April 15, 2024

Discover the Surprising Links Between Gut Health and These 5 Common Issues – Plus Effective Solutions

By Jocelyn Strand, ND

You know that annoying morning cough you can’t shake? And the embarrassing rash that persists despite every topical ointment you try? And you had two cavities at your last dental check-up. What’s that about?

You may have tried over-the-counter medications or even gotten a doctor's prescription to help manage your symptoms. Maybe you invested in an electric toothbrush to up your dental hygiene game.

But what if these irritating issues are signs of something deeper? Is there a root cause to consider?

Double News Flash:

All of these symptoms could be related to the state of your gut.
Your gut might respond well to botanical solutions

Many people are surprised to learn that the common health issues they’re dealing with can be traced to their gut. Check out these five:

1. Skin Conditions & Hair Loss

Your bad skin and hair days might have more to do with your gut than you realize. Conditions like acne, eczema, and even hair loss can be the result of poor stomach health, which is where your body prepares nutrients for absorption. When your digestion isn’t functioning optimally, you’re not getting enough of the connective tissue-building nutrients your body needs for growing lush locks and healthy skin.¹

2. Coughing

Persistent coughing might be more than just a respiratory issue. In some cases, it could be a sign of underlying digestive problems, like acid reflux.² Research suggests that disturbances in gut bacteria (aka dysbiosis) can also contribute to chronic coughing or respiratory issues.³

3. Cavities & Bad Breath

Your oral health is closely connected to your gut health. Poor gut health can lead to an imbalance in oral bacteria, which increases your risk for cavities, bleeding gums, and bad breath.

Acid reflux, for example, can potentially cause tooth decay because of the changes it creates in your mouth — specifically, lowering the oral pH and decreasing tooth-protecting salivation.⁴

And because what grows in the mouth will grow in the gut, poor oral health can lead to problems in the gut and elsewhere in the body. That’s why maintaining a balanced gut microbiome and a balanced oral microbiome are so important to whole-body health.⁵

4. Anxiety & Mood Swings

The gut is sometimes referred to as your “second brain” and it plays an undeniable role in your mental health. That’s thanks to a series of pathways known as the gut-brain connection. Imbalances in gut bacteria can impact neurotransmitter production – including that mainstay of feel-good chemistry, serotonin – and contribute to anxiety, depression, and mood swings.⁶

5. Insomnia

Do you struggle to get a good night's sleep? Your gut health might be stealing your zzzz’s. Disruptions in gut flora can affect the production of sleep-regulating hormones like melatonin, making it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night.⁷

What to Do

So, what can you do to support your gut health and address some of these health issues in the process? Soothing the gut lining and supporting healthy gastrointestinal functioning is a great place to start.

Remember, the goal is to establish a solid foundation for supporting your overall health (as opposed to looking for quick fixes for isolated symptoms). This means creating an environment that promotes optimal digestion and nutrient absorption.

Here are some nutrients and botanicals that can help you soothe the gut lining and support your GI tract:

GutGard®: This proprietary form of deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) extract has been clinically shown to soothe the gastrointestinal tract and support gut health without any of the negative side effects of non-deglycyrrhizinated forms.^8,9
Glycine: An amino acid that plays a role in maintaining the health of the intestinal lining and supporting digestive function, glycine is also proven to support healthy sleep.¹⁰
Ginger: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, ginger can help soothe the gut and alleviate symptoms of gastrointestinal discomfort.^11,12
Chamomile: This calming herb has been used for centuries to promote relaxation and soothe digestive discomfort, making it a valuable tool for supporting gut health.¹³
Lemon balm: Carminative herbs like lemon balm are traditionally used to disperse gas in the lower gastrointestinal tract.¹⁴ With its uplifting lemony scent, lemon balm is also helpful for relieving stress.

Incorporating these nutrients and botanicals into your daily routine can help promote a healthy gut and address a variety of issues that may be linked to gastrointestinal health. (Check out this daily gut health formula that contains some of these ingredients and botanicals.)

Remember, taking care of your gut is not just about digestive comfort — it's about supporting your overall health and well-being. So the next time you're dealing with skin problems, mood swings, or even bad breath, consider checking in with your gut for answers.

Resources:

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