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Whenever there is any problem in our stomach, we usually consider it limited to just normal problems like acidity, gas, constipation or heartburn and get by with a little powder or Eno. But the research of modern medical science and gastroenterology shows that our stomach is not just a machine for digesting food, but it is the control center of our entire body which controls everything from immunity to mental state. The surprising thing is that when your gut starts becoming unhealthy, it does not always manifest itself in the form of stomach ache or constipation, but sometimes gives such strange and unknown signals which we cannot understand. Chronic fatigue without any heavy work, skin problems like acne or eczema that suddenly appear on the face, mood swings and constant craving for sweets can be hidden symptoms of poor gut health. In this detailed and informative article, we are going to introduce you to those untold and surprising truths to the stomach, knowing which you can improve your health. The structure of the human body is full of mysteries and the role of the stomach or intestines in it has been termed by scientists as the 'second brain', because there is a deep and direct connection between our stomach and the brain which is called the Gut-Brain Axis. Trillions of good and bad bacteria live within the intestines, collectively called the gut microbiome, and these microbes control about 70 to 80 percent of our body's immune system. When these good bacteria in the intestines start dying due to disturbances in a person's lifestyle, poor diet, stress, excessive intake of antibiotics or lack of sleep, the harmful bacteria take over. This imbalance is called dysbiosis in medical language, due to which the internal systems of the body start getting badly affected. This is why when stomach health deteriorates, its effect is clearly visible not only on the digestive system but also on the skin, energy levels, hormonal balance and even mental peace. If you feel tired even after waking up in the morning and there is a huge lack of energy in the body throughout the day, then do not make the mistake of ignoring it as just work pressure or weakness. Chronic fatigue or feeling tired all the time can be directly to the health of your intestines, because an unhealthy gut is unable to properly absorb the nutrients and vitamins from food. When the intestinal walls become weak (also known as leaky gut syndrome), the body is unable to get the iron, vitamin B12 and other micronutrients it needs, causing hemoglobin to drop and energy levels to drop dramatically. Additionally, the micro-inflammation that occurs in the intestines spreads throughout the body, which keeps the immune system constantly busy and leaves the person mentally and physically exhausted. Therefore, if your fatigue is not getting better even after sleeping or resting, then understand that your stomach is in dire need of healing and repairing from within. The first and most obvious visible effect of poor gut health is visible on our skin, which is understood in the language of dermatology as the Gut-Skin Axis. When toxins and harmful bacteria begin to grow inside the intestines and seep into the bloodstream, our body turns to the skin to flush out those impurities. As a result, problems like acne, rosacea, psoriasis, stubborn eczema and skin rashes start appearing on the face, which cannot be cured even by applying the most expensive creams and lotions. Unless you correct the dirt and microbiome imbalance inside your gut, the effect of external skin care products is very limited. Both Ayurveda and modern science are unanimous that the secret of glowing and spotless skin is not hidden in any cosmetic tube, but in a healthy, clean and strong digestive system. Did you know that more than 90 percent of our body's serotonin (known as the 'happy hormone') is produced within the intestines, not the brain? This is why when your gut is unhealthy, it directly impacts your mood and you become a victim of constant anxiety, depression, stress and mood swings without any concrete reason. Apart from this, the bad bacteria present in the intestines make you have frequent cravings for junk food, refined sugar and excessively sweet things. These bad bacteria feed on sugar and grow rapidly and completely destroy your body's metabolism, making problems like weight gain and lethargy more serious. When you increase fiber and probiotics in your diet, these uncontrolled cravings automatically subside and you start experiencing mental clarity and positivity. It is not very difficult to get your intestinal health back on track and get rid of all these unknown symptoms forever, for this you just have to make some small but effective changes in your daily routine. First of all, include probiotics in your diet such as fresh homemade curd, buttermilk, fermented foods and kefir which rapidly increase the number of good bacteria in the intestines. Along with this, consume prebiotics such as garlic, onion, banana, oats and green vegetables rich in fiber which become food for these good bacteria. Avoid processed foods, excessive sugar, artificial sweeteners, refined flour and packaged snacks as they damage the inner lining of the intestines. Drinking adequate amount of water, getting at least 7 to 8 hours of deep sleep daily and doing yoga or meditation to reduce stress are the surest tips for building a healthy gut. By taking care of your stomach, you can not only get rid of these hidden symptoms, but also enjoy an energetic, disease-free and beautiful life.