An equilibrium between good and bad bacteria in the microbiome aids the regulation of a variety of bodily functions therefore, an imbalance can lead to deteriorated health.

Key Highlights

  • Some "good" bacteria, fungi, and microbes are responsible for maintaining a healthy and functioning body
  • Microorganism present in the intestines are known as gut flora, gut microbiome, or gut microbiota
  • The gut microbiome can be affected due to various factors such as diet, lifestyle, age, and more
Not all bacteria is bad for the body. Some "good" bacteria are responsible for maintaining a healthy body. The human intestine is home to a variety of microorganisms that make up the gut microbiome. An equilibrium between good and bad bacteria in the microbiome aids the regulation of a variety of bodily functions therefore, an imbalance can lead to deteriorated health. But is there anything that we can do about it? Yes, definitely. The gut microbiome can be affected due to various factors such as diet, lifestyle, age, and more. Looking out for gut health will require regulation of the controllable factors and being vigilant of certain signs and symptoms.

Signs of an unhealthy gut

Here are some common signs of an unhealthy gut:

  1. Your stomach is often upset: Unhealthy gut causes persistent stomach and digestive issues such as constipation, diarrhoea, bloating, gas, and heartburn. This is due to the inability of effective elimination of waste, processing and absorption of food.
  2. Your skin seems to be betraying you lately: According to a study published in the journal Frontiers in Microbiology titled “The Gut Microbiome as a Major Regulator of the Gut-Skin Axis”, gut health could affect the skin health adversely increasing the risk of developing eczema, psoriasis, and acne.
  3. Your sweet tooth is acting up: Are your sweet cravings spiking like crazy? It could be a sign of an unhealthy gut. A change in diet is a consequence of gut malfunction and consumption of processed and refined foods can cause “bad” bacteria to fester in the gut.
  4. You are always swinging and unable to sleep: Your serotonin production and mental health can take a major blow in case of an unhealthy gut. Sudden changes in behaviour and mood, deteriorated mental health, and irritability are some signs of an unhealthy gut. This can also result in depression, anxiety, and sleep problems such as insomnia.
  5. Allergies and intolerances are emerging: Have you been discovering new allergies and intolerances lately? It could be a sign of your gut health being in distress. Allergies and intolerances are a consequence of an immune response. This can be triggered by an unhealthy gut as a healthy gut is required for a healthy immune system.