Your weight-loss battle, fight against fatigue, and struggle with food sensitivity could have everything to do with your intestinal health. But without the proper testing, you may never know—and never find your way to well-being. Great news. It’s absolutely possible to alter your intestinal health, but if you don’t give your gut the attention it deserves, metabolism and hormone problems can quickly take center stage.

Bad Bacteria is Bad News for Metabolic Rate

Many people who are overweight are also insulin resistant, which means their cells have trouble absorbing glucose, causing a buildup of sugar in the blood. This not only packs on the pounds, but it can also lower metabolic rates and lead to type 2 diabetes. But what might be causing insulin resistance?

Lab studies show link between bacteria and gut health (Photo Source: pixabay.com)

Science has answers. Recent research points to an overgrowth of bacteria in the intestinal tract as one cause. Using artificial sweeteners, scientists induced insulin resistance in rats—then promptly reversed that resistance with antibiotics that attacked the overgrowth of intestinal bacteria. Another study of mice found that unhealthy changes in gut bacteria can lower resting metabolic rate—and lead to obesity. The end result? Bacteria affects metabolism. While we’re not rodents, we share similar biological characteristics, and these findings highlight the critical role bacteria plays in how humans process energy.

High Cortisol Lowers Energy

Intestinal problems like food allergies and leaky gut syndrome increase inflammation, which kicks up your cortisol levels. Although this stress hormone is only trying to help by calming inflammation, the elevated cortisol levels lead to weight gain, energy problems, and metabolism issues.

The Bacteria–Thyroid–Hormone Connection

As mentioned in our last blog post, the gut’s good bacteria encourages the conversion of T4 to T3, ensuring healthy thyroid function and efficient metabolism. Altered bacteria in the intestinal tract impairs that conversion, which can elevate estrogen levels, slow down your thyroid function, and boost weight gain.

Behavioral Effects of Intestinal Issues 

Intestinal issues can decrease serotonin and increase cravings (Photo Source: freestocks.org via Pexels)

Did you know 95 percent of serotonin, the chemical responsible for maintaining mood balance, comes from the gastrointestinal tract? Emerging research shows that an intestinal problem can affect serotonin levels, which can wreak havoc on your mind and body. As your serotonin levels decrease, your cravings for sugar go up. To cope, you eat more food, gain more weight, and feel worse.

It’s also believed that having a digestive enzyme problem can drive you to overeat. Because you don’t absorb the much-needed nutrients from food, you eat more to try to compensate, and end up developing what’s known as “overconsumptive malnutrition.” Let us help.

Nearly 70 million people in the U.S. are affected by digestive issues, yet many simply treat the symptoms. The damaging effects of an unchecked and untreated intestinal disorder are real—with real and lasting effects on your hormones, metabolism, and overall health. It’s time to go with your gut, and uncover and eliminate the source of your problems—for good!