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Wondering why your skin is breaking out and you're struggling to lose weight? This could be down to the health of your gut.
Many of us don't realise the power our gut holds in contributing to our health. It’s not just about digestion- your gut impacts your immune system, mental health, skin, and even your weight. Within this article we have compiled the effects our gut has on our immune system, mental health, skin and weight loss. Along with Coda Pharmacies top tips on improving your gut health.
The Immune System
Did you know that around 70% of your immune system is located in your gut? Your digestive system is home to trillions of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses, which collectively make up the gut microbiome. These microbes play a critical role in defending the body against harmful pathogens.
When your gut is healthy, it can efficiently filter out toxins and harmful bacteria, preventing illness. But when the balance of good and bad bacteria is disrupted, your immune system can suffer, leading to inflammation and a weakened defense against diseases.
Mental Health
95% of serotonin resides in your gut. When gut health is compromised it can affect these chemicals and in turn contribute to mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. A healthy gut supports a balanced mood, better stress management and mental clarity.
Skin
Your skin is often a reflection of your internal health—and this includes your gut. Poor gut health can manifest in skin conditions like acne, eczema, and rosacea. This is because inflammation in the gut can trigger inflammatory responses throughout the body, including the skin.
Weight Loss
If you’ve been struggling to lose weight, the problem may not be your willpower- it could be your gut. Research shows that an imbalance in gut bacteria can influence weight by affecting how we store fat, how we regulate blood sugar, and even how hungry we feel.
Symptoms of an unhealthy gut
Digestive Issues: Bloating, gas, constipation, or diarrhea are pretty clear signs something’s off.
Fatigue or Low Energy: If you’re feeling tired all the time, even after a good night’s sleep, your gut health could be to blame.
Mood Swings or Anxiety: Since your gut and brain are connected, a messed-up gut can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, or irritability.
Skin Problems: Conditions like acne, eczema, or rosacea can flare up when your gut’s out of balance.
Unexplained Weight Changes: Whether you're gaining weight or having trouble losing it, an unhealthy gut can affect how your body processes food and fat.
How to improve your gut health
It’s one thing to know how your gut affects different areas of your life and health, but the real question is: how can you actually improve your gut health? Here are some of Coda’s top strategies to get you started.
Step 1: A healthy gut starts with diverse, fibre rich and fermented foods. This diversity is key for gut health.
Focus on eating a wide range of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and legumes. These foods are rich in fiber, which acts as food for beneficial gut bacteria. Fibre rich foods include: beans, lentils, oats, quinoa, berries, broccoli, spinach, and sweet potatoes.
Fermented foods are packed with probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that support your gut.. Fermented foods include: yogurt, kimchi, kombucha, miso, and pickles.
Step 2: Incorporate probiotics into your diet, these nourish the good bacteria in your gut, helping to create a thriving digestive system.
Some of the best prebiotic-rich foods include garlic, onions, leeks, asparagus, bananas, and apples, which are all great additions to your diet for maintaining a healthy gut microbiome.
Step 3: Stop sabotaging your gut health with processed foods, sugary snacks, and artificial sweeteners.
These toxic offenders destroy the balance of good bacteria in your gut, letting harmful bacteria take over. If you want to feel better, think clearer, and boost your immunity, you need to cut these out.
If you have been suffering from any symptoms of an unbalanced gut, we hope this article has brought you some understanding and knowledge. Remember to stay healthy and do your best to stick to a diverse diet and you're on the right track!
Here at Coda Pharmacy, we are here to support you every step of the way. From helping you to improve your gut health to offering expert advice and delivering your NHS prescriptions free of charge. If you have any questions about what you have read in this article or any of the services that Coda Pharmacy can provide you with, please do not hesitate to reach out and contact us here.