Gut Signs and Symptoms
Not only is the gut central to the body anatomically, but in recent years we have come to learn that the gut is central to the body physiologically too. Research in the last 10 years has demonstrated just how significant the gut and the trillions of bacteria that it houses are to our health and wellbeing, from digestive health to mental health, and everything in between. That being said, the signs and symptoms of poor gut health are varied and widespread, some less obvious than others.
Primary symptoms
Among the most obvious and commonly reported symptoms of poor gut health are digestive symptoms such:
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Bloating, particularly after meals or specific foods
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Gas
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Irregular bowel movements, including constipation and diarrhea
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Undigested food in stool
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Heartburn or acid reflux
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Frequent nausea
In recent years food sensitivity or food intolerance tests have become more popular and accessible. This has led to a rapid increase in self-diagnosis. Unfortunately many of the over-the-counter food sensitivity tests are not accurate, valid or reliable measures of intolerance. There is actually evidence that they test the wrong thing. That being said, if you do feel you have more intense gut symptoms consistently then speak to a medical professional and avoid using standard over-the-counter IgG food sensitivity tests, as they can do more harm than good.
Secondary symptoms
Given that the gut is home to trillions, if not more, bacteria, some symptoms are a little less obvious. Dysbiosis is an imbalance in the many types of bacteria in the gut. If there are too many of some and not enough of others, the microbiome does not function as it should and they might actually work against you. Dysbiosis is likely to impact many broader aspects of your health, well outside of the gut and the normal symptoms.
|
System |
Symptoms |
|
Mental health |
Brain fog, low mood, anxiety, poor focus, fatigue |
|
Immune system |
Frequent infections, sinus issues, autoimmune flare ups |
|
Energy and metabolism |
Low energy, sugar cravings, weight gain or difficultly losing weight |
|
Skin |
Eczema, acne, rosacea, rashes |
|
Appetite |
Poor satiety, inability to feel feel and constant hunger |
Additional symptoms
Some people even experience some other symptoms such as:
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Bad breath
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Nutrient deficiencies
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Impaired food tolerance
The causes
Diet is one of the most obvious contributors to poor gut health and is the easiest lifestyle lever to adjust when hoping to improve overall gut health. Poor gut health and gut dysbiosis is linked to:
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Overuse of antibiotics or non-steroidal anti-inflammatories
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Low fiber, high sugar diets
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Lack of diversity in the diet
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No probiotic-rich or fermented foods
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Excess alcohol or artificial sweeteners
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Chronic stress or poor sleep
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Food poisoning or gut infections
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Hormonal shifts
Solutions
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms the solutions are simple.
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Reduce your intake of sugar and processed foods
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Increase your intake of fiber
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Eat a wide variety of different foods
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Increase your intake of polyphenols
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Supplement with probiotics
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Stay hydrated
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Be active and exercise regularly
We developed our Gut Health range with the latest scientific research in mind. These evidence-based smoothies are packed with fibre, polyphenols and powerful probiotics to boost gut health and balance the microbiome.
Conclusion
The signs and symptoms of poor gut health or gut dysbiosis range from the obvious digestive issues to the less obvious mental health and metabolism issues. But the solutions are simple and can be achieved with some basic dietary adjustments and the addition of the B.fresh Gut Health smoothies.
- Written by Expert Nutritionist Matt Jones
