Gut Health 101: Recognizing and Addressing Common Digestive Issues
Health can mean many things to many people. For us, it’s about helping you access the quality of life you want, with results that honor your individuality.
When we work with clients who are tired, bloated, or suffering from IBS symptoms or digestive issues, the first thing we do is strategize how we might improve their gut health.
GUT HEALTH 101
When we talk about your “gut,” we’re referring to your gastrointestinal (GI) tract. While your stomach and small intestine have some gut microbiota, most of your gut microbiome is based in your large intestine. It is made up of microorganisms that float around and are attached to the inner linings of your intestines.
These microbiota support the absorption of nutrients, the production of vitamins, and the strengthening and support of your immune system. When your gut microbiome isn’t flourishing your overall health likely will suffer too.
Bloating
If you’ve ever had bloating - you know what it’s like. But for those lucky few - bloating often manifests as feelings of tightness, pressure, or fullness in your belly. There may be some gas (burps or farts!) or an expansion or distending of your stomach area. This increase in pressure and volume can often occur to excess intestinal gas, due to carbohydrate intolerance, fermentation, or a microbiome imbalance. It always results in a desire for relief from bloating and some gut health solutions!
IBS
IBS, short for irritable bowel syndrome, often makes its presence known with cramping, abdominal pain, bloating (see above), gas, or changes in bowel movements. When things have taken a turn for “nonideal” and intensified a bit - you might be dealing with IBS and its symptoms.
IBS is caused by high stress, dietary habits, inflammation, nerve sensitivity, hormonal factors, or, unsurprisingly, an imbalance in your gut microbiome. While various stressors, diet or lifestyle changes can cause IBS, we like to discuss a disparity in your “gut-brain axis.” 10-15% of people in the developed world are impacted by IBS. Tending to IBS is one of the reasons we started Bala. Check out <post hyperlink> to learn more about tactics to heal yourself from IBS.
Unexpected Fatigue
Fatigue is real and fairly commonplace. Babies, all-nighters - there are plenty of reasons to feel fatigued. That said, when you’re tired or feeling like your overall health is starting to downgrade (sleep issues, skin issues), we often recommend looking at your gut health again. If you can point out why you’re tired, get some rest! If you can’t, however - and you’re feeling sluggish, exhausted, or just drained without reason - it’s likely that your microbiome could use some tending to.
While bloating and IBS are a bit more noticeable in terms of gut health “ red flags,” unexpected fatigue is usually the first symptom that shows up. Get sleep, drink water, and pay attention to how you’re feeling. And if you’re not feeling great, contemplate the gut.
NEXT STEPS
When the going is good in the gut area, it’s easy to breeze through days and take gut health for granted. Our priority is to simplify and level up your gut health for joyous, simple days. Check out https://www.balahealth.com/post/understanding-and-managing-trigger-foods for ways to level up your gut health or https://www.balahealth.com/post/common-symptoms-of-gut-health-issues-and-how-to-address-them to take the first steps to address some of these common gut health issues with personalized nutrition-based and science-backed solutions.
