Gut Imbalances and Detox
At one time, our digestive system was considered a relatively “simple” body system, comprised essentially of one long tube for our food to pass through, be absorbed, and then excreted. However, modern medicine has repeatedly demonstrated the incredible complexity of the gut and its importance to our overall health.
The term “gut microbiome” refers specifically to the microorganisms living in your intestines. While some microorganisms are harmful to our health, many are incredibly beneficial and even necessary to a healthy body.
A healthy gut means you have a good balance of bacteria, or microbes, in your gastrointestinal tract. These microbes help the body:
- Obtain energy from the food you eat
- Get rid of toxins
- Fight harmful viruses and bacteria
- Produce the mood-boosting brain chemical serotonin
Many facets of modern life such as high stress levels, too little sleep, eating processed and high-sugar foods, and taking antibiotics can all damage our gut microbiome. This in turn may affect other aspects of our health, such as the brain, heart, immune system, skin, weight, hormone levels, ability to absorb nutrients, and even the development of cancer.
Signs of poor gut health:
When your body doesn’t have enough good bacteria, bad bacteria can thrive. The following can be signs of a gut bacteria imbalance:
- Autoimmune problems, such as thyroid issues, rheumatoid arthritis and type 1 diabetes
- Digestive issues, such as irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, diarrhoea, heartburn or bloating
- Sleep disturbances and constant fatigue
- Skin rashes and allergies
- Sugar cravings
- Unexplained fatigue or
- sluggishness
- Unexplained mood disorders, such as depression or anxiety
- Unintentional weight changes
If you have any of the poor gut health symptoms mentioned above, a consultation with our Dietitian can help you to optimize your nutritional health. This may include Food Hypersensitivity Testing that involves a sophisticated blood analysis of foods that may be causing your symptoms, and DNA Testing to provide insight into how your body metabolizes certain foods and to develop a personalized meal plan to improve your overall well-being.
