Signs of an Unhealthy Gut
Why is Gut Health Important?
Your gut is not just where food is digested; it's the foundation of your overall health. Often referred to as the “second brain”, the gut is home to trillions of microorganisms collectively known as the gut microbiome. These microbes play a vital role in digestion, nutrient absorption, immune function, inflammation regulation, and even the production of neurotransmitters like serotonin, which can affect mood and mental wellbeing.
Emerging research continues to show how a healthy gut can influence everything from weight management and energy levels to skin health and immunity. Conversely, when the gut is imbalanced, it can trigger a cascade of physical and emotional symptoms that are easy to overlook or misattribute to other conditions.
So how do you know if your gut might be out of balance? Here are seven key signs of an unhealthy gut.
7 Signs of an Unhealthy Gut
An Upset Stomach
Frequent bloating, excessive gas, constipation, diarrhoea, heartburn, or abdominal discomfort are some of the most obvious signs of an unhealthy gut. These symptoms suggest your digestive system isn’t working efficiently, possibly due to an imbalance in gut bacteria, known as dysbiosis.
For example, insufficient beneficial bacteria may impair digestion and nutrient absorption, while allowing harmful bacteria to proliferate, causing irritation and inflammation.
2. Food Intolerances
Food intolerances occur when the body has difficulty digesting certain foods, often due to a lack of specific enzymes or imbalances in the gut microbiota. Common culprits include lactose, gluten, and high FODMAP foods.
A 2019 review published in Nutrients found that changes in the gut microbiota can directly influence the development of food sensitivities, particularly by increasing intestinal permeability (often called leaky gut) and immune responses to otherwise harmless food proteins.
3. Unexplained Fatigue
Constant tiredness, even after a good night's sleep, could be linked to gut health. The gut helps regulate hormones, including those involved in energy metabolism and sleep. Disruptions in gut flora can lead to chronic fatigue, possibly through inflammation or impaired absorption of iron, magnesium, and B vitamins, all key nutrients for energy.
4. Skin Irritations/Conditions
Your skin and gut are more connected than they might appear. Conditions such as eczema, acne, and rosacea have been associated with gut dysbiosis. Inflammation in the gut can lead to a “leaky” intestinal barrier, allowing toxins and bacteria to enter the bloodstream and contribute to skin flare-ups.
The so-called “gut-skin axis” has been supported by studies suggesting that probiotics and prebiotics can reduce the severity of skin conditions by improving gut flora diversity.
5. Migraines and Headaches
There’s increasing evidence linking gut health and migraines. Though the connection isn't fully understood, researchers suspect that changes in gut bacteria can affect the central nervous system via the gut-brain axis, potentially triggering headaches.
A 2020 study in Cephalalgia found that individuals who suffer from frequent migraines have significant differences in their gut microbiome compared to non-migraine sufferers. Additionally, gastrointestinal disorders like IBS are commonly comorbid with migraines, highlighting the strong correlation between digestive and neurological symptoms.
6. Mood Swings and Anxiety
Another sign of an unhealthy gut are mood swings and anxiety. A large proportion of serotonin, the feel-good neurotransmitter, is produced in the gut. Disruptions in gut flora can lead to imbalances in serotonin production and inflammation that negatively impact brain function, potentially contributing to symptoms of depression, anxiety, and mood swings.
The gut-brain axis is a two-way communication system between the central nervous system and the enteric nervous system. According to Harvard Health Publishing, this connection is why digestive problems often coincide with emotional stress, and vice versa.
7. Frequent Illness
Did you know that around 70% of the immune system resides in the gut? A well-functioning gut microbiome is essential for training immune cells, recognising harmful pathogens, and maintaining overall immune balance.
If you find yourself catching colds easily, or struggling to recover from infections, it might be due to poor gut health. Research published in Nature Reviews Immunology has shown how microbial diversity in the gut supports immune resilience, and that low diversity is linked to autoimmune diseases, allergies, and frequent illness.
How to Improve your Gut Health?
Recognising the signs of an unhealthy gut can help you take early action to restore balance. Some practical steps include eating a fibre-rich diet, reducing processed foods and sugar, managing stress, staying hydrated, and considering probiotics or prebiotics under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Whether you are looking for easy recipes for gut health or a gut health supplement, we are here to help. Cool Stool® is a high-fibre, raw super seed mix crafted to naturally support digestion and regularity. Made from 100% natural ingredients like chia, flax, psyllium husk, and sunflower seeds, it’s a simple daily addition that helps optimise your gut microbiome and help you reach your recommended daily fibre intake.