11 Classic Signs of a Grumpy Gut

Classic digestive problems like constipation, bloating and an irritable bowel are just the beginning when it comes to the effect our gut microbiomes have on our general wellbeing.

With our gut flora influencing everything from mood to skin health, here’s some tell-tale signs, and some not so well-known signals, that your gut microbiome is craving some care.

Bloating & excessive wind: You knew it already but this is the #1 sign that your microbiome is battling. And let’s face it, really smelly, frequent wind explosions are just awkward.

Irregular bowels: Everyone’s metabolism is different, so frequency of bowel movements can vary a lot. But the aim is for smooth, easy-to-pass stools – if alternating between hard and sloppy is your normal, then your gut needs your attention.

Cravings for sugar and carbs: An imbalanced gut can fuel cravings, especially for sugar or processed foods, which feed harmful bacteria. This creates a cycle that worsens the imbalance over time. So when you go looking for that extra cake, it might just might be the bad bacteria in your gut demanding to be fed.

Unintended weight changes: Sudden weight gain or loss without significant changes in diet or exercise may indicate an unhappy gut. An imbalance can affect how the body absorbs nutrients, stores fat, and regulates hormones related to hunger.

Weakened immune system: Frequent colds, infections, or prolonged recovery times may point to poor gut health.

About 70% of the immune system resides in the gut, and an imbalance can reduce its effectiveness.

Brain fog: Difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, or feeling mentally sluggish may be signs of gut imbalance. Inflammation or toxins produced by harmful gut bacteria can interfere with brain function, making you feel like your brain is running on low battery.

Mood swings and overthinking: The gut-brain axis is a two-way link between the gut and the brain. A grumpy gut can mean a grumpy you; mood disorders, excessive worry, feeling overwhelmed, irritable or pancake flat can be due to altered neurotransmitter production and increased inflammation from a microbiome imbalance.

Persistent bad breath: Chronic bad breath, or halitosis, may stem from gut dysbiosis. Harmful bacteria in the digestive system can produce foul-smelling gases that escape through the mouth. You seriously don’t want both ends smelling bad!

Skin problems: Common dry skin conditions can be linked to gut health. Inflammation or toxins from an imbalanced gut can trigger skin flare-ups, sometimes referred to as the "gut-skin axis." This is very common if you also have sensitivities to certain foods.

Frequently tired with low energy: Chronic tiredness or low energy levels can stem from a compromised gut. An imbalanced microbiome may hinder the absorption of essential nutrients like iron or B vitamins, leading to fatigue.

Food intolerances: Difficulty digesting certain foods, particularly those previously well-tolerated, may signal gut issues. This is often due to reduced diversity of bacteria which can affect how the body processes specific compounds. A great way to test this is by following a FODMAP diet for several weeks, which limits then reintroduces fermentable carbs in your diet – this generally shows up the foods that trigger symptoms.

Sound like you? Give our naturopaths a call and let’s get your gut sorted. Harker Herbals Commercial Bay –  09 300 3274