What are the Signs of Poor Gut Health?

Recent science has illuminated the importance of digestive health like never before. Though most only think of the digestive processes in terms of eating, absorbing nutrients, and removing waste, modern medical science has shown that this surprisingly influential body system controls more than just food and waste; it significantly impacts our immunity, skeletal system, hormonal balance, mental health, mood, and more. Therefore, it’s no understatement to say that digestive health is crucial for overall wellness, though many individuals may not know anything is amiss.

But poor gut health can show itself in many ways, and Dr. Matthew Barker would love to see you for a comprehensive consultation at Integrative Pain and Wellness Center to help you enjoy total well-being in Southlake, TX.

What are the signs of poor gut health?

Among the most common and detrimental symptoms of poor gut health is inflammation in the digestive tract. This inflammation can stem from infections, food sensitivities, poor diet, imbalanced gut microbiota, and other factors. Generally, this inflammation manifests through bloating, which is a significant sign of inadequate gut health. Additional common symptoms include various other types of gastrointestinal distress, including diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, or heartburn.

Another essential thing to consider: gut inflammation does not stay in the gut but travels throughout the body to cause adverse effects in numerous systems, structures, and tissues. As such, poor gut health can increase musculoskeletal pain or exacerbate conditions like arthritis or gout. Furthermore, science is constantly discovering new implications of poor gut health, which can affect our mental health, daily moods, and energy levels.

Additionally, the strong connection between microbiota and immune health means that a compromised or inflamed digestive tract weakens one’s immunity. As a result, those with jeopardized gut health are more vulnerable to various ailments, including colds, flu, and diverse diseases or illnesses.

How can I achieve better gut health?

Your tailored treatment plan for better digestive health begins with a comprehensive examination. Getting to the root of your gut health troubles is essential because we want to treat the cause and not just the symptoms. So, Dr. Barker will utilize various methods, including blood and stool testing, to assess the concentration and ratio of key players in one’s microbiota, including bacterial populations, yeast, and parasites. Other symptoms and factors include inflammation, food sensitivities, malabsorption, and microbiome dysbiosis.

And while your treatment plan will be unique and custom-tailored to your needs, it generally includes diet modifications and supplements or medications to correct gut health inadequacies.

Explore the many benefits of improved gut health

Scientific understanding of gut health has transformed over the past decades, and the gastrointestinal system has revealed itself as much more than a food absorber and waste dispeller. We now know that gut health is essential for so much more, including mental health, immunity, energy, hormonal wellness, and so much more. And you can reap the diverse rewards of better gut health by contacting us at Integrative Pain and Wellness Center to schedule a consultation with Dr. Matthew Barker in Southlake, TX.