12 Signs Your Gut Health Is Off Balance
This post may contain affiliate links that earn me a small commission, at no cost to you.
Your gut health affects your whole body. When your gut is out of balance, it can cause all sorts of problems. Knowing the signs can help you take steps to improve your gut health and feel better overall. Here are some signs that might mean your gut health is off balance. If you notice these, you might want to make some changes to your diet or talk to a doctor.
Upset Stomach
If you often have stomach aches, gas, bloating, or diarrhea, your gut might be out of balance. These issues can be a sign that your gut bacteria aren’t working well together. Eating more fiber and less processed food might help.
Trouble Sleeping
Your gut and sleep are linked. If you’re having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, it could be a sign of poor gut health. Try to avoid eating late at night and cut back on caffeine to see if it helps your sleep.
Skin Problems
Skin issues like acne or eczema can be a sign of gut problems. Your skin and gut are connected, so when your gut is unhealthy, it can show up on your skin. Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables might help clear up your skin.
Food Intolerances
If you suddenly can’t eat foods you used to enjoy without problems, it could be a sign your gut is off balance. Your gut helps you digest food, so when it’s not working right, you might have trouble with certain foods. Keep track of which foods cause issues and talk to a doctor if it gets worse.
Mood Changes
Your gut makes most of the serotonin in your body, which affects your mood. If you’re feeling more anxious or down than usual, it could be linked to your gut health. Eating foods with probiotics, like yogurt or kefir, might help boost your mood.
Sugar Cravings
Craving lots of sugary foods can be a sign that the bacteria in your gut are out of balance. Some gut bacteria thrive on sugar, which can make you want more of it. Try eating more protein and fiber to help curb these cravings.
Unintended Weight Changes
Gaining or losing weight without changing your diet or exercise habits can be a sign of gut issues. Your gut affects how you absorb nutrients and store fat. If you notice big changes in your weight, it’s worth talking to a doctor.
Bad Breath
If you have bad breath that won’t go away even with good oral hygiene, it could be coming from your gut. An unhealthy gut can lead to a buildup of bad bacteria in your mouth. Drinking more water and eating fibrous foods might help.
Autoimmune Problems
Some research shows that an unhealthy gut might be linked to autoimmune diseases. If you have an autoimmune condition, working on your gut health might help manage your symptoms. Eating a varied diet with lots of plants can support a healthy gut.
Frequent Illness
If you’re getting sick more often than usual, it could be a sign your gut health is off. A large part of your immune system is in your gut. When your gut is unhealthy, you might be more likely to catch colds or other bugs. Eating foods rich in vitamins and minerals can help boost your immune system.
Headaches
Frequent headaches can sometimes be linked to gut health. The gut-brain connection means that problems in your gut can show up as headaches. Staying hydrated and eating regular, balanced meals might help reduce headaches.
Fatigue
Feeling tired all the time, even when you’re getting enough sleep, can be a sign of poor gut health. Your gut affects how you absorb nutrients, which can impact your energy levels. Eating a balanced diet and staying hydrated might help boost your energy.
13 Things You’re Doing Wrong Every Day
13 Things You’re Doing Wrong Every Day
