Having a healthy gut has long been a priority for functional medicine providers and those in the holistic health space who understand its foundational role in overall wellness.

But in recent years, the importance of a healthy gut has gained popularity in mainstream health, with gut-focused products filling store shelves and discussions about "good" and "bad" bacteria becoming common knowledge.

The surge of interest in gut health isn't just a trend—it's driven by growing evidence. Year after year, researchers are discovering new ways that gut health is connected to whole-body wellness and is a crucial factor in many health issues.

From the more obvious, like bloating and digestive disorders such as leaky gut, to less apparent connections like mood imbalances, hormone regulation, metabolism issues, and even serious conditions like autoimmune diseases and certain cancers—your gut is linked to nearly every function in your body.

There really isn't a debate: to be healthy, you must have a healthy gut. But what does that actually mean? How do you know if your gut is balanced, and what are the most effective ways to improve and support it?

This guide will break down everything you need to know about gut health, why it's essential, and the practical steps you can take to build and sustain a balanced, resilient gut.

Why is Gut Health Important?

There isn't a single aspect of your health and wellness that isn't potentially tied to the state of your gut. A healthy gut is the foundation of a healthy life and is the first line of defense in almost every area of health. 

While it's often a tell-tell sign that something is wrong, having an unhealthy gut is more than just digestive discomfort. It can be the root cause of many bigger issues. 

An imbalanced gut can lead to chronic inflammation, disrupt your immune system, cause weight gain, impact your mood and cognitive health, and contribute to serious health concerns like autoimmune diseases, diabetes, and even heart disease. 

Bottom line: a healthy gut is a healthy life. To live well, you need a healthy gut.

What Does it Mean to Have a Healthy Gut? 

Having a healthy gut goes beyond regularity, a stomach that isn't constantly bloated, and smooth digestion. It means that your gut microbiome, a complex ecosystem of trillions of bacteria, fungi, and other microbes in your digestive tract, is balanced and working effectively.

You want your microbiome to be balanced and healthy because these tiny yet powerful organisms have many important roles. They help digest food, absorb nutrients, and serve as a protective barrier against harmful invaders. They also produce essential compounds that boost your immune system, balance hormones, and influence your mood and energy levels.

But that's not all—your gut also plays a critical role in brain health. This connection, known as the gut-brain axis, has led scientists to call the gut our "second brain." Through constant communication with the central nervous system, the gut can impact everything from stress response and memory to cognitive clarity and overall mental well-being.

When your microbiome is in balance, your body functions at its peak. But when that balance is disrupted, it can gradually affect nearly every area of physical and mental health, leading to issues that reach far beyond digestion.

Signs of an Unhealthy Gut

Because the gut is connected to so many aspects of health, the signs of an unhealthy gut can show up in various ways. From clear digestive symptoms to more subtle, seemingly unrelated issues, there can be many signs your gut is unhealthy. Sometimes, people can also be asymptomatic. 

Here are some of the most common signs that your gut might be out of balance and lacking the right mix of beneficial microbes:

• Bloating
• Gas
• Heartburn/Indigestion 
• Constipation
• Diarrhea 
• Food intolerances
• Food cravings (especially sugar)
• Unexplained fatigue
• Trouble sleeping
• Mood swings or low mood
• Brain fog
• Weak immune system
• Unexplained weight gain or weight loss
• Frequent headaches/migraines

Additionally, your gut could be the root cause if you have skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis or autoimmune problems like thyroid issues, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and type 1 diabetes.

If you have any of these conditions, it's worth speaking with a gut health expert to determine if your gut could be the underlying cause.

What Causes an Unhealthy Gut? 

Sometimes, gut issues can happen almost instantly—like when you eat something that doesn't sit right. But an unhealthy gut doesn't just happen overnight. For your gut to become significantly damaged and your microbiome unbalanced— it's often a gradual process.

It's the result of multiple lifestyle, dietary, and environmental factors that impact the delicate balance of bacteria and other microbes in the digestive system, leading to issues with digestion, immunity, and even mood. 

Poor Diet Choices

Diets high in processed foods, refined sugars, unhealthy fats, and some artificial sweeteners are known to disrupt the gut microbiome, lowering healthy bacteria and fueling inflammation.

Stress

Ever feel it "in your gut" when you're stressed? That's no coincidence. Stress and anxiety can trigger nausea, diarrhea, or that uncomfortable "knot in your stomach." This doesn't necessarily mean you have an unhealthy gut. 

However, ongoing stress can disrupt digestion and throw off the balance of gut bacteria, often leading to more than just temporary discomfort.

Over time, chronic stress can contribute to inflammation and more serious gut imbalances, affecting your overall health.

Lack of Sleep

Not getting enough quality sleep affects your body's internal clock, which is tightly connected to gut health. If you don't get enough sleep and aim to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, you risk disrupting digestion and microbial balance.

Antibiotics

There are times when antibiotics are necessary, but they should be used with caution. Overuse of antibiotics can wipe out beneficial bacteria in the gut, leading to imbalances that may take months to restore. 

Some experts even believe that a single dose of certain antibiotics can disrupt the gut microbiome, especially if your gut health is already compromised. If you need to take an antibiotic, it's crucial to follow a gut-support protocol to help rebuild and protect your gut's beneficial bacteria.

Excessive Alcohol

Drinking alcohol can irritate the gut lining and reduce beneficial bacteria, increasing the chances of inflammation and gut damage.

Sedentary Lifestyle

A lack of physical activity slows digestion and limits the diversity of gut bacteria essential for a healthy microbiome.

What are the Most Effective Ways to Improve Gut Health? 

When it comes to a healthy gut, much of the focus is actually on what not to do. Let's start with diet. The phrase "you are what you eat" is especially true for your gut. 

While certain foods, like fiber-rich fruits and vegetables and fermented foods, are great for your microbiome, it's often about what you avoid.

Processed foods, excessive refined sugar, alcohol, and artificial additives can disrupt your gut balance, promoting inflammation and discomfort. Limiting these foods is one of the most effective steps toward a healthier gut.

Your lifestyle habits also play a key role in your gut health. As mentioned above, chronic stress, lack of quality sleep, and inactivity can negatively impact your digestive system and overall gut balance. In the next section, we'll dive deeper into lifestyle tips for better gut health.

There is one thing you should consider adding if you want to improve gut health, and that's certain supplements known to support the gut. Typically, supplements act as just that; they supplement, meaning they are "gap fillers," especially when diet alone may not provide everything you need.

But when it comes to gut health, certain supplements offer benefits you most likely can't get from diet and lifestyle alone—especially if your gut is already damaged or imbalanced.

We'll list the best supplement for gut health later on, giving you an idea of how they can help you restore balance and keep your gut working at its best.

Lifestyle Tips for Better Gut Health 

The choices you make each day can have a big impact on your gut's well-being. Here are some lifestyle tips to support your gut health.

Manage Stress

Stress is unavoidable, but the way you handle it matters. When you're chronically stressed, your gut is one of the primary organs affected. Stress can disrupt digestion, throw off your gut bacteria, and lead to inflammation.

Find de-stressing activities that work for you, whether it's yoga, meditation, journaling, a quick walk, or just taking a few deep breaths. The goal is to keep your stress levels in check.

Get Consistent, Quality Sleep

Your gut and brain are connected, and sleep is one way they communicate. Poor sleep can throw off the signals between your brain and gut, affecting digestion and the balance of bacteria. 

Aim for 7-9 hours of quality, uninterrupted sleep each night. Also, prioritize sticking to a consistent wind-down and wake-up schedule. Sleep is a simple but powerful way to boost your gut health.

Stay Active, But Don't Overdo It

Regular movement is extremely beneficial for your gut. It keeps things moving and supports a balanced microbiome. Walking, jogging, and resistance training can all promote healthy digestion.

Just remember, there is such a thing as too much of a good thing. Intense or excessive exercise without proper recovery can actually have the opposite effect, causing stress on the body and disrupting gut health. 

Limit the Overuse of Medications When Possible

Some medications, especially antibiotics, NSAIDs, and antacids, can disturb your gut's balance. When possible, look for natural alternatives or try lifestyle changes that might reduce your need for certain medications.

Of course, always consult with your doctor, but being mindful of medication overuse is a step toward a healthier gut. If you need to take medications known to disrupt the gut microbiome, such as antibiotics, follow a gut-health protocol to minimize damage. 

Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated helps move food smoothly through the digestive tract, supports the lining of the intestines, and aids in nutrient absorption. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially with meals, to keep your digestive system healthy. 

Supplements Suggestions for Better Gut Health 

There are certain supplements that we believe can make a substantial difference, filling in any gaps your diet and lifestyle alone might not address. Here is a list of some of the best stand-alone supplements and ingredients to look for in a gut health supplement.

If you want to simplify the process of finding each of these ingredients and remove any uncertainty about the appropriate amounts needed, we will share our favorite gut health supplement that has many of these ingredients in effective dosages at the end.

Prebiotics & Probiotics

While some foods contain prebiotics and probiotics, your gut may need additional support to thrive! Prebiotics feed beneficial bacteria, while probiotics add healthy bacteria to your gut. Together, they help balance the microbiome, improve digestion, and support a healthy immune response.

Before we move on to the other supplements to consider for optimal gut health, we want to dive deeper into probiotics and prebiotics because many people are confused about how they are different and whether both are really necessary.

Probiotics and Prebiotics: What's the Difference?

While often lumped together, probiotics and prebiotics serve distinct but complementary roles in supporting gut health.

Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that add beneficial microbes to your digestive system. These "good bacteria" help maintain a balanced microbiome, outcompeting harmful bacteria and supporting digestion, nutrient absorption, and immune health.

Prebiotics, on the other hand, aren't bacteria themselves—they're a form of fiber that acts as food for your existing beneficial bacteria. You could think of prebiotics as the "fuel" that keeps your probiotics going strong. Prebiotics encourage the growth and activity of the probiotics in your gut, essentially "feeding" them so they can thrive.

Many wonder if both probiotics and prebiotics are necessary. Yes! Incorporating both prebiotics and probiotics offers a more comprehensive approach to balancing and maintaining a healthy digestive system.

N-acetyl-glucosamine

This compound is crucial to the protective mucosal barrier in your GI tract. It supports the gut lining's integrity and potentially aids in the repair of damaged gut lining, making it particularly beneficial for those dealing with leaky gut or related digestive concerns.

Apple Pectin

Apple pectin is a soluble fiber that forms a gel-like consistency in the gut to help regulate bowel movements and prevent constipation. It is also said to help moderate blood sugar levels by slowing carb absorption and serves as a growth stimulant for beneficial gut bacteria.

Arabinogalactans (from Larch Gum)

Known for their immune-boosting effects, arabinogalactans are a type of prebiotic. They encourage the growth of good bacteria like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria. This natural polysaccharide helps defend the gut against common infections, promoting overall GI health.

Soy Lecithin & Sunflower Lecithin

Both soy and sunflower lecithins act as natural emulsifiers, aiding in the breakdown and absorption of dietary fats. They also support the GI tract's mucosal layer, improving nutrient uptake and promoting healthy digestion.

Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice (DGL) Extract

DGL is a gentle form of licorice root that is helpful for soothing stomach discomfort. It supports and protects the stomach lining and intestinal wall, providing relief from irritation and helping to prevent further damage.

Cinnamon Bark Powder

This well-known spice offers more than flavor; it has antioxidant properties that protect the GI tract from oxidative stress. Cinnamon can help reduce bloating and gas and support overall digestive regularity.

Green Tea Leaf Extract 

Green tea extract is rich in antioxidants, especially EGCG, which combats oxidative stress and inflammation in the gut. Its anti-inflammatory effects may promote better digestive function and overall gut resilience.

Astaxanthin (1.5%)

Astaxanthin is a powerful antioxidant known for reducing gut inflammation. By fighting free radicals, it protects the digestive tract lining from oxidative damage and supports a healthy gut environment.

The Best Supplement for Complete Gut Health Support 

If you're looking to support or improve your gut health with a high-quality supplement, Revive GI+ is the best product on the market. Don't just take our word for it; check out the thousands of reviews all over the internet that talk about how life-changing this product has been.

GI+ features a potent blend of ingredients (including the ones listed above) that help optimize digestion, protect the stomach lining, flourish gut bacteria to foster a healthy gut microbiome, boost immunity, and more!

GI+ is your go-to for gut health. Many things set this supplement apart from other gut health products on the market, one being our commitment to purity. Like all Revive supplements, GI+ is lab-tested, doctor-formulated, and contains no unnecessary fillers. It uses only natural ingredients that are vegan-friendly, gluten-free, and soy-free, making it ideal for anyone looking for a natural way to support their digestive health.

Check out the product information page for a more detailed look at GI+ and to order your bottle today! You might also want to consider some of our other digestive health supplements. Some of our best sellers include our Probiotics, Daily Greens Powder, Digest Aid, Gut Health +, and Stomach Guard Bundle.

Conclusion

Gut health isn't just about digestion and regular bowel movements—it's the foundation for your overall well-being. When your gut microbiome is balanced, everything from your energy levels to your brain health and even body composition can benefit. 

But as you've just learned, keeping your gut healthy involves more than just what you eat and the lifestyle choices you make. Sometimes, your gut needs more to truly THRIVE! 

While good habits go a long way, supplements like Revive GI+ can make a significant difference for anyone wanting to optimize their gut health .. and in turn .. their overall health!