Tobi Karim, RN, BNSc
Hello there,
Happy new year once again! Long time no blogs, but I promise you, this is a piece of much-needed information especially around this time of the year, where we all have new health resolutions and goals.
Gut health…. “The gut” in this context is referring to your gastrointestinal system ( It entails all the functions that needs to be in place from ingestion, digestion, absorption of nutrients, and even excretion to take place.)
Imagine your favorite market square, where there are people moving from one place to another with different destinations and purposes in mind, without having to cause any disturbance.
In the same way, there is a community of healthy microorganisms (bacteria, yeasts, and fungi) in your gut called the microbiome. These microbiomes are different in quantity and quality. Hence, it is person-specific and prone to change depending on how it is managed, and this is as a result of the difference in our DNA makeup.
These microbiomes are there to help fight against harmful microorganisms to keep you healthy.
Signs of an unhealthy gut
1. Sleep disturbances/ fatigue: Chronic fatigue and sleep disturbances such as insomnia is one sign of an unhealthy gut. Research shows that the gut microbiome has an effect on some elements of brain development and circadian rhythmicity (sleep-wake cycle) and as such, an imbalance in the gut microbiome can lead to little or no sleep and consistent fatigue.
2. Weight changes: Weight gain or loss without intentional changes in diet can be indicative of an unhealthy gut. An unhealthy gut can impair the body’s ability to maintain balanced blood sugar, absorb nutrients and store fat resulting in weight gain or weight loss.
3. Food intolerance/ upset stomach: Some food intolerance such as bloating, nausea, and diarrhea are results of difficulty in digesting some food nutrients due to reduced quality and quantity of good bacteria in the gut.
4. Increased sugar cravings: Diets high in unprocessed fats and added sugar can reduce the level of beneficial bacteria in our guts and this will, in turn, result in an increase in sugar cravings. Indulging your sugar cravings will further damage the beneficial bacteria in your gut and feed the unhealthy bacteria.
ALSO READ: TOILET INFECTIONS EXPLAINED (II)
5 ways to maintain a healthy gut
1. Diet change: Avoid overindulging your sugar cravings, eat more fiber-rich food, and a balanced diet at appropriate times throughout the day.
2. Elimination of unnecessary antibiotics: Antibiotics are not always the answer to every sign and symptom that shows up. Avoid using antibiotics without prescription as this affects the healthy gut bacteria.
3. Enhanced food manners: Eat your food slowly. Don’t rush your food and drink as much water as needed in a day (8 glass cups of clean water).
4. Balanced sleep cycle: Avoid staying up too late and ensure you get at least eight hours of sleep. Working late into the night and distorting the sleep-wake cycle can also lead to bad gut health as the serotonin and dopamine levels (neurotransmitters that aid the sleep-wake cycle) will be distorted.
5. Stress management: Ensure to incorporate breathing techniques into your routine. Meditation is another amazing technique I personally find handy, you should try it too.
In conclusion, your gut health is greatly impacted by what you eat and your lifestyle choices. Do look out for the signs listed out, and ensure to work on the ways to maintain a healthy gut. If you however need a personalized care, do not hesitate to contact us on (+234)8159775206, anytime. Please, feel free to share.
