We all know about the bloating, gas, and irregular bowel movements accompanying gut issues, but did you know that there are other signs something is off with the microbiome?
We have beneficial gut microbes that calm our immune system and harmful microbes that lead to immune reactions within the body. After all, 70-80 percent of our immune system is in our gut.
Many people don’t realize that the gut is connected to many of the following immune responses and symptoms:
1. SKIN ISSUES
When we have gut dysbiosis, our immune system releases inflammatory messengers known as cytokines. The cytokine storm can trigger acne, rosacea, psoriasis, hives, and more.
2. JOINT PAIN
A disruption in the gut microbiome can lead to an inflammatory immune response which can settle in the joints and cause pain.
3. BRAIN FOG
Our gut and brain are connected by a network of hormones, metabolic pathways, and the vagus nerve, the main component of the parasympathetic nervous system responsible for key bodily functions.
Obviously, a disrupted microbiome could cause an inflammatory response that can compromise communication between the gut and the brain. This can lead to confusion, brain fog, and forgetfulness.
4. DEPRESSION/ANXIETY
Furthering the discussion on the gut-brain connection, a lack of good bacteria and overgrowth of bad bacteria has also been linked to depression and anxiety.
5. FATIGUE
The inflammatory cytokines that are released due to a leaky gut inflame the brain, leading to increased fatigue. Our body is working hard to produce more immune cells to combat these toxins released from bacterial overgrowth.
6. SUGAR CRAVINGS
We often have sugar cravings because of yeast overgrowth in our gut or dysregulated blood sugar issues.
7. CHRONIC YEAST INFECTIONS & UTIS
Yeast and bacteria from the colon can populate the urinary tract leading to chronic yeast and urinary tract infections.
8. ORAL THRUSH
Often, white patches in the mouth, referred to as oral thrush, mouth sores, and indentations in the tongue can be a sign of candida, yeast overgrowth in the small intestine as well as food sensitivities caused by SIBO, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth.
9. FREQUENT ILLNESS
A compromised gut means a compromised immune system leading to frequent sickness. Remember, 70-80 percent of the immune system is in the gut!
10. CHRONIC BAD BREATH
An excess of bacteria in the small intestine can lead to toxin build-up, causing gas, belching, and bad breath.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, there could be yeast overgrowth like candida, H. pylori bacteria, parasites, and a lack of good gut bacteria.
Over time, our gut becomes compromised due to many things like mold toxicity, low stomach acid, food sensitivities, compromised digestion, increased stress, mineral deficiencies, toxins in our foods and environment, overuse of antibiotics, and more.
The tight gap junctions in the small intestine loosen over time due to inflammatory cytokines, allowing free particles to enter the bloodstream. This causes a lot of the above symptoms. It’s important to remove the inflammation, support detoxification pathways, and focus on gut healing.
We always start with opening detoxification pathways and removing the inflammatory in tandem with GI Map stool testing at Sundara Wellness. This will help us build an individualized protocol specific to the bacteria in your gut and help aid in the repair on a cellular level.
As a Certified Functional Nutrition Counselor at Sundara Wellness, Audrey is coaching others on their journey towards freedom from stimulants and others struggling with ADHD, autism, autoimmune, hormonal imbalances, and debilitating chronic health conditions due to poor gut health. Email Audrey at [email protected] or on Instagram at @audreystimpson.
