An unhealthy gut can cause a wide range of health issues. Here are some key signs that may indicate your gut is out of balance.
Digestive Problems
One of the most obvious signs of an unhealthy gut is ongoing digestive problems. This includes symptoms like bloating, gas, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, and constipation. If you regularly suffer from one or more of these issues, it’s a clear sign your gut health needs attention. Probiotics, prebiotics, and eating more fibre can help improve digestive problems. But if symptoms persist, see your doctor to rule out underlying conditions.
Skin Conditions
Many skin problems like acne, eczema, and psoriasis stem from gut imbalance. This is because inflammation in your gut can transfer to your skin. An unhealthy microbiome has also been linked to skin conditions. Take note if any stubborn skin issues develop, as improving your gut health could help clear them up.
Fatigue and Brain Fog
Extreme, ongoing fatigue and feeling mentally foggy are common with gut dysfunction. This is because your gut helps produce key neurotransmitters needed for energy and cognitive function. An imbalance of gut bacteria hampers this. If fatigue or fogginess is a constant problem, fixing your gut should help reverse these issues.
Autoimmune Disease
Research shows a strong connection between autoimmune diseases like lupus, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis, and the gut microbiome. It’s believed around 70% of your immune system lives in your gut. So, when gut health suffers, it makes you more prone to autoimmunity. Having an autoimmune condition point to potential dysbiosis.
Food Intolerances
Developing new intolerances to foods you once ate without issues can signal gut troubles. This includes reactions like bloating, diarrhoea or headaches after eating certain foods. It happens because gut imbalance and permeability allow partially digested proteins to enter your bloodstream. Work on healing your gut, and these sensitivities may disappear.
Nutrient Deficiencies
Gut imbalance can hamper your ability to properly absorb key nutrients from your diet. Common deficiencies seen with leaky gut include iron deficiency anaemia, B12 deficiency, and magnesium deficiency. Get any suspected deficiencies tested, as correcting them will help restore your gut function.
Candida Overgrowth
An overgrowth of Candida yeast in the gut is another sign of dysbiosis. Candida is harmless at low levels. But certain factors can trigger its rapid growth, causing candidiasis, or candida infection. Candida symptoms include chronic fatigue, sugar cravings, fungal infections, brain fog, and digestive issues. A Candida Test for overgrowth is recommended if you suspect you have it. Treatment for candida typically includes antifungal medications, probiotics, and a low-sugar diet.
Mood Issues
Mental health disorders like anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder are associated with unhealthy gut flora. This is because your gut helps produce ‘feel-good’ neurotransmitters like serotonin which influence mood. Healing your gut balance and intake of probiotics have been shown to be beneficial for supporting mental health conditions.
Poor Immune Function
Frequent colds, flu, and infections are linked to gut problems. With 70% of immune cells residing in your gut microbiome, imbalance weakens your defences. Chronic inflammation from a damaged gut membrane also hampers immunity. Boosting good gut bacteria through probiotic foods and supplements can get your immune strength back on track.
If you regularly experience any of these symptoms, take steps now to improve your gut health. Follow an anti-inflammatory diet, reduce stress, take probiotics and digestive enzymes, and consider working with a functional medicine practitioner. Paying attention to your gut will have benefits throughout your whole body.
