· By Olivia Silverthorne ANutr, BSc
What Does Bad Gut Health Do to Our Energy?
Do you often feel exhausted for no apparent reason, even after a full night's sleep?
If you find yourself battling fatigue that lingers all day it might be time to turn your attention to your gut.
Poor gut health doesn’t just cause digestive problems, it can drain your energy, and impact your overall well-being in ways you might not expect.
Nutrient malabsorption & fatigue
A study in the journal of Nature Communications found that gut microbial activity can influence the nutrients the body extracts from food.
This can be hugely frustrating, because even if you are eating balanced and nutritious foods you may not be getting the nutrients your body needs as they aren’t being absorbed correctly.
And it can have a knock-on effect to your energy levels as many vitamins and minerals play a key role in our energy metabolism.
For example:
- Iron is a crucial factor in both oxygen transport and energy production.
- B vitamins are key during the process in which food is converted to useable energy.
- Magnesium is essential for muscle function and preventing fatigue.
Without these key nutrients being absorbed, your body will struggle to make the energy required to go about your daily life.
Inflammation
When the harmful bacteria in your gut outnumber beneficial ones, your immune system can go into overdrive, constantly fighting off perceived threats. This can cause inflammation, which directly effects your energy levels.
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences states that inflammation is a normal part of the body’s defense to injury or infection, and, in this way, it is beneficial.
However, it uses a lot of energy in the body as it's working extra hard to fight off any infections and begin the healing process.
Chronic inflammation is where this response is much more long term, consequently taking a toll on energy levels.
This inflammatory response not only affects your gut but can also:
- Disrupt your sleep patterns and quality of sleep, making it harder to regain your energy.
- Increase feelings of fatigue and mental exhaustion, especially if you’re in pain.
- Slow down your metabolism, making it harder to feel energised.
Hormonal imbalances and mood swings
Harvard Health notes that the gut and brain communicate through a complex network known as the gut–brain axis, this means that our gut plays a crucial role in regulating hormones and moods, especially hormones that directly impact energy levels, such as cortisol and serotonin.
When your gut isn’t happy it isn't healthy. And an unhealthy gut can result in:
- Increased cortisol levels, which increases stress and drains energy reserves.
- Reduced serotonin production, which can lead to feelings of fatigue and a lower mood.
- Blood sugar spikes causing energy spikes followed by inevitable crashes.
These hormonal imbalances can make it difficult to sustain steady energy throughout the day, leaving you feeling drained.
Digestive discomfort and energy drains
Common symptoms of bad gut health include digestive issues such as bloating, gas, and irregular bowel movements.
These side effects are often more than just uncomfortable; they can also drain your energy.
When your gut is struggling to process food efficiently, it can divert energy away from other functions in the body, leaving you feeling lethargic.
Additionally, discomfort can disrupt your ability to focus, further reducing productivity.
To improve your gut health & reclaim your energy
- Incorporate probiotic-rich foods like yogurt or fermented veggies into your diet.
- Avoid processed foods that harm gut bacteria.
- Manage stress, to support gut function.
Taking care of your gut isn’t just about digestion, it’s about feeling energised and ready to take on your day.
Conclusion
Bad gut health does more than just upset your stomach, it can rob you of your energy and productivity.
By understanding the connection between gut health and energy, you can take steps to restore balance.
Go gut it 💪🏼
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