21 Signs of an Unhealthy Gut: Watch Out for These Red Flags

Feeling bloated all the time can be a sign your gut isn’t working as it should. If you have a bloated or distended belly regularly, then it’s time to pay attention to your digestive health a little more.

Bloating happens when there’s too much gas in your gut. This excess gas can be caused by certain foods and drinks like some veggies or fizzy drinks. It can also happen when you swallow air while eating.

Harmful bacteria can also cause bloating by producing excess gas.

Sometimes bloating is related to digestive issues. If you feel uncomfortably full or your stomach looks bigger than usual after meals it could be a symptom of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This affects your digestive system and can cause various gut related issues.

To address bloating you may need to look at your diet and eating habits.

Keeping a food diary can help you identify triggers. You may also want to speak with a healthcare professional if the bloating persists or is uncomfortable.

Constipation is a sign of an unhealthy gut.

It's not just uncomfortable - it can leave you feeling bloated and sore. So, If you're not doing your business at least three times a week, your gut's trying to tell you something!

Your gut's the boss when it comes to digestion and getting rid of waste. When it's not on its A-game, things can slow down, leaving you with stools hard.

Water's really is your gut's best mate. Not drinking enough? That could be why you're stuck. So grab that water bottle and show your gut some love.

What you eat matters too. Here's where Heylo's low-carb goodies come in handy. They're packed with gut-loving fibre that'll keep things moving. Try adding some leafy greens, berries, or our tasty keto granola to your plate. It'll get you regular in no time!

If things are really dire - we're talking severe pain, bloating, and you can't even pass wind - it's time to ring up the doc. Better safe than sorry, right?

And don't forget to get moving! It's been proven that brisk walk or a bit of yoga can work wonders. It's like a gentle nudge for your bowels.

If you have had loose, watery stools for more than four weeks, you may have chronic diarrhoea. This is a sign of an unhealthy gut, and an imbalance of gut microbes can lead to chronic diarrhoea.

Feel like you're always racing to the loo? Chronic diarrhoea is your gut's cry for help.

It could be infections, angry bowels, or even your meds causing trouble. Sometimes, it's a sign of something more serious.

Watch out for extras like tummy pain, fever, or bleeding. These are clues for your doc to solve the mystery.

If you're a bathroom regular, it's action time. Drink up and see your doctor. They might suggest some tests to identify the underlying issues causing these regular toilet trips.

Sorting this out isn't just about stopping the runs. It's about giving your gut some love.

Abdominal pain is your gut's way of throwing a tantrum.

It might hit you after a meal or pop up out of the blue. From mild niggles to sharp jabs, your belly's got a whole repertoire of ouch.

Often, it's your digestive system crying out. Maybe your gut's struggling to break down food, or it's short on good bacteria.

If your stomach's constantly grumbling, it's time to play food detective. Keep a food diary and start elimnating possible causes from your diet. You might spot the culprits causing your discomfort.

Don't shrug off persistent belly aches. It could be your gut waving a red flag for something bigger.

Recurring tummy woes? Time to chat with your GP. They'll help you get to the bottom of it.

At Heylo, we know gut health is key. Our low-carb treats are designed to be gentle on your tummy. But remember, everyone's gut is unique. What works for your mate might not work for you.

Let's talk weight, shall we? Or more importantly, changes in your weight.

Your bathroom scale might be telling you more than just numbers - it could be dropping hints about your overall wellbeing.

Have you noticed your jeans feeling a bit looser or tighter lately? If you haven't been hitting the gym extra hard or indulging in midnight snacks, your gut might be up to something.

But what if you're packing on pounds unexpectedly? Your gut bugs might be throwing a party, causing sugar cravings and encouraging your body to stash away fat like it's going out of style.

And let's not forget about metabolism. When your gut bacteria decide to play musical chairs, it can slow your metabolism to a crawl. Suddenly, maintaining a healthy weight feels like an uphill battle.

Seeing unexplained changes on the scale? Time to have a chat with your GP. They can play detective and figure out if your gut's the culprit. You need to make sure this red flag isn't a sign of something more serious!

Food intolerance is your body's way of saying "No thanks!" to certain eats. Lactose, gluten, and wheat are the usual suspects. But don't confuse this with allergies - that's a whole different thing (Which we will talk about soon).

So, what's your gut's way of protesting? It might decide to show off with some unwanted bloating, gas, and tummy aches.

Or it could go for the dramatic exit - hello, diarrhoea! 

The tricky bit? These gut grumbles can show up hours after you've eaten, making it a real head-scratcher to figure out what's causing the ruckus.

Fancy playing detective with your diet? Just like with abdominal pain, it's time to whip out that food diary! Jot down what you eat and how you feel afterwards. If you are still struggling to find the culprits, it may be worth looking into an elimination diet.

The fix? Often it's as simple as giving those troublemaking foods the boot. Out with the bad, in with the good!

If you're scratching your head over your tummy troubles, it might be time to have a natter with a healthcare pro. They can help you crack the case of the mysterious gut grumbles.

Got a case of the itchies? Eczema playing havoc with your skin? 

Your gut might be causing issues behind the scenes. It's not just about slapping on creams - your tummy could be calling the shots from within!

When your gut's having a bad day, it suddenly feels like your whole body's caught fire. That inflammation? It's got a one-way ticket to your skin, and eczema might be its souvenir.

Your gut bugs (the good ones, mind) are like bouncers for your skin. When they're off duty, all sorts of troublemakers can sneak in. Result? Your skin throws a wobbly, and you're left scratching your head (and everywhere else!).

If your skin's being a drama queen, maybe it's time to have a heart-to-heart with your gut. Tweaking your grub and showing your gut some love might just be the ticket to getting your glow back.

Feeling like a zombie at work lately? Can't catch those z's, even though you feel half-asleep? 

Your gut might be playing tricks on you!

When your gut's out of whack, it can mess with your sleep-happy hormones like melatonin. It's like your angry gut is holding your sleep hostage!

And those gut bugs? The balance of these little critters can make or break your beauty sleep.

If you're constantly yawning or counting sheep till dawn, it might be time to give your gut a once-over. You see, poor sleep can make your gut grumpy too. It's a vicious cycle that'll have you spinning like a hamster on a wheel!

Want to break free? Start by showing your gut some love. Munch on good grub, guzzle water like it's going out of style, and tell stress to take a hike. 

Then you might just get a good nights sleep!

Got autoimmune issues? Your gut might be the culprit.

Autoimmune conditions mean your body's attacking itself, and your gut could be pulling the strings.

A grumpy gut can set off body-wide alarms. Your immune system goes haywire, hitting the wrong targets. It's "Friendly Fire" gone wrong!

Rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis - these might be linked to your gut health. If you've got one of these pesky conditions,its time to have a long hard chat with your gut.

Want to tame these gremlins? Give your gut some love. Mix up your menu, kick stress, and shake up your routine. Remember, your gut's important, so keep your doctor in the loop.

Got a case of the dreaded bad breath?

Well... when your gut's gone wonky, nasty bacteria can go wild, causing all sorts of stinky smells to appear in your system. Sulphur anyone?

And that half-digested grub? It's fermenting in your gut, letting off gasses that'd make a skunk turn up its nose.

So you resort to brushing and mouthwash like a madman? But you know that is just papering over the cracks, right? 

If you suffer from chronic bad breath, it's time for a bit of a diet shake-up. It might just freshen things up a treat... even your breath!

Sure, morning breath happens to the best of us. But if it's a constant pong fest, your gut's waving a whiffy red flag!

Feeling a bit foggy lately? Struggling to get your tasks done at work?

Your gut might be playing games with your noggin!

Your gut and brain are linked, so when your gut's gone wonky, your grey matter gets the short end of the stick.

A grumpy gut sends daft signals to your brain, mucking up your thoughts. Suddenly, focusing feels like herding cats!

Gut bugs out of whack? They're messing with your mood and energy too. No wonder you're struggling to stay on the ball!

If you're permanently tired, and can't think straight, your gut might be crying out for help. It's not pulling its weight in the nutrient game, leaving you run down and scatterbrained.

Want to sharpen up? Give your gut some TLC. Tuck into a balanced diet, guzzle water like there's no tomorrow, and tell stress to do one.

An unhealthy gut can increase anxiety or depression. This interesting connection is called the gut-brain axis.

Your gut makes neurotransmitters that control mood, like serotonin. When your gut's off, it can affect these chemicals and put you spiralling into depression.

You see, serotonin manages depression, anxiety, mood, appetite and sleep. So if thats out of whack, you will be as well!

So if you feel a worsening in anxiety or a low mood? Don't go looking for SSRI's straight away, It might just be your gut!

Constantly craving sweets all day long?

As crazy as it sounds, your own gut might be the culprit! 

Gut bacteria control food cravings and blood sugar levels and an unbalanced gut can trigger sugar cravings. Some bacteria thrive on sugar, influencing your eating habits to feed themselves.

A dodgy gut can mess with blood sugar regulation. This leads to crashes and intense cravings.

An off-kilter gut microbiome can alter hunger and fullness hormones. Result? Overeating and unhealthy habits.

Always reaching for sweets? Check your gut health. Add fibre-rich foods and probiotics to support a healthier gut microbiome.

At Heylo, we offer low-carb alternatives to help curb cravings and support gut health. Try our keto-friendly bread, or granola, and let us know what you think!

Food allergies can signal an unhealthy gut. When your gut's off, your immune system might overreact to certain foods, having you feeling like a zombie with a stomach ache. Tired and grumpy!

Common allergen culprits you should be aware of include cow's milk, eggs, peanuts and tree nuts. Itching, swelling or breathing trouble after eating these? Could be a food allergy!

A dodgy gut can even actually fuel allergies and make them worse. Studies show an unbalanced gut microbiome plays a role in allergic conditions, including food allergies.

Suspect a food allergy? See a doctor. They can test and advise.

Try adding probiotic-rich foods or supplements to your diet. They promote a thriving gut microbiome. But if things get worse, see your GP!

Feeling the burn? 

Not the good kind from a workout, but that fiery feeling in your chest or throat that keeps popping up? That's heartburn for you - and it's no picnic. It's another way your gut waves a red flag that something ain't right on the inside!

Heartburn happens when your stomach acid decides to take a trip up to your oesophagus. It's an unwanted guest that leaves a sour taste in your mouth... and throat!

If heartburn's become your frequent companion, it might be pointing to some gut troubles. Could be GERD (fancy medical speak for when your food pipe and stomach aren't playing nice) or a lazy lower oesophageal sphincter.

What you eat and how you live can spark these fiery episodes. Spicy food, your morning cuppa, or that pint after work? They might be the culprits. 

And if you're fond of huge meals or hitting the hay right after eating, you're not doing yourself any favours.

You may hear your stomach gurgling or rumbling. These sounds are called borborygmi and are usually normal (Although sometimes a little embarrassing).

They occur when air and fluids move through your digestive system.

But excessive stomach gurgling can sometimes be a sign of gut issues. If you hear frequent or loud gurgling it may be an unhealthy gut or eaten foods that are hard for you to digest, and it may be worth starting the elimination diet I mentioned earlier to see if you can identify the culprit.

If you get persistent loud gurgling with discomfort it’s worth seeing your doctor.

They can work out if your gut needs attention.

Your gut's got a big job - it's where vitamins and minerals get their all-access pass into your body.

But when your gut's having a bad day? Those vital nutrients might just get left at the door.

Watch out for some telltale signs your body's not getting its fill of eveything it needs:

• Brittle nails that chip easier than a stale crisp? 
• Hair that's more straw than silk? 
• Skin that's throwing a tantrum? 
• Gums bleeding more than usual? 

Not fun is it! 

Your gut can mess with how your body uses B vitamins and minerals like iron and magnesium. These are the fuel your cells need to keep you buzzing!

Not getting enough of these vital nutrients?

You might feel like you're always running on empty. Concentration goes out the window, and your mood swings like a pendulum.

Sure signs you aren't getting what your body needs!

Catching colds like they're going out of style? Your gut might be the issue here. 

Gut health is not just about digestion - it's a key player in your body's defence team.

A happy gut is like a fortress, keeping enemies at bay. But when it's not up to the task due to poor health, those pesky bacteria and viruses might sneak past your defences.

And if you're sick more often than not, your gut's good-to-bad bacteria balance might be a little 'off kilter'. 

This bacterial see-saw can leave your immune system extremely compromised and ready to infect with nasties!

You may be surprised to find that your gut health can affect your joints. Yeah, sounds a bit far-fetched doesn't it?

How can gut health affect joint pain!?

Well joint pain is actually a very common symptom in people with gut issues. 

When your gut isn’t working properly it can cause inflammation throughout your body. This inflammation can exacerbate conditions like arthritis and cause discomfort in your joints. Your gut is part of your immune system and an imbalance can trigger inflammation.

Leaky gut syndrome is one of the culprits. In this condition your gut lining becomes more permeable and toxins can enter your bloodstream. These toxins then travel to your joints and cause pain.

If you’re getting unexplained joint pain see your gut health. Look at your diet and any digestive symptoms you may be having. Fixing your gut could help alleviate your joint pain!

Headaches bugging you more often than not? 

Your gut might be waving a red flag.

The gut-brain connection's no joke. When your tummy's in trouble, your head can pay the price. Bloating and belly aches aren't just uncomfortable - they can set off a domino effect of inflammation right up to your noggin!

Ever skipped a meal and felt a bit fuzzy?

Your gut's nutrient-absorbing skills might be on the fritz. Magnesium and B vitamins are headache-busting champs, but only if your gut's up to the job of getting them where they need to go.

And let's talk about serotonin - that feel-good brain chemical. Bet you didn't know your gut's a serotonin factory! When things go south down there, it can mess with your mood and pain levels.

Tired of reaching for the paracetamol? Give your gut some TLC.

Feeling a bit grumpy lately? Starting to look like that moggy in the image above?

This may all be gut-related!

The gut and brain are like best mates, always chatting away. When your gut bugs get angry and upset, your mood can take a nosedive. I'm not just you being dramatic - there's science behind it! 

Take IBS, for example. Anyone dealing with that are more likely to feel down in the dumps or on edge. Why? Well, your gut's always whipping up mood-boosting stuff like serotonin and dopamine. When it's off its game, so are you!

If you're snapping at everyone at work or home, and your mood is like a rollercoaster, maybe it's time to give your gut a once-over.

Remember, a happy gut often means a happier you.... And the people around you!

Your belly's got a whole world inside it.

Trillions of tiny critters (mostly bacteria) call your gut home. These little helpers are multitaskers - breaking down grub, cooking up vitamins, and keeping the baddies at bay.

It's all about balance in there. Too many troublemakers, not enough good guys? That's when things go pear-shaped. We call it dysbiosis, but you might just call it feeling rubbish.

So what throws a spanner in the works? Well, it's not rocket science:

• What's on your plate
• Stress levels through the roof
• Pills, especially those antibiotic big guns
• Burning the midnight oil
• Couch potato or gym bunny?

Want to keep your gut gang happy? Mix up your menu - fibre's their favourite, and they go gaga for fermented foods. Get moving, catch some quality z's, and your gut will be grinning.

Lets talk a little more about what is actually causing these gut issues that you may be struggling with...

Who'd have thought that little world in your belly could kick up such a fuss? 

From turning you into a right grump to giving you a headache from hell, your gut's got a lot of tricks tricks up its sleeve!

But here's the truth. You've got the power to keep your gut in check. A bit of veggie action here, a probiotic there, and telling stress to do one - it all adds up!

So next time your tummy's throwing a wobbly, don't just reach for the bicarbonate of soda. Take a minute to listen to what it's trying to tell you. 

After all, a happy gut means a happier you.

And isn't that what we're all after?...