Your gut health plays a significant role in your overall well-being. In fact, the trillions of microbes living in your gut, collectively known as the gut microbiome, serve as your body's internal environment. Many people have recently become obsessed with healing their gut to avoid embarrassing symptoms like bloating and/or flatulence.
Consider your gut microbiome as "little pets living inside your intestinal tract," Cleveland Clinic microbiome expert Gail Cresci explains. These microbes help break down food, regulate inflammation, support immunity and even produce essential compounds like vitamins and hormones. This is why it's vital to understand your body's warning signs and be able to identify when something is not quite right. So, to answer the big question of how to keep your gut healthy, read on for a couple of health hacks.
Read more: Are Your Poops Regular? Experts Share What Your Bowel Movements Mean
Signs of an unhealthy gut
"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:
Vomiting or an upset stomach
Fatigue
Trouble sleeping
Food intolerance
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