World digestive health day: 4 signs your gut is unhappy

We tend to hear the likes of "trust the gut" or "listen to your gut," commonly as a piece of advice to trust our instincts. But these phrases are truer than we previously imagined. Science today reveals that the gut is so much more than an eating machine—it's a sophisticated, intelligent system that is critical to our overall health, from governing immunity and nutrient uptake to our mood and mental state. As we celebrate World Digestive Health Day on May 29, it's the perfect time to tune into this usually ignored aspect of our body.

Digestive problems such as bloating , gas, constipation, or diarrhoea
If one is regularly experiencing bloating and gas, or swinging between constipation and diarrhoea, these could be signs of an unhealthy gut. When the digestive system isn’t running smoothly, it could mean one’s gut is having trouble processing food or that the body’s gut bacteria are out of balance.

Food intolerances and digestive discomfort
Experiencing bloating, gas, or illness after consuming foods such as dairy or gluten may be an indication of a food intolerance. Digestive issues tend to be caused by an imbalance in the gut microbiome, which makes it more difficult for the body to digest some foods. Bad gut health may also contribute to leaky gut , when the lining of the gut becomes too permeable, letting in substances that the body doesn't need. Identifying such gut health symptoms in advance can avert larger problems in the future.

Insatiable sugar cravings
One’s stomach may be partially to fault if they have constant cravings for sweets. Sugar-rich diets can upset the equilibrium of the gut flora by feeding dangerous microorganisms. A difficult-to-break cycle can result from those same harmful germs causing increased cravings when that balance changes. If ignored, it can result in inflammation and other digestive issues. It is also a typical indicator of poor gut health.

Rapid weight gain or lossIf one’s weight is fluctuating without any significant changes in eating habits or daily activities, it might be because of an unhealthy gut. When the gut doesn’t function properly, one’s body has difficulty absorbing nutrients which leads to unexplained weight gain and loss. This condition is known as leaky gut where the walls of the intestine become thick and porous.

In today's fast-paced society, the majority of us consciously work to maintain our fitness levels and eat healthily. But in the thick of our everyday routines, we often overlook gut health, one of the most crucial aspects of overall health. The digestive system has a significant impact on your psychological and bodily functions. It is essential to identify an unhealthy gut and seek medical help when required. A nutritious diet, adequate hydration, and a few other careful lifestyle choices can help one achieve and maintain their gastrointestinal health.

Dr. Varun Teja, MD, DM, Consultant Medical Gastroenterologist, Apollo Hospitals, Visakhapatnam