When is the last time you thought about your gut? Maybe it is driving you crazy, sooo like 5 minutes ago? Or maybe your gut seems fine but you just don’t feel right. Does that sound familiar? Here’s the things- millions of Americans have a GI disorder, but you don’t even have to have GI symptoms to have a GI problem. I want to share some examples and real-life situations that could be telling you in your gut is healthy or unhealthy.
Bowel Movements
How often do you go #2? Everyday? Twice a week? Did you know it’s normal and actually healthy to have a bowel movement at least once a day?
Skin
Do you have ANY kind of skin conditions? This could be eczema, psoriasis, dry skin, hives, acne, rosacea. The skin is a direct reflection of what is going on INSIDE of your body- especially your gut!
Food
Do certain foods bother you? Do you notice any throat discomfort, or irritability, fatigue, stomach pains or discomfort. Food sensitivity symptoms can be endless, because food sensitivities can cause literally ANY symptom in ANY part of the body- because the immune system sounds an alarm. This can all stem from your gut.
Weight
Do you have yo-yo up and down with your weight? Do you have trouble losing weight, even while eating good foods?
Immune and Energy Production
Do you have all-day energy? Or do you struggle to get through each day? Maybe you’ve got up and down energy that varies day to day? Fatigue can be a tell-tale sign of malabsorption of your food (not getting energy to your cells).
Immune System
Do you have an autoimmune disease like psoriasis, RA, lupus, Hashimotos, Type 1 Diabetes, Crohns, ulcerative colitis, graves? Up to 80% of all of your immune cells are in your gut. If you’ve got an autoimmune disease, you’ve got a GI problem!
Mental
How well does your brain work? Alright don’t laugh, really??! Are you able to focus all day, remember events and things to do, process things like you used to? Or do you struggle with brain fog, mood swings, anxiety or depression symptoms, or sleep issues? The brain and gut are connected- and whatever happens in the gut, happens in the brain (and vice-versa). This means that you could have anxiety caused by a gut imbalance (and potentially not have ANY gut symptoms!)
GI symptoms
Do you ever experience any kind of GI symptoms, with or without eating? These could include gas, bloating, pain or pressure, heartburn, constipation or diarrhea. All of these are NOT normal and all indicate a GI imbalance, maldigestion, or infection usually.
How did you do? Did you pass every category with flying colors? If not—you most likely have some kind of GI or gut imbalance that should be addressed. The most common types of GI imbalances are:
- Infections like H Pylori, Parasites, Candida and Fungal Overgrowth, SIBO
- Maldigestion (breakdown in digestion)
- Immune response too high or low
- Inflammation and bacterial imbalance
Find a great Functional Medicine doctor to help you piece through your gut health, so you can get your gut and your life back on track!
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