Symptoms that actually come from your gut (hello, bloating, constipation and diarrhoea) are pretty sure signs something’s up down below.
But what about adult acne or low libido? Turns out, our bodies are constantly giving signals about the state of our bowels, but they’re not always being Captain Obvious.
Here are five gut health symptoms to watch out for (and none of them occur in your gut!).
1. Brain fog.
Do you ever feel forgetful, dazed or tired after eating something you maybe shouldn’t have? Like Drake’s relationship with his ex-girlfriend, the gut has a hotline with the brain called the “vagus nerve”. Scientists reckon this could be why we get “gut feelings”!
In fact, there’s even evidence of a link between gut bacteria imbalance and anxiety/depressive behaviours. Looks like your food really can affect your mood.
2. Constant colds.
Up to 80 per cent of your immune system resides in your gut. Suffice to say, if you’re not looking after it, your ability to fight off viruses and infections could be compromised. Could this be why you’re catching every cold that’s going?
3. Skin issues.
Hey, if you’re constantly eating junk food, chances are you won’t have great skin anyway. But the issue can be more than, ahem, skin deep.
Experts believe that there is not only a link between the gut and the brain, but the skin, too. For this reason, your complexion may benefit from a gut boost if you suffer from acne, eczema, dermatitis or psoriasis.
4. Unexplained weight gain.
Weight gain can be influenced by many things other than your calorie intake – stress, hormonal imbalances and even gut bacteria. Scientists have found that certain types of bad bacteria are more highly concentrated in obese subjects.
While it’s not yet certain if the bacteria imbalance causes obesity, or if poor diet choices generate the bacterial imbalance, it’s worth checking it out if you just can’t shift the pounds.
5. Low sex drive.
Have you lost your mojo? Yes, sexual dysfunction and lack of libido have been commonly reported in people with irritable bowel syndrome. “Not tonight, honey, it’s my gut bacteria!”
What to do if you’ve got a wobbly gut.
Do these symptoms ring true with you? Don’t worry, there are definite actions could can take if you suspect you have a gut bacteria imbalance.
- Try gelatin gummies. Gelatin can help restore the gut mucosa, the slippery lining that protects the gut.
- Dose up on probiotics. You don’t have to shell out for expensive supplements – probiotics are any foods which contain beneficial bacteria. We love yoghurt, kombucha, sauerkraut and even chocolate!
- Stay off the sugar. There’s evidence to suggest that bad bacteria may actually thrive off sugar (and other junky foods).
- See a doctor. If you’re experiencing symptoms which worry you, see a doctor to rule out anything serious. Your health is the most important thing!
We originally published this post in September 2016. We updated it in February 2017.
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