Gut and inflammation: how to tell if your microbiota is disturbed

Do you feel bloated or swollen after eating, even if you take care of your diet? Is your digestion slow or heavy, and do you feel a lack of energy during the day?

Often, these symptoms are related to an imbalance in the gut microbiota, The good bacteria that live in your gut play a key role in your digestive health, your immune system and even your emotional well-being.

When this microbiota is disturbed, inflammation and discomfort can occur, affecting your quality of life.

In this article we help you identify the signs that indicate that your microbiota you may be out of balance and what steps you can take to regain your balance and improve your health from within.

What is the gut microbiota and why does it matter so much?

The gut microbiota is the trillions of micro-organisms that live in your digestive system, mainly bacteria, but also viruses, fungi and archaea. These organisms not only live with you, but also perform essential functions for your health.

They participate in the digestion of food, protect against infection, modulate the immune system, influence mood and regulate metabolism. When balanced, the microbiota acts as a protective barrier and keeps inflammatory processes in check.

However, when this balance is disrupted, known as dysbiosis, problems such as chronic inflammation, food intolerances, digestive disturbances and an increased risk of intestinal diseases can occur.

Signs that your microbiota may be altered

Frequent swelling

That bloated belly feeling, even when you eat healthy or small meals.

Constant fatigue for no clear reason

You wake up tired or feel lacking in energy throughout the day, even if you sleep well.

Foul-smelling gas or very slow digestion

Uncomfortable flatulence and meals that seem to “sit there” for hours.

Mood swings or mental fog

Difficulty concentrating, feeling dull in the head, irritability or emotional lows for no apparent reason.

Skin problems

Acne outbreaks, dermatitis, rosacea... which may be related to intestinal inflammation.

Sensitivity to many foods

More and more things go wrong for you: dairy products, fruit, pulses... without a clear explanation.

Recurrent diarrhoea or constipation

Digestive disturbances that come and go or become chronic and do not improve with diet or probiotics.

Bad breath or metallic taste

Little known symptoms, but frequent when intestinal imbalances and abnormal fermentations occur.

How does an altered microbiota affect gut inflammation?

Listening to your body is the first step: bloating, gas, heavy digestion or changes in bowel rhythm can give you clues. But it is not always enough.

To find out more precisely whether dysbiosis is present, specific digestive tests are available. The BREATH TEST, for example, allow for the detection of imbalances such as the SIBO or lactose or fructose intolerances, which often go unnoticed.

At Ailin you can do these tests at home, with a guided process, fast and without waiting lists. Because understanding what's going on in your gut is key to recovering your wellbeing.

Do you have persistent digestive symptoms? Take an exhaled air test and know what your microbiota is trying to tell you.

What you can do to restore your microbiota and reduce inflammation

• Introduce fermented foods such as kefir, natural yoghurt or sauerkraut to increase the beneficial bacteria in your gut.
• Cut down on sugar, ultra-processed foods and alcohol, which can upset the balance of your **microbiota**.
• Get at least 7 hours of sleep each night to promote intestinal repair and balance.
• Take a daily walk or do gentle exercise to stimulate your digestion and general well-being.
• Practice stress management techniques such as mindful breathing or meditation to minimise inflammation.
• If you have persistent symptoms or concerns, it is best to get a clear diagnosis and follow a plan tailored to you. At Ailin you can access tests from home and have medical guidance if you need it.

Conclusion - Your inflammation is not normal, and it can be solved.

It is not normal to feel bloated, tired or sick after every meal. Your microbiota may be unbalanced and be the root cause of this constant inflammation. Do the digestive test with Ailin and take the first step towards a digestion without inflammation.

References:

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2. Sánchez de Medina F, Martínez-Augustin O, González R, Ballester I, Nieto A, Gálvez J. Intestinal microbiota and inflammatory bowel diseases. Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2011;34(7):473-84. Available at: https://www.elsevier.es/es-revista-gastroenterologia-hepatologia-14-articulo-microbiota-intestinal-enfermedades-inflamatorias-del-S0210570511000379
3. Spanish Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: What to eat to improve gut microbiota? [Internet]. 2023. Available at: https://www.academianutricionydietetica.org/que-comer/mejorar-microbiota-intestinal/
4. Flores-Ramos M. Gut microbiota and health: a review for science education. Mexican Journal of Educational Research [Internet]. 2021;26(88):13-40. Available at: https://www.scielo.org.mx/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0187-893X2021000100010
5. González S, Guillén A. Intestinal microbiota: its role in health and disease. Journal of the Faculty of Medicine [Internet]. 2013;36(2):132-42. Available at: https://ve.scielo.org/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1316-71382013000200002