The absence of digestive symptoms doesn’t necessarily mean your gut is healthy. In fact, nearly every body system and many chronic diseases are closely linked to gut health!

This connection isn't new. One of the oldest foundational texts in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) states: 'When the [digestive energy] is healthy, it can generate all living things. If it becomes depleted, it can bring about the ‘hundred diseases

In this post, we’ll explore 12 of the most curious and common signs that your gut health may need some attention. There may be some surprising discoveries that can help you advance forward on your wellness path.

What is Gut Health?

Gut health encompasses everything from digestive function and waste elimination to the balance of our microbiome. It plays a crucial role in overall health, aiding in digestion, nutrient absorption, and the strength of our immune functions.

Gut health is orchestrated through the functions of mechanical and chemical digestion, influenced by the human microbiome, and the gut's connections to the immune and nervous systems.

Understanding these connections helps us appreciate how gut health impacts everything from hormone function to inflammation response. Dive into our full Gut Health 101 post to explore these connections in detail and learn how to support your gut health from the inside out!

Why Should You Care About Gut Health

Contemporary research has increasingly focused on gut health, revealing its significant impact on health outcomes throughout the entire body—what we refer to as the “gut connections.”

Here’s a non-exhaustive list of the functions and areas of the body that have a link to your gut health:

• The Gut-Brain Connection
• The Gut-Skin Connection
• The Gut-Immune Connection
• The Gut-Liver Connection
• The Gut-Heart Connection
• The Gut-Hormone Connection
• The Gut-Lung Connection
• The Gut-Kidney Connection
• The Gut-Metabolism Connection
• The Gut-Bone Connection

From mental health concerns and cognitive decline to high blood pressure and type II diabetes, many conditions are profoundly influenced by gut health. With this in mind, here are 12 signs your gut might be trying to send you a message.

12 Signs that Your Gut Maybe Be Unhealthy

Digestive Complaints

Frequent bloating, constipation, loose bowel movements, and cramping can point to direct imbalances in the microbiome or digestive dysfunction.

Chronic Fatigue

An unhealthy gut can lead to chronic fatigue through poor nutrient absorption, inflammation, microbiome imbalances, and deficiencies in hormones that regulate energy.

Unintentional Weight Changes

Whether you’re talking about difficulty losing or gaining weight, gut health affects the metabolism and regulates the appetite in a multitude of ways.

Food Intolerances, Sensitivities, and Allergies

Deficiencies in the gut microbiome and digestive function can increase intestinal permeability (aka, leaky gut) which is related to food intolerances, sensitivities, and allergies.

Skin Complaints

Acne, eczema, and psoriasis - These common skin disorders and more are linked to inflammation in the gut and imbalances of the gut and skin microbiomes.

Autoimmune Conditions

Through a similar mechanism as adverse food reactions, an unhealthy gut is often underlying autoimmune conditions such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and celiac disease.

Mental Health & Mood Concerns

The gut has been termed “the second brain,” which highlights its key role in regulating our mood. Dysfunction in the gut can contribute to anxiety, depression, and a lower threshold to manage stress.

Frequent Infections & Recurrent UTIs

An unhealthy gut can weaken the overall immune system response, which can lead to getting sick frequently or recurrent conditions such as UTIs.

Bad Breath & Oral Health Concerns

Imbalanced gut bacteria often correlates with imbalances in the oral microbiome which is associated with conditions and bad breath, gingivitis (inflammation of the gums), and more!

Sugar & Processed Food Cravings

Imbalances in certain gut microbes can drive cravings for sugar and processed foods, which these 'bad bugs' thrive on.

Joint Pain

Inflammation that originates in the gut can have an effect throughout the body, including the joints. Sometimes flare ups of joint pain, or even autoimmune conditions that affect the joints, are influenced by your gut health!

Brain Fog, Difficulty Concentrating, (ADHD)

The gut-brain connection means that gut health can significantly affect cognition. Issues like brain fog, difficulty focusing, and even ADHD are linked to the health of your microbiome and digestive tract.

These signs underscore the vital role gut health plays in your overall well-being. Your gut may be playing a role if you experience any combination of these symptoms.

If you’re experiencing any of these conditions and complaints, It’s important to seek medical care from a primary care physician. You might also seek co-management of your gut health with a functional medicine practitioner, dietician, nutritionist, or other practitioner to provide you with a holistic approach.

You might also consider a high-quality, well-rounded supplement to support your gut health such as Cielo's Horizon. Learn more about what contributes to an unhealthy gut and how you can optimize gut health here.

Conclusion

Your gut health is intricately connected to nearly every aspect of your well-being, from mental clarity and mood regulation to immune function and skin health. Even if you don't have obvious digestive symptoms, your gut may still be signaling that something is off.

Understanding these subtle signs can empower you to take proactive steps toward better health. If you resonate with any of the symptoms mentioned, consider exploring a holistic approach to gut health with the support of a general healthcare provider or functional medicine practitioner.

Stay connected with Cielo and Dr. Kenny on Instagram for more insights, tips, and resources to support your journey toward optimal gut health!