Your gut does so much more than digest food. They are sometimes called your "second brain" because they play a crucial role in your physical as well as mental health. From your energy level to your immune system and even your mood - your gut affects it. All the bacteria in the gut - both healthy and unhealthy bacteria - put together are called our gut flora. Many health problems can be traced to an imbalance in the gut flora. In this blog, we discuss common signs of such an imbalance and how you can regain control of your gut health.

Signs of an upset gut flora

Your gut flora is made up of billions of bacteria that work together to keep your body healthy. Healthy bacteria help your gut function optimally, while unwanted bacteria are kept in check as much as possible. But if this balance is disturbed-for example, by stress, diet or medication-can lead to symptoms that affect your entire body. Recognizing these signs is an important first step toward recovery.

Common signs of an imbalance in your gut flora are:

1. Bloating or flatulence
Bloating or flatulence can indicate an upset gut flora or problems digesting certain nutrients. This can be caused by an imbalance in your gut bacteria or a deficiency in digestive enzymes.

2. Constipation or diarrhea
Your bowel movements are an important indicator of your gut health. For example, constipation can indicate slow bowel function or a lack of fiber, while diarrhea is often associated with an overgrowth of bad bacteria in your intestines.

3. Fatigue or low energy levels
Your gut plays an important role in the absorption of nutrients such as iron, magnesium and B12. If your gut is not working optimally, deficiencies can occur that cause fatigue.

4. Skin complaints, such as eczema or acne
Your gut and skin are closely linked. When your gut is out of balance, inflammatory substances can reach your skin, leading to symptoms such as acne, rosacea or eczema.

5. Low immunity or being sick often
More than 70% of your immune system is located in your gut. When your gut is not functioning properly, it can weaken your immune system and cause you to get sick faster.

6. Mood swings or feeling gloomy
Much of the production of serotonin-your happy hormone-takes place in your gut. Therefore, disturbed gut health can negatively affect your mood and even contribute to anxiety or depressive feelings.

How do you regain control of your gut health?

Fortunately, there are many things you can do to improve your gut health. It's all about supporting the balance of your gut flora so that your body can function optimally again.

Tips for healthy gut:

• Feed the good bacteria: Eat high-fiber foods, such as vegetables, fruits and whole grains. These are the favorite food of the healthy bacteria in your gut.
• Prevent overgrowth of bad bacteria: Limit sugars and highly processed foods, as these actually feed unwanted bacteria.
• Try probiotics and prebiotics: Probiotics (such as fermented products) contain healthy bacteria, while prebiotics (high-fiber foods) allow these bacteria to develop properly.
• Hydrate adequately: Water supports healthy bowel movements and helps eliminate waste products.
• Get exercise and relaxation: Stress has a direct impact on your gut flora. Regular exercise and adequate relaxation help keep your gut balanced. 

Address your symptoms with a bowel consultation

Sometimes it is difficult to fully control your intestinal symptoms yourself. In such a case, a bowel consultation can help you gain insight into the underlying causes of your symptoms. You will receive a personalized treatment plan, customized by our specialized therapists.

How does it work?

1. Personal intake: During a comprehensive interview, we chart your symptoms, diet, and lifestyle.
2. Customized advice: You will receive customized advice for diet, lifestyle and any supplements to bring your gut back into balance. Our therapists look at the big picture, including factors such as stress, sleep and nutrition. This allows us to focus not only on the symptoms, but also on the cause of your symptoms.
3. Evaluation call: After 2 or 4 weeks there is an evaluation call. We analyze where you are now as a result of the earlier advice and discuss any areas for attention and improvement.

Take the first step toward healthy gut

Do you recognize yourself in the signs of an upset gut flora? Do not keep walking around with complaints that affect your daily functioning. A colon consultation helps you get a grip on your health and offers practical tools to bring your gut back into balance. 

Schedule your colon consultation today and take the first step toward a more energetic and healthier version of yourself! Click here for more information.