Reviewed by Dr. Scott Maymon, ND, NPH, and Dr. Sarah Stone, ND.

Reading time: 5 minutes

Your digestive health plays a vital role in your overall well-being, influencing everything from your mental health to immune function. 

The gut is home to trillions of microorganisms, forming a diverse microbial community within the intestinal microbiota. When this delicate balance is disrupted, it can lead to issues such as yeast overgrowth in the gut, food sensitivities, and even autoimmune diseases.

Understanding your gut type is the first step on your healthy journey. For a deeper dive into GI health, visit our GI Health Services page or explore related topics like How to Starve Bad Gut Bacteria and 8 Signs of an Unhealthy Gut

By identifying the unique combination of microbes in your digestive tract, you can make informed food choices, adopt supportive lifestyle practices, and achieve optimal gut health.

What Is a Gut Type?

A gut type refers to the unique microbial composition of your digestive tract

Each person’s gut microbiome is as individual as a fingerprint. Factors such as diet, genetics, stress, and medication influence the makeup of your gut’s microbial community. 

Common Gut Types

  • Balanced Gut: A healthy mix of beneficial bacteria, resulting in minimal digestive issues and strong overall health.
  • Yeast-Dominated Gut: An overgrowth of yeast can cause symptoms like bloating, sugar cravings, and fatigue. This gut type is often linked to diets high in sugar and processed foods.
  • Inflamed Gut: Chronic inflammation in the digestive tract, often due to leaky gut syndrome or conditions like IBD, resulting in pain, food sensitivities, and systemic inflammation.
  • Slow Gut: Characterized by sluggish digestion and symptoms such as constipation and heaviness, often tied to low fiber intake, insufficient water intake, and sedentary lifestyles.

Knowing your gut type helps you:

  • Address digestive issues like bloating, acid reflux, and irregularity.
  • Prevent and manage conditions like inflammatory bowel disease and leaky gut syndrome.
  • Support mental health through the gut-brain connection.

Take the Gut Type Quiz

Below is a series of statements. Choose the option that best describes you for each statement.

  1. How often do you experience digestive issues like bloating or acid reflux?
    • A. Rarely
    • B. Sometimes
    • C. Frequently
  2. Do you often feel tired or sluggish after meals?
    • A. No
    • B. Occasionally
    • C. Yes
  3. How often do you consume probiotic foods such as yogurt, sauerkraut, or kefir?
    • A. Daily
    • B. A few times a week
    • C. Rarely or never
  4. Do you experience food sensitivities or allergies?
    • A. No
    • B. Mildly
    • C. Severely
  5. How would you rate your stress levels?
    • A. Low
    • B. Moderate
    • C. High
  6. How often do you include high-fiber foods like vegetables, fruits, or whole grains in your diet?
    • A. Daily
    • B. Occasionally
    • C. Rarely
  7. Do you experience symptoms like skin issues, fatigue, or brain fog regularly?
    • A. Rarely
    • B. Sometimes
    • C. Frequently
  8. How much water do you drink daily?
    • A. More than 8 cups
    • B. 4–8 cups
    • C. Less than 4 cups

Results:

  • Mostly A’s: Your gut microbiome appears balanced. You likely have a Balanced Gut type. Maintain your current food choices and lifestyle practices to support optimal gut health.
  • Mostly B’s: You may have mild imbalances in your gut, suggesting a Yeast-Dominated Gut or Slow Gut type. Consider adding more probiotic food, high-fiber options, and stress management techniques.
  • Mostly C’s: Significant imbalances in your gut microbiome may indicate an Inflamed Gut or severe Yeast-Dominated Gut type. Focus on repairing your gut health by consulting a naturopathic doctor and exploring therapies like BPC-157.

Disclaimer: This quiz is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance.

Common Gut Health Challenges

When the balance of your intestinal microbiota is disrupted, it can lead to a variety of health concerns. 

Two key challenges include yeast overgrowth and leaky gut syndrome, which are increasingly recognized as underlying contributors to digestive and systemic issues. 

Yeast Overgrowth in the Gut

Excessive growth of yeast in the gut disrupts the microbial community, leading to digestive issues, food allergies, and fatigue. Diets high in sugary and fatty foods can exacerbate this imbalance.

Leaky Gut Syndrome

Leaky gut syndrome occurs when the intestinal lining becomes permeable, allowing harmful substances to enter the bloodstream. This condition is linked to autoimmune diseases, inflammatory bowel disease, and chronic inflammation.

Strategies for Fixing Your Gut Health

Achieving optimal gut health involves a combination of dietary adjustments, lifestyle changes, and sometimes even advanced therapies. Understanding the root causes of your gut issues can help you tailor a plan that works best for your unique needs.

  1. Optimize Food Choices

Choose probiotic food like yogurt, sauerkraut, and kimchi to introduce beneficial bacteria into your diet. Pair these with high-fiber foods that support the production of short-chain fatty acids, essential for gut healing.

  1. Limit Harmful Foods

Avoid processed foods that disrupt the balance of your gut microbiota. Instead, focus on whole, nutrient-rich options to restore a healthy digestive tract.

  1. Adopt Supportive Lifestyle Practices

Regular exercise, adequate sleep, and stress management are critical for maintaining optimal gut health. A balanced lifestyle improves the symbiotic relationship between your gut and body.

Peptides for Gut Health: BPC-157

BPC-157, or Body Protection Compound 157, is a synthetic peptide with remarkable potential for gut health. 

It aids in addressing issues like leaky gut and digestive discomfort by promoting intestinal repair and reducing inflammation.

BPC-157 Benefits

  • Gut lining repair: Supports the regeneration of damaged intestinal tissues.
  • Reduced inflammation: Helps to balance the immune response and alleviate chronic digestive issues.
  • Improved digestive health: Mitigates conditions like acid reflux and irritable bowel syndrome.

BPC-157 Side Effects

While generally well-tolerated, some individuals may experience mild side effects such as nausea or temporary discomfort. Always consult a naturopathic doctor before incorporating peptides into your wellness routine.

For more insights on how peptide therapy can enhance your digestive health, check out our blog on The Benefits of Peptide Therapy for Optimal Gut Health.

Take the Next Step Toward Better Gut Health

At Pure Body Health, we specialize in personalized naturopathic solutions, including peptide therapy, to help you achieve your wellness goals. 

Don’t let digestive issues hold you back—schedule an appointment with our expert team today and start your journey to a healthier you.

To book an appointment at our naturopathic clinic in Tempe, AZ, call (480) 427-0442 or complete the online inquiry form. Visit us at 1553 W Todd Drive, Suite 106, Tempe, AZ