Listening to our bodies isn’t always as simple as it sounds. We might shrug off a little discomfort here or a bout of tiredness there, but when these signs point towards an unhealthy gut, we stop and pay attention.
This article highlights the top ten warning signals your body might be sending to hint at an imbalance in your gut health. Recognizing these signs could be your first step towards regaining a healthier you. So, whether you’ve been battling persistent stomach upset or chronically tired, these symptoms might indicate a need to improve your gut wellness.
So, let’s dive in and unravel these symptoms individually to understand how they reflect an unhappy gut ecosystem.
Symptoms of an unhealthy gut
1. You have an upset stomach. Frequent discomfort, gas bloating, constipation, diarrhoea, and heartburn could be signs that your gut has difficulty processing food and eliminating waste.
2. You feel tired often. People with chronic fatigue may have imbalances in the gut. One study found that almost half of people with fatigue also had IBS.
3. You have trouble sleeping in general. An unhealthy gut can cause insomnia or poor sleep, which leads to fatigue. Your body’s serotonin, which affects mood and sleep, is produced in the gut. Therefore, when bacteria or inflammation in the gut, your sleep may also be impacted.
4. You are intolerant to some foods. Food intolerances may be caused by the poor quality of bacteria in the gut. You may have a food intolerance if you struggle to digest certain foods. This can cause bloating, gas, diarrhoea, nausea, and abdominal pain.
5. You have unintentional weight gain or loss. When your gut is imbalanced, your body may struggle to absorb nutrients, store fat, and regulate blood sugar. Weight loss or gain may be caused by bacteria overgrowth or lack of nutrients.
6. You have extreme food cravings, especially sugar. Too much sugar can cause too much “bad” bacteria in the gut. High amounts of sugar, especially high-fructose corn syrup, are linked to inflammation in the body and put you at risk for other diseases.
7. You have skin irritations. Some skin conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis may be related to gut issues.
8. You get migraines. There may be a link between headaches and gut health, especially if you experience nausea or vomiting with migraines. Studies suggest that people with frequent headaches are more likely to have gastrointestinal disorders.
9. You have autoimmune issues. Some “bad” gut bacteria may trigger autoimmune conditions like thyroid issues, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and type 1 diabetes.
10. You have frequent mood changes. Gut problems and inflammation in the nervous system can lead to anxiety and depression.
How do you balance an unhealthy gut?
One way is to add Probiotics to your Diet. Probiotics promote the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut.
