How Do I Know if My Gut is Healthy?

Are you suffering from bacterial overgrowth, food intolerances, leaky gut, and inflammation?

Your gut is central to your overall health, and it plays a major role in digestion, immunity, and even mood. But how do you know if your gut is functioning properly? Certain symptoms can indicate an imbalance in gut health. If you experience any of the following, it may be time to assess your gut function:

  • Indigestion
  • Bloating
  • Excessive wind
  • Diarrhoea or constipation
  • Abdominal cramps

These symptoms can point to conditions such as bacterial overgrowth, food intolerances, leaky gut, inflammation, or even abnormal growths. It’s important to consult your doctor for further testing to determine the cause and seek appropriate treatment.

While professional guidance is essential, there are lifestyle strategies that can support gut health:

  1. Awareness of Normal Gut Function: Eating slowly and chewing thoroughly is key. Aim to chew 32 times with each meal. This ensures that food is well-prepared for digestion by the time it hits your stomach, easing the digestive process.
  2. Eat While Relaxed: Avoid eating in a stressed state. When you sit down to eat, do so in a calm, relaxed manner. Your vagus nerve, which controls the “rest and digest” response, is activated when you’re at ease, helping your body properly digest food.
  3. Avoid Snacking: Your gut needs time to rest and digest between meals. The small bowel typically moves food through every 90 minutes after your last meal. Frequent snacking disrupts this natural rhythm, making digestion less efficient.

By being mindful of these strategies, you can support your gut health and reduce the risk of digestive discomfort. However, always seek professional advice if symptoms persist or worsen to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.