A higher level of diversity in gut bacteria may be associated with improved general mental and physical health. You may notice a few symptoms if you have reduced gut health.

Here are seven of the most common signs:. A balanced gut will have less difficulty processing food and eliminating waste, likely leading to fewer symptoms. Research suggests that eating too much sugar may lead to increased inflammation throughout the body.

Inflammation can be the precursor to several diseases, including cancer. Gaining or losing weight without changing your diet or exercise habits may be a sign of an unhealthy gut. Weight loss may be caused by malabsorption because of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth SIBO. On the other hand, weight gain may be caused by insulin resistance or increased inflammation.

Research indicates that an imbalance in gut bacteria may be linked to fragmented sleep and short sleep duration, which may lead to chronic fatigue. While the cause remains unclear , it appears to be connected to inflammation, metabolic function, and mental health.

Skin conditions like psoriasis may be related to the types of bacteria present in the gut. Many studies have found connections between the gut and the immune system. An unhealthy gut may increase systemic inflammation and alter the proper functioning of the immune system.

This may lead to autoimmune diseases , where the body attacks itself mistaking its cells and organs for harmful invaders. Food intolerances are the result of difficulty digesting certain foods.

This is different than a food allergy , which is caused by an immune system reaction to certain foods. Research indicates that food intolerances, like lactose intolerance, may be caused by poor quality of bacteria in the gut. This can lead to trouble digesting the trigger foods and symptoms like:.

There is also some research indicating that food allergies may be related to gut health. You may be able to improve and reset your gut health through lifestyle and diet changes.

Consider trying one or more of the following to improve your gut health naturally:. Chronic high levels of stress are hard on your whole body, including your gut. This is because your body releases certain hormones when it experiences stress.

High levels of these hormones affect your body and may compromise gut health. A few ways to lower stress may include:. Not getting enough or sufficient quality of sleep may have serious impacts on your gut health, which can in turn contribute to more sleep issues.

Try to prioritize getting at least 7—8 hours of uninterrupted sleep per night. Your doctor may be able to help if you have trouble sleeping. Chewing your food thoroughly and eating your meals more slowly may lower your chances of developing obesity and diabetes while also helping you make better food choices.

Drinking plenty of water may be linked to increased diversity of bacteria in the gut, though the source of the water also matters. One study also found that people who drank more water had less of a type of bacteria that can cause gastrointestinal infections.

Staying hydrated benefits your health overall and can help prevent constipation. It may also be a simple way to promote a healthy gut. While research is ongoing, adding a prebiotic or probiotic supplement to your diet may help improve your gut health. People who have a severe illness or a weakened immune system should not take probiotics.

Also, not all probiotic supplements are high quality or beneficial for your health. You can try eliminating common trigger foods to see if your symptoms improve. Reducing the amount of processed, sugary, and high fat foods that you eat may lead to better gut health.

Eating a diet high in fiber likely contributes to a healthy gut microbiome as well. You may also positively impact your gut by eating foods high in micronutrients called polyphenols present in:.

Diet and gut health appear to be very closely linked. Avoiding processed foods, high fat foods, and foods high in refined sugars is likely important for maintaining a healthy microbiome, as these foods may promote the growth of damaging bacteria.

Research has also found a link between smoking and stomach ulcers and an increased need for surgery for gastrointestinal cancers and ulcerative colitis. Good choices are: talk to your doctor about help for quitting, or visit Smokefree. gov for information and help.

Lack of sleep affects every body system, including the digestive system. Sleep deprivation may lead to inflammation in the bowel, which can cause gastrointestinal symptoms.

Long-term stress negatively affects your overall health and is linked to diarrhea, constipation, IBS, and ulcers. Managing your stress through stress management techniques can benefit your digestion. Everybody experiences digestive problems at some point. They can be uncomfortable, difficult to talk about, and disruptive to your day-to-day activities.

While many intestinal problems can be improved by making certain lifestyle changes, some require a visit to a doctor for a diagnosis and treatment plan.

If you have digestive issues that are not corrected with lifestyle changes or are getting worse, it’s time to see a doctor. Don’t let digestive problems linger — schedule an appointment today! Request Appointment. News Latest Information. November 17, Brian Dooley. Accredited by the Association for Ambulatory Health Care, Inc.

The process of digestion turns your food into nutrients which are needed to function and survive. Your body uses nutrients for energy, growth and cell repair. Further, research has shown that your digestive system can affect mood and overall mental health due to the strong connection between the digestive system and the brain.

Experiencing digestive problems can happen to anyone.