health

by trumeta | December 12, 2023

9 Signs of Poor Gut Health

Chronic fatigue, poor sleep, and low mood are signs of poor gut health. You may think your mental health is deteriorating when you only need to eat more fruits, legumes, veggies, whole grains, and greens supplements. These nutritious foods not only support gut health but can also contribute to signs of fast metabolism, such as high energy levels and efficient digestion.

Weight issues, constant heartburns, and frequent allergies could also be signals from your gut that you need to start taking better care of it. But how can your gut influence your body^[1] so powerfully? How is it connected to your mental health, immunity, and overall well-being?

About 500 million neurons line your gut, making it your “second brain.” In fact, there are more neurons in your gut than in your peripheral nervous system and spinal cord. These are the same neurons found in your brain. Additionally, your gut has over 100 trillion different strains of microorganisms^[2], collectively known as gut microbiota, which play a crucial role in food digestion, heart and brain health, and boosting your immunity.

A healthy gut microbiome can also support a fast metabolism by promoting efficient nutrient absorption and energy production. So, what happens when you have poor gut health?

Why Is Gut Health Important?

We know that the gut is responsible for absorbing and processing nutrients from the food we eat. However, due to the millions of neurons that link it to your brain, the gut also acts as a center for communication and fighting diseases, meaning it needs to be in good shape to enjoy a quality life. It is the foundation of your health, after all. That’s why you need to know the signs and symptoms of poor gut health. Have you heard the saying, “Listen to your gut”? Your gut will always alert you when something is wrong with it. 

Besides, prioritizing your gut health will save you a lot of time and money in trying to figure out what’s wrong with your health. A poor gut can cause hormonal imbalance, overwhelm your immune system, and fail to get rid of metabolic wastes, which can cause your health to go downhill quickly. We encourage eating gut-friendly foods and reading about best smoothies for gut health if you want this body part to remain healthy.

Signs and Symptoms of Poor Gut Health

Maybe you’re wondering, how can I know if my gut is healthy? Should I have a doctor scan my stomach? Not necessarily. If you always have regular bowel movements that are painless, consistent energy levels, a healthy and normal reaction to most foods, and no frequent bloating, then it’s safe to say that your gut is healthy. However, to be on the safer side, here are the main signs of poor gut health to be on the lookout for.

1. Sleep Issues

Research on sleep issues^[3] shows that an imbalance in gut bacteria can lead to insomnia. For example, if you usually struggle to get enough sleep, then that means you have less good bacteria in your gut than the required amount. As a result, you may also experience lethargy or chronic fatigue because your body is not getting enough rest. Sleep issues can also affect your cognitive flexibility, affecting your activeness. 

So, if you always desire to lead an active lifestyle, yet you constantly find yourself lying around in bed or on your couch all day, even though you’re in perfect health, it could mean you have a poor gut. Perhaps this may be the reason why your energy levels and motivation are always low.

2. Frequent Heartburn

Another sign of a poor gut is getting frequent heartburn. Studies on acid reflux^[4] show that experiencing heartburn could indicate an unbalanced gut microbiome, meaning you have an imbalance of the beneficial bacteria. If this happens, then you’re at risk of developing a condition known as leaky gut.

Most people think that if you have heartburn, then you probably have too much acid in the stomach. However, sometimes, the stomach may not have enough acid to digest the food, causing you to develop a leaky gut that consists of constant heartburn and bloating.

3. Sugar Cravings

Sometimes, we think that craving sugar means low energy levels. While this may be true, it’s not always the case. Having a sweet tooth all of a sudden could indicate that your gut is in trouble. You see, the bad bacteria in it thrive on sugary foods^[5]. When your gut has an imbalance of bacteria, and the “bad guys” take over, they signal your brain to start craving sweet foods. So, if this is your fourth time this week to eat those delicious chocolates or fluffy cupcakes, then you might want to think twice.

4. Weight Gain

Have you ever wondered why those extra pounds seem to keep piling up? Well, your gut might be dropping you a hint. A poor gut can actually contribute to weight gain^[6] in sneaky ways. Imagine this body part as a bustling city filled with trillions of friendly bacteria. When this community gets out of balance due to factors like a junk food-heavy diet or chronic stress, it can mess up your digestion and how your body stores fat. This occurrence then leads to cravings for unhealthy foods and a slower metabolism, making it harder to shed pounds.

An unhappy gut might affect how your body absorbs nutrients, leaving you hungry even after a big meal. So, if you’re on a weight loss journey, paying attention to your gut health could be the missing piece of the puzzle.

5. Hormone Imbalance

Have you been experiencing mood swings, skin issues, or unexplained fatigue? Your gut might be at the heart of the matter. When your gut bacteria are out of whack due to factors like a sugary diet or lack of fiber, it can mess with your hormonal balance^[7]. These little critters play a crucial role in producing and metabolizing hormones that impact your mood, skin, energy levels, and even weight.

An unhappy gut might lead to increased cortisol (the stress hormone) levels, triggering moodiness and skin problems. So, if you’ve been feeling like your body’s on a rollercoaster, remember that nurturing your gut health could help bring those hormones back in harmony.

6. Inflammation 

Feeling sluggish and dealing with constant aches? Your gut might hold the key. When it’s happy, pro-inflammatory molecules— the body’s response to threats — are under control. But an imbalanced gut, often due to a diet that’s high in processed foods and low on nutrients, can set off alarm bells, leading to a state of chronic pro-inflammatory response.

This condition then results in digestive troubles like bloating that can affect your overall well-being. Swelling of the gut lining can become porous, allowing unwanted substances to slip into your bloodstream, triggering a cascade of issues from joint discomfort and decay to fatigue.

7. Mood Disorders

Are you having unexplained mood swings, consistently worried or distressed, or that persistent cloud of sadness? Your gut might be more involved than you think. This body part produces neurotransmitters^[8] like serotonin, the “feel-good” chemical.

An unhappy gut might lead to low serotonin levels, affecting your mood. Whenever there’s an imbalance present, it can also trigger a pro-inflammatory response, sending signals to your brain that might contribute to mood disorders. So, if you’ve been caught in an emotional storm, nurturing your gut health with wholesome foods and self-care could help bring back those sunny days and inner calm.

8. Allergies

Another indication of poor gut health is allergies or sudden food sensitivities. Earlier, we mentioned that your gut has trillions of microbial strains that protect the lining and help in digestion. When you have poor gut health, your gut lining weakens because it’s only one cell thick. If your gut breaks during food digestion and some food particles leak into your bloodstream, they can affect your immune system, leading you to develop allergies. That could explain why you’re suddenly allergic to pasta or hot dogs when you’ve eaten them all your life.

9. Brain Fog

Brain fog is another sign of an unhealthy gut that is usually overlooked. When your gut is in a happy state, it sends clear signals to your noggin. However, an unhappy gut, often due to a diet heavy on sugars and low on nutrients, can cause haywire immunity and imbalance in your gut bacteria. This imbalance can lead to toxins sneaking into your bloodstream and triggering an immune response throughout your body, including your brain. 

The result? Brain fog — that feeling where you can’t concentrate on anything because your brain feels cloudy. If you’ve been struggling to keep your thoughts sharp, remember that taking care of your gut with nourishing foods might help clear up the mental haze.

Can Acne Be a Sign of Poor Gut Health?

If you have acne and are wondering, is acne a sign of poor gut health? The answer is yes. What is the relationship between your gut and acne? Believe it or not, this body part could hold the secret to smoother skin. When it is unhealthy, maybe due to a diet consisting of processed foods, it can throw off your gut bacteria, causing an immune response. Here’s the twist: those pro-inflammatory molecules  don’t just stay in your gut. They can send signals to your skin, leading to those pesky pimples. 

An imbalanced gut might mess up your hormones, triggering more oil production and skin issues. So, if your skin’s been staging a rebellion, it might be time to pamper your gut with wholesome foods and greens supplements. A happier gut could mean a happier face, too!

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Metabolic Greens for Brain Health – Packed with nutrients from green plants like spirulina, kale, and barley grass, Metabolic Greens is your go-to supplement for mental clarity and gut health. Say goodbye to brain fog and welcome a sharper, more focused you.

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Why Choose the Bundle?

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The Trumeta’s metabolic greens and reds powders bundle stands out in the wellness market for its unique combination of benefits, ensuring you’re not just buying supplements, but a holistic health experience.

Elevate your daily routine with this dynamic duo. Visit Trumeta’s website to learn more and purchase your bundle today. Embrace a healthier, more vibrant lifestyle with Trumeta.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, your gut health is undeniably intertwined with your overall well-being, from the amount of sleep you get to your mental clarity and skin health. With over 500 million neurons lining your gut, it’s no wonder many refer to this body part as a “second brain.” It just shows what a significant role your gut plays. 

Now that you know the signs of poor gut health, you can better monitor how it performs. Remember that neglecting your gut health can wreak havoc in your body and cause a multitude of issues like allergies, mood disorders, hormone imbalances, weight gain, depression, and many more. Luckily, you can count on Trumeta Metabolic Greens to boost your gut’s health and keep your mind sharp. So, call Trumeta today to order your Metabolic Greens. And remember your journey to a healthier, happier you starts here.

Enjoyed the article? Check out another recent one about the best gut detox options!

References:

[1] How your gut health affects your whole body. (n.d.). WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/ss/slideshow-how-gut-health-affects-whole-body 

[2] Guinane, C. M., & Cotter, P. D. (2013). Role of the gut microbiota in health and chronic gastrointestinal disease: understanding a hidden metabolic organ. Therapeutic Advances in Gastroenterology, 6(4), 295–308. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3667473/ 

[3] Theis, K. R. (n.d.). Multiomics Analysis Reveals Aberrant Metabolism and Immunity Linked Gut Microbiota with Insomnia | Microbiology Spectrum. Microbiology Spectrum. https://journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/spectrum.00998-22 

[4] Okereke, I., et al. (2019). Associations of the microbiome and esophageal disease. Journal of Thoracic Disease, 11(S12), S1588–S1593. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6702393/ 

[5] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/certain-gut-bacteria-may-influence-overeating-of-sweet-treats 

[6] Koutoukidis, D. A., Jebb, S. A., Zimmerman, M. C., Otunla, A., Henry, J. A., Ferrey, A., Schofield, E., Kinton, J., Aveyard, P., & Marchesi, J. R. (2022). The association of weight loss with changes in the gut microbiota diversity, composition, and intestinal permeability: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Gut Microbes, 14(1). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8796717/ 

[7] Sun, L., Li, J., & Nie, Y. (2020). Gut hormones in microbiota-gut-brain cross-talk. Chinese Medical Journal, 133(7), 826–833. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7147657/ 

[8] Case-Lo, C. (2020, November 5). IBS and Serotonin: The Brain-Stomach Link. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/irritable-bowel-syndrome/serotonin-effects 

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