Your gut isn’t likely to cross your mind unless you have a gut instinct. But it’s been on the minds of medical experts who have found a direct link between the health of your gut and everything from your immune system and skin conditions, to your mood, mental well-being, autoimmune disorders and cancer. See, your gut is home to trillions of bacteria that make up your gut microbiome. There’s normally a balance of good and bad bacteria, which enhances your overall health. But if the bad outweighs the good, your gut can become unbalanced, which can lead to a number of health conditions. Learn how to spot the signs of an unhealthy gut and how to tip the balance in favor of better health.

1. Digestive Distress

An unhealthy gut can be hard to stomach. An upset stomach, bloating, gas, constipation and cramps are all tell-tale signs that your gut is trying to tell you something and shouldn’t be ignored. An unhealthy balance of gut bacteria may be causing this digestive discomfort, and the effects can cause trouble with more than just your tummy.

2. Mood Changes

Your gut microbiome plays a role in your mental well-being. See, the level of good bacteria in your gut support the production and regulation of major mood-boosting chemicals like serotonin and dopamine, which help promote a positive mood. Imbalances in your gut can lead to mood swings, anxiety and depression.

3. Exhausting Fatigue

Constantly feeling tired may be a wake-up call that your gut is out of whack. The mood-boosting serotonin produced in your gut also affects your sleep. When your gut’s not working properly, it can’t regulate serotonin, which can disrupt your sleep and leave you tired all the time.

4. Weighty Issues

Unintentionally gaining or lose weight may be a sign that your gut is out of balance. That’s because your metabolism is linked to the health of your gut microbiome. If your gut becomes unbalanced, your body isn’t able to properly absorb nutrients, store fat or signal that you’re full. If you’re gaining or losing weight unexpectedly, an unbalanced gut may be to blame. 

5. Irritating Skin Problems

If your skin is breaking out or acting up, it may be due to an unhealthy gut. Research has shown has inflammation in your gut caused by a lack of good bacteria can lead to skin conditions, such as eczema, acne, psoriasis and rosacea. 

Ways to Strike a Healthy Balance

• Eat a Balanced Diet – Your diet has a direct effect on your gut’s balance of bacteria. Choose nutrient-rich foods to support the growth of good bacteria, while avoiding processed, sugary, fatty foods that make bad bacteria grow.
• Go to the Pros – This not only means consulting a healthcare specialist, but reaching for probiotics, which can increase the good bacteria in your gut. You’ll find probiotics in many fermented foods, such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi and pickles. It’s also a good idea to supplement with a high-quality probiotic supplement.
• Fill Up on Prebiotic Fiber – Prebiotics are fibers that enhance the power of probiotics by supporting the growth of good bacteria. Get your fill of prebiotics by enjoying prebiotic foods like bananas, onions, asparagus, garlic and leeks.
• Fall into a Better Sleep Routine – A poor night’s sleep can affect the balance of bacteria in your gut. But getting enough sleep can help promote a healthy gut.
• Soothe Away Stress – Reducing stress can help maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria. Find ways to manage stress, from yoga and meditation, to spending time with friends and family.

So trust your gut and try these tips to keep your gut balanced and healthy.

For many, inflammation has a daily impact on overall health and wellbeing.*

That said, it often goes undetected or disregarded.

Let’s break it down with a brief overview and some of the ways we can begin to maintain our health. 

When you look in the mirror, do you see a puffy or swollen face? While many of us blame a late night out or a salty meal, few people realize that a condition called hypothyroidism may actually be to blame. Hypothyroidism occurs when your thyroid isn’t producing enough hormones. The condition is quite common, especially in women and people over the age of 60. Discover if hypothyroidism may be the underlying cause of the puffiness and problems you’re facing.  

The Source of the Swelling

A problem with your thyroid may be staring you in the face. See, a puffy or swollen face is one of the primary warning signs of an underactive thyroid. This condition is known as hypothyroidism and it occurs when the thyroid gland isn’t producing enough of the thyroid hormones your body needs to function properly. The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland found at the front of your neck. It produces thyroid hormones, which are important because they regulate a wide range of physical, mental and emotional functions vital to looking and feeling your best.

A Round-Up of the Symptoms

While a puffy face is one of the most noticeable symptoms of hypothyroidism, this bloating is just the beginning of the numerous warning signs. Low levels of thyroid hormones can cause a hormonal imbalance that can lead to many symptoms that affect your appearance, physical health, mental performance and overall quality of life. Moving past the puffiness, other signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism include:

• Fatigue
• Constipation
• Weight gain
• Mood and memory changes
• Slower heart rate
• Menstrual changes
• Dry skin
• Brittle nails
• Thinning hair and eyebrows
• Sore muscles and joints
• Feeling cold most of the time

There are many degrees of hypothyroidism and in the earliest stages, you may not notice any symptoms. But once they appear, you need to see your doctor for a diagnosis because the condition can lead to serious lifelong complications if left untreated. Only then can you manage the symptoms and feel better about your appearance, your health and your life.

Overcoming an Underactive Thyroid

Today, doctors are able to diagnose hypothyroidism at an early stage—often before you notice any symptoms. The condition can be detected by simple blood tests that measure your levels of thyroid hormones. These tests can help your doctor determine the right dosage of medication to help you manage your symptoms. The most common treatment for hypothyroidism involves the daily use of an oral medication to restore hormone levels and reverse any symptoms.

Making a Full Recovery

You should start feeling better weeks after beginning treatment as the medication starts regulating your thyroid hormone levels. Once proper levels are restored, your symptoms should start to disappear or become much more manageable. Your doctor will perform follow-up blood tests to monitor your progress and find the right treatment plan for you. Along with medication, a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet, regular exercise and stress management techniques can be just as essential for a healthy and happy life.

If a puffy face or any of the other symptoms make you suspect you have hypothyroidism, you need to face the condition head-on and get the proper treatment to look, feel and be your very best.