Our gut plays a vital role in the functionality of the body and it’s important to have the right balance of good and bad bacteria to stay healthy. An unbalanced gut can be caused by a number of aspects including taking antibiotics, known for flushing out good bacteria - it’s important to remember to use this as a last resort to maintain a healthy gut. Another factor that can affect the gut is agricultural chemicals such as pesticides on non-organic food, although it’s not harmful, it can cause imbalances in gut bacteria. Lack of a diverse range of food can also play its part in a healthy gut, a more diverse range of food that is consumed provides a good source of nutrients to help good bacteria grow.
Signs of an unhealthy gut
Our body will always tell us if something is wrong and there are a number of ways to tell the signs of an unhealthy gut.
Poor digestion: If you find yourself suffering from diarrhoea, constipation, bloating or heartburn, especially after a carb heavy meal, this could be a sign of an unhealthy gut.
Weight fluctuation: The absorption of vitamins, minerals and fats can be impacted if there are too many microbes in the small intestine, meaning the presence and amount of certain bacteria’s can an impact on weight.
An effect on your mood: Serotonin is produced in the gut and carries signals along and between nerves. If this balance is off it can have a direct impact on your mood, as well as appetite, behaviour and libido.
Bad skin: When there is an imbalance of bacteria in the gut the skin can react by developing rashes, eczema, acne or rosacea.
How to treat an unhealthy gut
Prebiotics: Prebiotics is a dietary fibre, helping to promote healthy gut bacteria. Foods high in prebiotics include lentils, chickpeas, beans, oats, bananas, asparagus, garlic, leeks, onions and nuts. When these are consumed, the good bacteria in our body feeds off these prebiotics, repairing and replenishing gut cells.
Probiotics: Probiotics are live bacteria found in foods such as yogurt. You can purchase Bio Kult, a probiotic supplement allows you to get a quick and easy fix of probiotics, formulated to help maintain a heathy digestive and immune system. Pop into our clinic to browse our probiotic products including Brilliant Biotic from Chris James Mind Body.
Colonics: At EF MEDISPA we offer Colonic Hydrotherapy to help cleanse your body, removing unnecessary waste and harmful toxins, perfect to refresh your body’s bacterial balance. The gentle procedure will be carried out by our colonic hydrotherapist and will leave you feeling calm, healthy and refreshed.
Diet & Nutrition: If you want help achieving healthier looking skin or you want to improve your digestion, we offer a range of options in the form of diet and nutrition, including bespoke programmes for your individual needs.
