5 Signs of an Unhealthy Gut Microbiome

The gut microbiome refers to the trillions of microorganisms that live in our gastrointestinal tract. These microbes play an integral role in our overall health, influencing everything from our immune function to our mood. An imbalance in our gut microbiota is associated with numerous chronic diseases. Recognising the signs of an unhealthy gut microbiome is key to restoring balance and optimising wellbeing.

1. Digestive Issues

An obvious sign of gut dysbiosis is digestive problems like constipation, diarrhoea, bloating, abdominal pain, and irregular bowel movements. An unhealthy microbiome can impair proper digestion and cause inflammation in the gut lining. This disrupts normal motility and can lead to acute digestive complaints. Targeted probiotics and prebiotics may help to relieve these symptoms by optimising the gut environment.

2. Skin Conditions

The gut microbiome and skin are closely linked through the gut-skin axis. An imbalance in the gut can manifest as skin issues like acne, eczema, and psoriasis. Certain strains of probiotics have been shown to improve skin health by reducing inflammation and optimising the skin microbiome. Improving gut health may provide relief for stubborn skin conditions.

3. Food Intolerances

If you develop new intolerances to foods you previously digested well, this could indicate dysbiosis. An impaired gut lining allows undigested food particles and bacteria to leak into the bloodstream, triggering systemic inflammation and immune reactions. Healing the gut and cultivating more beneficial bacteria can help to reverse sensitivities and intolerances over time.

4. Bloating and Fatigue

Feeling constantly bloated and fatigued are two of the most common complaints linked to an unhealthy microbiome. Bloating is associated with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) and carbohydrate malabsorption, while fatigue stems from inflammation and impaired nutrient absorption. There are several effective ways to help with bloat and fatigue by optimising your gut flora.

Bloating and fatigue often go hand-in-hand when it comes to an unbalanced microbiome. Bloat can be caused by poor digestion, constipation, food sensitivities and overgrowth of gas-producing gut bacteria. This abdominal distension is often accompanied by feelings of fatigue, low energy and mental fog.

However, it can be hard to know how to help with bloating and fatigue. Thankfully, restoring balance to your microbiome can help minimise bloating and fatigue. Strategies include taking targeted probiotics to improve digestion, avoiding inflammatory foods, managing stress levels, and supplementing with digestive enzymes or antimicrobials if SIBO is present. Getting enough sleep, staying hydrated and eating gut-friendly foods like bone broth, fermented foods and high-fibre vegetables will also aid in reducing bloat and fatigue.

5. Sugar Cravings

Cravings for sugary foods and refined carbohydrates can indicate dysbiosis. The unhealthy bacteria driving these cravings feed off sugar. This perpetuates a cycle of elevated blood sugar, inflammation and gut imbalance. To break this cycle, consume more prebiotics to nourish beneficial bacteria and protein and healthy fats to balance blood sugar.

The gut microbiome has a far-reaching impact on many aspects of health. Imbalances can manifest in numerous ways beyond just digestive upset. Fortunately, there are many effective solutions for cultivating a thriving gut microbiome.