Have you heard the phrase “healthy gut, healthy you”? Learn the 6 main ways your gut health impacts your health and body overall in this article.

Did you know that 74% of Americans are living with some form of GI discomfort? These gastrointestinal issues go beyond things like gas and bloating. Your gut has a large impact on your health, which is why people say "healthy gut, healthy you."

Many people are unaware of the influence your gut health has on many of the body's important systems. Keep reading to learn the six main ways your gut health impacts your entire body and mind.

If the good bacteria in your gut is out of whack, you will likely experience issues with digestion. Good bacteria, such as that described in this article, is crucial to helping with nutrient absorption.

If this bacteria isn't present, you are at risk for things like irritable bowel syndrome and even Crohn's disease.

Your gut health also directly impacts the health of your brain. These two parts of your body connect through the nervous system.

The link between these two systems affects issues like mental illness. If your gut health is unhealthy, you are at a higher risk of anxiety and depression, as well as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

Having a healthy gut is the key to a healthy heart.

Certain bacteria found in an unhealthy gut can negatively affect foods like red meat and eggs once they have entered the stomach by converting a nutrient called chlorine into trimethylamine N-oxide. High levels of TMAO can cause problems like blood clots and strokes.

It's well know how much the immune system affects your health. But what about the link between your gut and immune response?

Your gut and immune system are a team. The gut communicates to your immune system cells. When the gut is thriving, it is better able to communicate with the immune system to help prevent illness and health problems.

Your gut also has a large effect on your metabolism, which is crucial in maintaining a healthy weight.

When gut bacteria become imbalanced, you are at an increased risk for obesity and diabetes. An unhealthy gut can also lead to a slower metabolism.

Another aspect of your health affected by an imbalanced gut is your mood. As mentioned before, your gut affects your mental health, but this goes even deeper to affect your mood and how you feel.

Your gut produces around 90% of your body's serotonin, so if your gut is off, your mood will likely be too.

After reading this list of ways gut health effects how you feel, the saying "healthy gut, healthy you" takes on a whole new meaning. You can maintain gut health by taking daily probiotics and eating a well-balanced diet.

If you are worried about the health of your gut, consult with a doctor for more ways to get your gut back on track.

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