by Erin D Marion - Published 6 months ago

Gut Health Check: 5 Unhealthy Gut Symptoms

Identifying the root cause of gut issues is crucial. Our modern lifestyles, characterized by high stress, low physical activity, and diets rich in processed foods, are often culprits. However, diet plays a significant role in gut health. Refined sugars, artificial sweeteners, and highly processed foods can negatively impact good bacteria in your gut, fostering the growth of harmful bacteria.

The good news is that you can likely improve your gut health with conscious effort. It begins with awareness and then implementing small, consistent changes.

Signs of a Unhealthy Gut

Your gut is a fascinating and mysterious world. It contains approximately 100 trillion microorganisms, primarily bacteria, that can significantly contribute to your overall health and well-being.

But how do you know when something's amiss in your gut? What symptoms should you be vigilant about?

Understanding the signs of a troubled gut is the first step in improving your overall health. Here are five common symptoms to watch out for.

1. Difficulty Sleeping or Feeling Tired All the Time

Insomnia, caused by late nights or stress, can disrupt your energy levels and potentially lead to an imbalance in your gut bacteria, known as microbial dysbiosis.

This imbalance can affect more than just your digestion; it can influence your overall well-being and circadian rhythm, the 24-hour cycle that regulates sleep patterns.

Sleep and gut health are interconnected. Lack of sleep can negatively impact gut health, and poor gut health can make it difficult to get a good night's rest.

A disrupted sleep cycle, often leading to insomnia or persistent fatigue, could be a sign of poor gut health.

2. Weight Changes and Stomach Problems

An imbalance of gut bacteria can make it harder to absorb nutrients and may contribute to weight loss or gain. Stomach problems like chronic bloating, acid reflux, and gas might indicate an unhappy digestive system and suggest that something is wrong.

Additionally, gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease can often be connected to gut health. Bad bacteria in the intestines can cause inflammation in the digestive tract, resulting in abdominal pain and discomfort.

3. Skin Issues

Experts have linked conditions like skin allergies, eczema, acne, and psoriasis to intestinal issues. When your gut lining becomes permeable, toxins might leak out and circulate throughout your body, causing inflammation that can affect your skin. This is why it might be helpful to consider your gut as a possible source of the problem when treating skin conditions. A study suggests that a healthy gut could potentially lead to healthier skin.

4. Sensitivity to Certain Foods

Food allergies, like swelling, rashes, or breathing difficulties, might be linked to your gut health. A weakened gut can lead to leaky gut syndrome, increasing your chances of food allergies and intolerances.

5. Strong Desire for Sweets

Some research suggests that cravings, seemingly uncontrollable, might be influenced by gut bacteria.

For instance, one study on mice revealed a connection between sugar consumption and gut bacteria, raising questions about the relationship between human gut microbiota and sugar cravings.

Improving Your Gut Health

Now that you are more aware of the symptoms of bad gut health, you are probably wondering how to improve your gut health. Here are a few strategies to consider:

Stay hydrated: Water aids in the digestion of food and absorption of nutrients. Proper hydration is essential for a healthy gut.
Learn how to eat for your gut. Think: a diet rich in whole, colorful, fiber-filled foods.
Manage stress: Chronic stress can damage gut bacteria. Practices such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, and yoga can help reduce stress, which in turn may improve gut health.
Proper antibiotic use: While sometimes necessary, overuse or misuse of antibiotics can disrupt the balance of your microbiome gut bacteria. Always consult with a healthcare professional before taking antibiotics.
Consider probiotic food sources: Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are good for your health, especially your digestive system. They exist in supplements and some foods, like yogurt and fermented foods. It’s important to note that getting probiotics from foods is more beneficial than from supplements.