10 Signs of an Unhealthy Gut You Should Never Ignore

Your gut is more than just where food is processed. It is often referred to as the “second brain,” because of its impact on just about everything in your life, from digestion and metabolism to immune function and mood. If your gut is off the balance, your body will send poor gut health warning signals. Understanding the signs of an unhealthy gut is essential for anyone motivated to be on the right track in managing their health.

Read the blog and explore 10 signs that may indicate if your gut needs some attention:

Chronic Digestive Discomfort

If you persistently experience gas, bloating, constipation, or diarrhoea, this could be a sign that your gut microbiome is off the balance. A healthy gut should facilitate smooth digestion and nutrient absorption. When there is an imbalance in gut bacteria – perhaps from poor diet, stress, or antibiotics—this digestive discomfort sets in. (According to the Harvard Health Blog)

Chronic Fatigue & Poor Sleep

A poor gut health symptom can also lead to chronic fatigue, even if you’re getting enough sleep. There is evidence that there is a big interrelationship between gut health and the production of serotonin – the hormone that regulates mood and sleep – so a disruption can leave you feeling tired.

Gut bacteria also regulate sleeping patterns. One such study showed that gut microbiota affects the sleep cycle.  Poor sleep cycle automatically opens the door to several health problems, again bringing the gut as a central hub for maintaining overall health.

Unexplained Weight Fluctuations

Sudden weight loss or gain without major dietary or activity changes could also be an unhealthy gut symptom. When the gut is not healthy, metabolism and nutrient absorption are affected, leading to changes in body weight. The microbiome influences all aspects of how we process and store fat, as well as how we regulate hunger hormones.

A study reported, “The greater the diversity of the gut microbiome, the healthier the weight tends to be.” That means a healthy gut itself is all one needs to maintain weight in a healthy manner.

Skin Irritations and Conditions

As surprising as it may sound, skin health is closely related to gut health. Acne, eczema, and psoriasis are skin conditions usually associated with mechanisms of gut inflammation and dysbiosis. The gut-skin connection suggests that what happens in your gut can manifest on your skin.

A review in Frontiers in Microbiology sheds light on how gut health influences skin conditions. Thus, the mitigation of gut disturbances may be an important step toward the mitigation of dermatological symptoms.

Food Intolerances and Sensitivities 

New unexplained food sensitivities, such as dairy or gluten intolerance, are the gut health symptoms you need not ignore. When the gut health is off the balance, digestion can be poor, and an inability to break down certain foods properly can lead to reactions including bloating and abdominal pain.

Cravings for Sugar and Processed Foods 

Do you find yourself constantly craving sugar or processed foods? It may be due to an imbalanced, unhealthy gut symptom. Even research has established that an imbalance in the gut bacteria can trigger unhealthy cravings, especially for foods that contain sugar and carbs. The overgrowth of bad bacteria thrives on sugar, leading to a vicious cycle where the more you consume, the more you crave.

Leaving this unchecked, can take a toll on your overall health. Break the cycle by addressing gut health through targeted treatments including a balanced diet rich in pre- and pro-biotics.

Mood Swings and Other Mental Health Disorders

Your gut and brain are closely linked through the gut-brain axis. If your gut is off the balance, you might notice mood swings, anxiety, or even depression.  Gut bacteria produce neurotransmitters like serotonin, so an imbalance can lead to mental health struggles.

A study published in Psychosomatic Medicine showed that individuals with more diversity in their gut microbiota showed better mental health outcomes. Such an understanding of this connection underlines the need to keep the gut healthy for emotional well-being.

Autoimmune Conditions 

An unhealthy gut can increase systemic inflammation and affect how your immune system operates.

When the gut lining is compromised, toxins and partially digested food can leak into the bloodstream, potentially triggering chronic inflammation. In individuals who are predisposed, this can lead to autoimmune responses, causing the body to attack its own tissues.

Frequent Infections and Poor Immunity

Since a significant portion of your immune system resides in your gut, it’s no surprise that an unhealthy gut weakens your immune response. If you frequently catch cold, flu, or other infections, it could be a sign of gut imbalance, or dysbiosis.

There is evidence from studies that a well-balanced and diverse gut microbiome can ensure a healthily functioning immune system that resists infection. A review article from Frontiers in Immunology discusses interactions between gut commensals with immune cells in the context of antimicrobial immunity.

Bad Breath and Oral Health Concerns

Bad gut health can be associated with bad breath, too, or even oral health due to imbalanced bacteria within the gut, which causes digestive conditions and then affects oral hygiene.

Studies indicate that oral health can prevail by maintaining the gut microbiome in its healthy state, thus potentially reducing bad breath and other associated issues. The *Journal of Clinical Periodontology* says, “A new study in the journal points to a close link between health in the mouth and the gut, underlining the importance of both for general well-being.”

Conclusion: Signs of an Unhealthy Gut

Recognizing the symptoms of an unhealthy gut is crucial for improving your overall well-being. From persistent digestive problems and fatigue to mood changes and skin issues, the impact of gut health extends across many areas of your body.

If you find yourself reading this list and marking off a few symptoms, it may be time to visit your doctor and adopt some lifestyle modifications that will help right the ship of your gut health. Pay attention to your gut, not only for physical health but also for emotional and mental well-being.

Reference Links

1. Harvard Health Blog on gut microbiome and digestive issues: Harvard Health Blog
2. Nature Communications on gut microbiota and sleep: Nature Communications
3. Obesity journal on gut microbiome and weight: Obesity Journal
4. Frontiers in Microbiology on gut-skin connection: Frontiers in Microbiology
5. National Institutes of Health on food intolerances and gut health: NIH Study
6. Psychosomatic Medicine on gut health and mental health: Psychosomatic Medicine
7. Autoimmunity Research Foundation on leaky gut and autoimmune conditions: Autoimmunity Research Foundation
8. Frontiers in Immunology on gut health and immunity: Frontiers in Immunology
9. Journal of Clinical Periodontology on oral and gut health connection: Journal of Clinical Periodontology