10 Signs of an Unhealthy Gut You May Not Be Aware Of

The importance of gut health is often overlooked regarding overall health and wellness. However, research shows that 90% of all diseases are somehow connected to microbiome health.₁

Digestion is considered the top healing priority for the body, and when it becomes dysfunctional, it can lead to further dysfunction downstream in the GI tract which can result in a variety of health issues.

When food isn’t digested well, the intestinal lining becomes damaged, resulting in a “leaky gut” or intestinal permeability. This can allow undigested food, bacteria, pathogens, and toxins to enter the bloodstream, leading to an immune response and inflammation. Food allergies, autoimmune diseases, and ongoing inflammation can all result, which can affect more than just gastrointestinal health.

What factors can cause an unhealthy gut?

• Parasitic, fungal or bacterial pathogens
• Low stomach acid
• Poor output of enzymes or bile
• Environmental toxins
• Birth control
• Antibiotics and other prescription drugs
• Intestinal permeability or “leaky gut”
• Food sensitivities
• Poor mealtime habits
• Stress
• Alcohol

When we think of gut issues, we often think of stomach aches and pains, and bloating, but there are a lot more signs that can be associated with gut dysfunction.

Here are 10 signs that are often overlooked:

1. Skin issues
2. Anxiety, irritability, mood swings
3. Food sensitivities
4. Chronic fatigue
5. Difficulty with weight loss
6. Constipation
7. Heartburn
8. Acid reflux
9. Joint pain
10. Insomnia

Stool testing can be a helpful tool in identifying gut health concerns. The GI MAP uses DNA analysis to determine health benefits or risks from microorganisms that populate the body. It can provide a lot of information about your gut health, and your gut health can indicate a lot about your overall health.

Some of the benefits of the GI MAP over other stool tests:

• It only requires one sample. Traditional testing has used 3 samples.
• Traditional stool testing only provides information on whether or not pathogens are present. The GI MAP provides quantitative measurement.
• The use of DNA analysis makes it highly sensitive and more accurate.
• It’s fully automated, minimizing the risk of error.

The GI MAP can be a valuable and helpful tool in identifying blocking factors to your healing and can save time, money, and frustration in the long run when trying to find the root of stubborn symptoms.

The GI MAP provides valuable information about:

• Bacterial or viral pathogens
• Parasites
• Worms
• H-Pylori
• Normal bacteria
• Opportunistic bacteria
• Possible autoimmune triggers
• Yeast or fungal overgrowth
• Intestinal health
• Inflammatory markers
• Immune markers

Gut health is essential for overall health and wellness, and it’s important to pay attention to symptoms of gut dysfunction and seek out testing when needed. Along with addressing diet and lifestyle changes, the GI MAP is a valuable tool in identifying blocking factors and imbalances with your gut health, can provide valuable information for improving overall health, and save you time and frustration in the long run.

If you are in need of some support with your gut health, I’d love to help. I offer functional testing, including the GI MAP and MRT Food Sensitivity Test.

Set up a complimentary discovery call to see if functional nutritional therapy would benefit you.

References

1. Restorative Wellness Solutions. Digestion-Anatomy and Physiology. [PDF file]. 2020. P 12.