How’s your gut health? These nine symptoms can tell you

The human gut is home to billions of bacteria, viruses and fungi, also known as the gut microbiome. The balance between their number and function is crucial in ensuring physical and mental health. Health problems like indigestion are caused when the number of harmful bacteria exceeds the good gut bacteria or when the gut lining is compromised. As gut health impacts digestion, mental health, assimilation of nutrients and immunity, even a minor problem could ruin the entire body's well-being. Most people focus on gut health only when these symptoms persist and adversely affect their daily life. Symptoms that indicate an unhealthy gut shouldn’t be ignored, as they may lead to severe diseases.

Bloating and gas
Persistent bloating and gas, especially after eating food, may be caused by an imbalance of the gut microbiome or by food that is difficult to digest. It could also indicate small intestinal bacterial overgrowth or a shortage of digestive enzymes, causing indigestion and discomfort.
Constipation or diarrhoea
Constipation or diarrhoea that lasts for days may indicate poor gut health. An imbalance in the gut microbiome will disrupt the movement of waste in the intestine. When the number of good bacteria decreases significantly, digestion slows down, and you feel constipated. Meanwhile, the stool gets loose due to inflammation or infection in the stomach.

Persistent acid reflux
Acid reflux or heartburn is caused by an imbalance in the stomach's acids or by the overgrowth of harmful bacteria like PH pylori.
Intolerance to certain foods
The gut struggles to digest certain foods that contain lactose, gluten, or some vegetables. Consuming such foods can cause inflammation and damage to the gut lining.

Exhaustion and weakness
Proper absorption of nutrients does not happen if the gut is unhealthy. It could even lead to iron, vitamin B12 12 and magnesium deficiency, which causes exhaustion and weakness. You may feel weak if there is inflammation in the gut.
Skin issues
There is a connection between gut health and skin quality. Toxins from an unhealthy gut get mixed in the bloodstream, causing inflammation, acne outbreaks, and eczema. An unhealthy gut could be the reason why you are having persistent skin issues.

Stress and anxiety
The stomach produces around 90 per cent of the serotonin hormone. An unhealthy gut disrupts this hormone, leading to mood swings. Inflammation in the gut could also disrupt the production of cytokine hormones, which are crucial for brain functioning and ensuring mental health.
Constant infections
Around 70 per cent of the body’s immune system is focused in the gut. Constant illness, quick colds, and delayed recovery indicate a faulty immune system. Good gut health strengthens the body’s immunity and fights harmful bacteria.

Bad breath
Bad breath and problems related to oral hygiene may be related to gut health. Stinky toxins and gas get released due to imbalance in gut bacteria. These gases flow through oesophagus to reach the mouth causing bad breath. Identifying these symptoms and seeking proper treatment will prevent the risk of severe diseases.