5 Signs Of An Unhealthy Gut And How To Improve

Our gut is home to trillions of microorganisms that work together in a system called the gut microbiome. But what happens when the system gets imbalanced? An unhealthy gut with symptoms that several of us tend to miss. For the most part, we associate ill gut health to unnerving symptoms like diarrhoea, constipation, bloating, acidity, nausea, etc. What gets missed for the other half, however, is the whole spectrum of small symptoms that speak volumes of the state of your gut.

In this blog, we’ll go over five of these common signs and symptoms of poor gut health, along with ways you can cope! Additionally, we’ll answer some of your most frequently asked questions about gut bacteria and what gut health oriented lifestyles can look like. So without further ado, let’s get started!

What are the symptoms of an unhealthy gut?

Symptom #1: Recurrent skin problems

We all were taught in primary schools how skin is the body’s largest sensory organ. But did you know, how the skin also works like a gut health litmus to reflect in the mirror every day? One of the most common signs of an unhealthy gut balance includes eczema/dermatitis. Something that most dermatologists try to fix with prescription creams is often your gut bacteria trying to communicate their imbalance and inflammation (because of leaking proteins) to you!

Symptom #2: Food intolerances

Source: Cleveland Clinic

When lactose intolerance is seen as just an effect of genetic mutation, the inability to digest certain foods or properly digest them on odd days, can easily be considered as a sign of poor gut balance.

One of the more commonly reported gut problems is IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), it is important to note that it is definitely not just a symtom of anxiety. Furthermore, certain types of food intolerances due to an imbalance in gut bacteria also manifest as allergy symptoms such as rashes, hives, and a shortness of breath.

💯 Atmosphere Tip: Try checking out our gut-health booster and immunity charger, the Spicy Ginger Kombucha! With a refreshing flavours and the healing antioxidant powers of Gingerol, this booch has the potential to heal you from the inside!

Symptom #3: Sleep disturbance

From being asked to eat your dinner early to avoiding caffeine post five in the evening, our circadian rhythm is highly reliant on our guts and the neural pathways from it. In a lot of cases of a lack of restorative sleep, and oversleeping, a gut imbalance may easily be the culprit.

Coincidentally, some of the worst foods for gut health are also the favourite dinner choices of most people! A bit too late, but we finally understand the mothers who cut sugar from their little one’s diet before bedtime! No wonder it’s not that uncommon to be bloated before bedtime or waking up with an iffy gut the morning after…

Symptom #4: Sugar cravings

Source: Pexels

While everyone craves a bit of sugar from time to time, scientists believe that it may also be due to the biological need of the bacteria in our gut to survive, to send signals of sugar intake to our brains. On the flipside, sugar intake leads to the bad bacteria of our guts being overcharged, leading to symptoms such as gas.

The solution? Try natural sugar alternatives such as cinnamon, and honey! Moreover, it can be a great idea to replace the refined sugars in your kitchen with brown and unprocessed options!

Symptom #5: Sudden weight gain

One of the more commonly missed gut inflammation symptoms include weight fluctuations. In simple terms, that can look anywhere from losing weight suddenly without changing your meal trends, or even gaining a couple extra pounds or more!

According to nutritionists, an imbalanced gut microbiome is also lesser likely to properly absorb nutrients, leading to weight loss or malnourishment. Contrarily, a lack of fiber in your gut health diets can also be the reason of excessive fat absorption and weight gain.

FAQs on how to keep your gut clean!

What causes poor gut health?

From the hours of sleep you get every night, to the types of nutrients your food is able to offer you, everything shapes the way your gut functions during your daily routine. Moreover, causes of poor gut health also include alcohol consumption, changes in/poor appetite, stress levels, genetic differences, sugar and gluten intake, and even low/high stomach acid!

How do I check my gut health?

Checking your stools! The easiest way to know if the food that goes in is good or not, is to see how good it is coming out! Look up infographics on the colours, texture, and even buoyancy of your stools. A good place to start is the Bristol Stool Chart.

How to fix an unhealthy gut?

• Increasing your water intake
• Eating at a slower pace and properly chewing your food for better absorption
• Understanding the balance of nutrients (or even the lack thereof) in your present diet, with the help of a nutritionist
• Regulating your alcohol or caffeine consumption
• Reducing your sugar intake
• Getting proper amounts of sleep every night
• Managing your stress levels- through exercise, meditation, and yoga
• (Personal best) Drinking some kombucha every day for probiotics to balance your gut bacteria!