4 min read

Unpacking the Causes of Poor Gut Health and What You Can Do About It

Leena Mahtani : Aug 5, 2023 9:40:08 PM

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Our gut is a complex and crucial part of our digestive system, responsible for breaking down food and absorbing nutrients. But sometimes, things can go awry causing various gut problems one of which is indigestion. When the gut isn’t working properly, it can cause discomfort, pain, and other unpleasant symptoms. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the common reasons why your gut might not be functioning properly, and what you can do to improve your gut health.

1. Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)

Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth, or SIBO for short, is something no one wants to deal with. It can be downright uncomfortable and, if left untreated, can lead to more serious health issues. SIBO occurs when there's an overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine, leading to unpleasant symptoms such as bloating, gas, and abdominal pain. But the repercussions don't stop there. If SIBO persists, it can also cause nutrient deficiencies as bad bacteria can inhibit nutrient absorption. Luckily, SIBO is easily treatable through antibiotic or herbal protocols, and a diet focused on gut health can help prevent it from taking root in the first place.

2. Food intolerances, allergies, or sensitivities

When it comes to food, everyone has their likes and dislikes. But what happens when certain foods don't agree with your body? This is where food intolerances, allergies, or sensitivities come into play. These conditions can result in uncomfortable symptoms, including diarrhea and abdominal pain. Lactose intolerance and gluten intolerance are some of the most common examples. Managing food intolerances can be tricky, but the best way to do it is by avoiding the culprit food altogether. If you need some extra help, digestive enzymes can also be used to breakdown the food and improve digestion.

3. Imbalances in gut bacteria (dysbiosis)

When it comes to our gut, balance is key. While we may think of bacteria as a bad thing, our gut needs a healthy balance of both good and bad bacteria to function properly. Unfortunately, there are times when the bad bacteria outnumber the good, leading to a condition called dysbiosis. Not only can this imbalance lead to digestive issues, but it can also contribute to chronic inflammation and autoimmune conditions. Thankfully, there are steps that can be taken to manage dysbiosis, such as making dietary changes, reducing stress levels, and taking probiotic supplements to help boost the population of good bacteria in the gut.

4. Issues with gut motility

Gut motility is the process by which food moves through the digestive tract. At times, this process can be disrupted, causing a variety of gut-related issues. Constipation is a common result of slowed gut motility, while diarrhea can occur if motility is too fast. Incorporating fiber-rich foods, drinking plenty of fluids, and exercising regularly can significantly improve gut motility and keep things moving along smoothly.

5. Insufficient stomach acid production

The role of stomach acid in our body cannot be understated. It is responsible for breaking down the food we consume so that the nutrients can be extracted and used by the body. However, sometimes the body doesn't produce enough of this magical acid, leading to numerous health concerns. If you suffer from malabsorption of nutrients, gastric reflux, and other uncomfortable symptoms, then you might have insufficient stomach acid production. Thankfully there are simple remedies such as supplementation with digestive enzymes or Betaine HCl, which can help ease the discomfort, improve nutrient absorption, and enhance your overall health.

6. Inadequate digestive enzyme production

When your body isn't producing enough enzymes, it can lead to bloating, stomach discomfort, and malabsorption of important nutrients. However, there is no need to suffer in silence. Digestive enzyme supplements can come to the rescue and provide much-needed relief. These supplements help break down food more efficiently and support better nutrient absorption. If you're experiencing symptoms of inadequate digestive enzyme production, it may be worth trying digestive enzyme supplements to see if they make a difference for your gut health.

7. Nutritional deficiencies

Our bodies require an array of essential nutrients to function properly, and a diet that falls short in meeting these requirements can have a significant impact on gut health. Nutritional deficiencies can cause a range of undesirable gut-related issues, including bloating, gas, and constipation. Fortunately, there are ways to combat these problems. By supplementing your diet with the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that your body is lacking, you can help restore proper gut health. So if you're struggling with gut problems, it might be worth taking a closer look at your diet and considering whether a nutrient deficiency could be to blame.

8. Increased intestinal permeability (leaky gut)

The health of our gut lining is an important factor in our overall well-being, and when it becomes too porous, we can experience a range of negative symptoms. This phenomenon is called leaky gut, and it can cause problems such as gut issues and inflammation and even contribute to immune system-related issues. However, there are steps we can take to promote gut lining regeneration and function. We can support our gut health and overall health by optimizing our diet, reducing stress, and supplementing with gut-healing nutrients.

9. Infections or overgrowth of harmful organisms

Our gut is home to millions of microorganisms that help us digest food, absorb nutrients, and support our immune system. But when harmful organisms like bacteria or viruses invade our gut, it can lead to many issues. Infections or overgrowth of these harmful organisms can cause diarrhea, bloating, cramping, and even severe health problems. Fortunately, there are ways to eliminate these invaders and restore gut health. Antibiotic or herbal protocols can help clear infections and promote a healthy balance of microorganisms in our gut.

10. Parasitic infections or Candida overgrowth and fungal infections

Parasites and fungi have always been around us, lurking and waiting for the right opportunity to strike. While they may not always be harmful, sometimes, an overgrowth of Candida or a parasite infection can lead to gut problems. These can range from uncomfortable bloating and abdominal pain to more serious issues like chronic diarrhea. With the right treatment protocols, restoring gut health and banishing unwelcome guests for good is possible. So if you suspect you might be dealing with a parasite or Candida overgrowth, it's best to consult a healthcare provider to get a targeted treatment plan.

Supporting your gut health is essential in helping you feel your best. You should always consult with your doctor or a registered dietitian for additional help and further information. A balanced diet and healthy lifestyle are key, and nutritional supplements can also be helpful when it comes to boosting one’s beneficial bacteria. Consider probiotics, prebiotics, herbs, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, or enzymes as other sources of dietary support for your digestive system and its well-being. Pay attention to signs of distress and remember that it’s never too late to change course—you deserve to experience optimal gut health.

Thanks for reading!

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