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Your gut does far more than digest food. Here is how to tell when its microbiome is out of balance — and what actually helps.
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After all, Gail Cresci, a microbiome expert at the Cleveland Clinic, describes the microorganisms inside your gut as “little pets living inside your intestinal tract,” and like real-life pets, they can exhibit multiple symptoms that reveal they aren’t at their best.
As your gut’s microorganisms help you digest food, produce vitamins and hormones and support your immune system, keeping them healthy matters.
“If you’re bloated or you have lots of gas, you may have a disrupted composition and function of the gut microbiome,” Cresci said, adding that the only way to know for sure is to have it measured with a microbiome test like a stool sample.
Six other signs of an unhealthy gut may include:
Research has linked skin issues like acne and psoriasis to the gut. Studies are also looking into how the gut biome affects reproductive health and hormone levels.
It’s important to see a doctor to determine the root cause of your health concern and rule out other conditions. Making changes to your diet or routine that may improve your gut and overall health is a good first step.
Cresci also said that there’s no exact standard for the perfectly healthy gut microbiome because everyone’s composition is so different. Bearing that in mind, here are a few things you can do to help keep it on the right track.
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According to Cresci, foods high in sugar and fat and low in fiber should be removed from your gut or eaten in lower amounts. “These are all associated with the consumption of a Western diet, which is also associated with a disrupted microbiome,” she said.
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