What Are the Warning Signs of Poor Gut Health?

Your gastrointestinal (GI) system, simply called the gut, includes your mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon, and anus. The gut’s main function is to digest and absorb the nutrients from the food you eat. It also affects our overall health. For this reason, having a healthy gut should be a priority. 

The Gut Microbiome 

Did you know that your gut is home to about 200 species of bacteria and other microorganisms? Called the gut microbiome, they help break down food and convert it into the nutrients your body needs. Because some microorganisms can harm your health, it’s important to maintain a balance between good and bad microorganisms. 

Considering all these, your gut health covers many aspects of the GI system. But in general, it talks about effectively digesting and absorbing food and having a balanced and stable gut microbiome. 

Why Having a Healthy Gut Is Important

According to experts, it is understood that there’s a connection between gut health and:

• Mental health

• Immune system

• Autoimmune diseases

• Endocrine disorders, like type 2 diabetes

• Gastrointestinal disorders, like inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome

• Sleep

• Digestion

• Cardiovascular disease

• Cancer

Therefore, if your gut is unhealthy, it may also harm your overall health. 

The Warning Signs of Poor Gut Health

Catching the warning signs of poor gut health can help you take steps to improve it right away. Below are the warning signs of having an unhealthy gut:

Digestive Symptoms

If you’re experiencing digestive symptoms, like abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea, and constipation, you might have irritable bowel syndrome or IBS. It may be due to an imbalance in the gut microbiome. 

Sleep Troubles and Fatigue

According to research in the National Library of Medicine, an imbalance in the gut microbiome can affect sleep. This may then lead to fatigue.  

Unintentional Weight Changes

Losing or gaining weight unintentionally may be due to poor gut health. An imbalance in the gut microbiome may lead to issues with how our body uses sugar, absorbs nutrients, and stores fat. 

Mood Issues

Do you have low mood, anxiety, or high stress? It may be a sign of an unhealthy gut. A study review in the National Library of Medicine stated that imbalance in the gut microbiome and gut inflammation have been linked to mental illnesses, such as anxiety and depression. 

Frequently Experiencing Infections

70% of your immune system is located in the gut. That’s why having a high frequency of infections, like the common cold, can point to an unhealthy gut. 

Take Steps to Improve Your Gut Health

Some steps you can take to improve your gut health include eating healthy and exercising regularly. It’s best to take tests to see how well your gut is doing. These tests can also help create a personalized treatment plan for you. 

To learn more about your gut health, visit Kestner Health + Wellness at our Nashville, Tennessee office. Call (615) 646-6700 to schedule an appointment today.