There are many correlations between your gut and your brain. In fact, it has been said that your gut is the second brain in your body. If you have an unhealthy gut, it can affect your entire body adversely. In order to understand this fully, it helps to first understand how a well-functioning gut should operate.
Some Signs of Good Digestion
The GI tract is a series of hollow organs that are connected to each other from your mouth to your anus. The organs that make up your GI tract, in the order that they are connected, include your mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, and anus. Its primary function is to take in and digest food, absorb nutrients, and dispose of the remaining waste. The three main signs of a healthy gut are regular bowel movements, long, smooth, and brown excrement, and no pain, bloating, or excessive gas. Specifically, you should have a bowel movement one to two times daily. Symptoms such as diarrhea, loose stools, and constipation should not be present during these bowel movements.
Common Signs That Your Digestion Could Use Improving
In contrast to good digestion, some of the more common signs that you may have poor digestion include:
1. You Have Stomach Discomfort
If your stomach experiences discomfort frequently, it may be a sign that your digestive system is having a hard time processing the food that you are consuming and eliminating waste. Symptoms such as bloating, gas, constipation, diarrhea, and abdominal pain can be indicators of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS is a common condition that occurs in the large intestines.
2. You Are Frequently Tired
Chronic fatigue can also be an indicator that you may have digestive problems. One study published in 2017 found that nearly half of all people with fatigue additionally had IBS.
3. You Have Unintentional Changes In Weight
If there is an imbalance in your gut, your body could be struggling to store fat, regulate your blood sugar levels, and properly absorb nutrients. In a study published on the gut microbiome and its role in obesity, researchers found that a Western-style diet that is high in fat and refined carbohydrates may promote increased intestinal bacteria linked to obesity.
4. Your Skin Is Irritated
In addition to weight changes, research has shown a link between skin problems such as acne and eczema, and an unhealthy gut.
5. You Get Migraines
Particularly if you experience vomiting or nausea in conjunction with migraine, you may be exhibiting symptoms of bad gut health. Studies indicate that people who have frequent headaches have an increased likelihood of having gastrointestinal disorders.
6. You Have Extreme Food Cravings
Consuming abnormal quantities of sugar can lead to an overload of "bad" bacteria in the gut. Large amounts of sugar, particularly high-fructose corn syrup, have been linked to inflammation in the body.
7. Intolerance To Certain Foods
Poor quality of bacteria in the gut can result in intolerances to certain foods. The inability to digest certain foods could point toward a food intolerance. These intolerances can cause bloating, abdominal pain, gas, diarrhea, and nausea.
Things You Can Do To Improve Digestion
If you have any of the symptoms listed above it is a good idea to consult your physician to make sure they aren't related to another condition. However, altering your diet, drinking more water, lowering stress, exercising more frequently, eating slowing, getting sufficient sleep, and investigating your food intolerances can help you improve your gut health. In addition, fulvic acid can provide vital nutrients and enzymes important for optimal gut function, positively affecting gut bacteria and enhancing nutrient absorption. By providing a microbiome that is rich in prebiotics and probiotics, fulvic acid can decrease symptoms of digestive issues and promote a healthy gut. Organa International's Uplift is a great source of fulvic acid.