Gut health is crucial for overall wellbeing, but it often goes unnoticed until it’s too late. The digestive system plays a critical role in absorption, digestion, and elimination, but any harm to your gut can lead to severe adverse effects.

Here are eight SOS signals your gut gives you to let you know it’s in trouble.

1. Chronic Constipation

Although occasional constipation is normal, chronic constipation is a severe symptom of gut problems. This condition occurs when stools are hard, dry, and difficult to pass, which prevents the waste from moving through the bowels efficiently.

Furthermore, chronic constipation leads to an overgrowth of bacteria in the gut, which can cause disturbances in the immune system, affect the quality of life, and lead to further health issues.

2. Diarrhea

Highly acidic or digestive tract infections caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites can lead to diarrhea. A diet high in sugar and fat, antibiotics, and irritable bowel syndrome can also trigger diarrhea.

Chronic diarrhea can lead to gut inflammation, malnutrition, and dehydration.

3. Abdominal Pain

Abdominal pain or cramping is a common symptom of inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn’s disease. The underlying cause of this symptom can be dietary intolerances, bacterial infections, or gut inflammation.

Abdominal pains often lead to bloating, gas, and other feelings of discomfort.

4. Bloating

Bloating is often a symptom of excessive gas production. This condition can be caused by food intolerances, bacterial overgrowth, or gut inflammation.

Furthermore, bloating can be a sign of poor digestion, malabsorption, or an underlying health condition.

5. Heartburn

Heartburn or acid reflux occurs when stomach acids flow back into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation in the chest.

Chronic heartburn is often associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which can lead to inflammation of the esophagus, difficulty swallowing, chest pain, and a cough.

6. Unexplained weight loss or gain

Unexplained weight loss or gain often indicates gut problems. If a person’s diet and lifestyle remain unchanged, weight fluctuations may suggest bacterial overgrowth, inflammation, or malnutrition in the gut.

7. Skin Irritation

The skin and gut share a connection; thus, any gut irregularities often manifest on the skin. If an individual has eczema, acne, or psoriasis, it can be a sign of a digestive tract problem, such as an imbalance in gut bacteria or inflammation.

8. Fatigue and Low Energy

Gut problems can lead to a lack of energy and fatigue. This symptom can be caused by malabsorption, inflammation, or impaired gut flora.

Low energy often leads to difficulty in completing daily activities, impaired cognitive function, and poor work or school performance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, gut health is crucial for overall wellbeing. The digestive system is responsible for breaking down food, absorbing nutrients, and eliminating waste.

If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, you need to take immediate action to help your gut. You must maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle, seek medical attention when necessary, and improve your gut health with probiotics and prebiotics.