Gut health is a trending topic, and in recent years one of the most studied among scientists. Research shows that the health (or lack thereof) of your gut microbiome influences, for better or for worse, numerous body functions, as well as your overall health. An imbalanced gut microbiome doesn’t just play a role in your digestive health. It can also wreak havoc on your emotional health, weight, and skin, and even instigate serious and chronic autoimmune conditions. Your gut health may be faltering due to eating standard American fare, low in fermented foods, and the overuse of antibiotics or anti-bacterial products.
10 Signs Your Gut Health Is Faltering
The following symptoms indicate a gut microbiome that’s out of balance and in need of intervention.
- Digestive troubles: indicated by bloating, diarrhea, irritable bowel, heartburn, bad breath, etc.
- Frequent yeast infections
- Allergies
- Sugar cravings
- Unexplained weight gain
- Skin disorders: such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, hives
- Depression
- Joint aches and pain
- Learning complications
- Behavioral difficulties
- Mental fog
Rebalance Your Gut Microbiome 
Probiotics should be part of your rebalancing regimen. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that will help recolonize your gut so that the microbiome is made up of thriving versus dangerous organisms. Supplement with probiotics in the form of capsules, or eat fermented foods such as kefir, yogurt, sauerkraut, pickled vegetables, kimchi, and kombucha tea.
Probiotics need prebiotics—food that feeds and helps to restabilize a healthy gut. Foods rich in prebiotic fibers such as inulin and arabinogalactans include artichokes, leeks, onions, beans, garlic, asparagus, carrots, and okra.
Anti-microbial herbs and tinctures, such as oil of oregano, grapefruit seed extract, garlic, caprylic acid, olive leaf extract, berberine, and uva ursi, can help eradicate any pathogenic organisms harming your gut health.
Sugary foods and foods processed with flour exacerbate poor gut health because harmful bacteria in the gut thrive on sugar and refined carbs. Keep these foods to a minimum!
