Microbes that live in your gut are "little pets living inside your intestinal tract," according to Gail Cresci, a microbiome expert at the Cleveland Clinic. Besides digesting food, they also support your immune system, regulate inflammation and produce essential compounds like vitamins and hormones that keep your body running smoothly.
Your gut plays a big role in your overall health, so it's important to recognize when it might need help. Changes in digestion, immunity or even mood can sometimes be tied back to imbalances in your microbiome. The good news is that there are ways to get those microbes back on track.
According to Cresci, certain lifestyle adjustments can restore your gut health and strengthen your microbiome. Here's are warning signs to look out for and what you can do to give your gut the support it needs.
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Signs of an unhealthy gut to watch out for
"If you're bloated or you have lots of gas, you may have a disrupted composition and function of the gut microbiome," Cresci said, adding that the only way to know for sure is to have it measured.
Other signs of an unhealthy gut may include:
Fatigue
Food intolerance
Skin irritation or problems
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