start feeling discomfort in the form of stomach disturbances like bloating or heartburn, you know something’s not quite right. 

The gut microbiome is one of the most complex systems in the human body. Your body is home to a mass amount of microbes in the cecum of your large intestine, but most of them are there to help you. It’s because of a few pounds of microbes in your gut that you can eat comfortably. 

But what if that’s not the case?

Signs of an Unhealthy Gut

When stress spikes and sleep is affected, that’s when your gut microbe starts going haywire. If you haven’t had a good night’s sleep in a long time, it could be because of your gut health. 

Sleep chemicals like serotonin are made mostly in the gut. And if stress is causing you to stick to high-sugar and processed foods for every meal, you may experience a reduced volume of good bacteria in your microbiome.

Gut health does more than keep you from getting a stomach ache. Studies have shown evidence that the gut microbiome can play a factor in various bigger health issues. 

An imbalance of bacteria in your intestine can create chemicals to block your arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease. And even though it’s on the other end of the road, so to speak, scientists are finding more connections between gut health and brain health. 

Studies also show that people with certain psychological disorders have bacteria in their guts that neurotypical people do not. 

Benefits of a Healthy Gut

If you’re looking to learn more about how a healthy gut can contribute to a healthy life, contact the Center for Natural & Integrative Medicine. We can provide insights and avenues towards treatment so that you can balance your microbiome.