Think of your gut microbiome as a half-teased tangle of connections to other aspects of your health and body. Researchers are still unpicking its links to digestive function, mental health, your skin and more.
In some cases, they’re figuring out whether an unhealthy gut microbiome is a cause of a symptom or health condition or a reaction to one.
The microbiome refers to the trillions of microorganisms (also called microbes) living in your body, such as bacteria, viruses and fungi. The gut microbiome, specifically, references the microbes in your intestines, notably the large intestine. These microbes help you metabolize the food you can’t digest, boost your immune function and control inflammation. They also generate metabolites (substances that your body uses to break down food), including vitamins, enzymes and hormones, according to Gail Cresci, a microbiome researcher and registered dietician with Cleveland Clinic’s pediatric gastroenterology, hepatology and nutrition department.
You should think of your gut microbiome as “little pets living inside your intestinal tract,” Cresci told CNET in 2023. What we eat feeds them, and our internal environment dictates how well they thrive.
As we learn more about the gut microbiome, there are a few beginner tips you can use to keep it as healthy as you can.
Read more: 12 Probiotic Foods That Can Improve Your Gut Health
Signs of an unhealthy gut
“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.
Other signs of an unhealthy gut may include vomiting or stomach upset, fatigue, trouble sleeping, food intolerance and other symptoms. Skin irritation or problems may be one particularly visible sign, as some research links skin issues like acne and psoriasis to the gut.
Researchers are also looking into how it impacts reproductive health and hormone levels.
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