Bloating , fatigue and weight changes could be three signs of a problem with your gut, which could lead to cancer.
A healthy digestive tract means a healthy immune system, as the gut is home to more than 70% of the immune system. The gut can also reveal many health problems.
Flatulence
According to Guts UK, the average person passes around 40 times a day. However, bloating after eating certain foods can be a sign that your gut isn't breaking down food properly.
“Gas build-up in the gut is normal and is a sign that your gut flora is working hard to digest fibre. However, severe bloating, frequent passing of gas, and symptoms such as loose stools or diarrhoea are signs of malabsorption,” says Anna Pettit, gut expert at Guts UK.
The cause may be a food intolerance, such as lactose intolerance. This occurs when people lack the enzyme lactase, which helps digest lactose.
Malabsorption symptoms are generally caused by the pancreas not producing enough enzymes to properly digest food. Along with bloating, many patients experience orange or pale stools.
According to Guts UK, if you have persistent bloating accompanied by sudden weight loss, abdominal pain or diarrhoea, you should see your doctor, as this could be a symptom of a bowel condition.
Bloating is a symptom of intestinal disease. Photo: Freepik
Mood swings
According to experts, a healthy gut means a healthy mind. In fact, digestion and mental health are connected through the gut-brain axis, which is a directional communication organ between the brain and the gut.
“Any disruption along the gut-brain axis can contribute to stress, depression or other mental health problems such as schizophrenia,” explains Professor Pettit.
The disruption occurs due to an imbalance in the gut microbiota, which is responsible for maintaining healthy digestion.
Studies show that too much “bad” bacteria growing in the gut leads to both mental and physical problems, as the gut provides about 95% of the body's serotonin - a hormone that affects mood and emotions.
Skin problems
Refined sugar and saturated fats can often be the culprits behind bad skin, as they upset the balance of gut bacteria. This condition, called dysbiosis, contributes to problems like acne, rashes, eczema, psoriasis, and even dandruff.
Similar to the gut-brain axis, the body also has a gut-skin axis. An unhealthy diet can deprive the gut of the right kind of beneficial bacteria, weakening the immune system and triggering an inflammatory response that manifests itself on the skin. According to Professor Pettit, many skin problems are caused by gut microbiota disorders.
Thuc Linh (According to Daily Mail )
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