Know the Signs and Symptoms of an Unhealthy Gut

Distressing symptoms, such as abdominal pain, ongoing diarrhea, or unintentional weight loss, can be more than a mere annoyance. If you have persistent signs of an unhealthy gut, you could be afflicted with a gastrointestinal problem. We urge you to not neglect the signs of poor gut health. If you notice symptoms that are uncommon, such as a change in bowel habits or yearnings for certain foods, discuss it with a board-certified gastroenterology specialist in DFW. By partnering with a practitioner at Texas Digestive Disease Consultants, you can detect issues with your GI system and learn how to improve your general quality of life.

What are common symptoms of an unhealthy gut?

Many people have an occasional belly ache or have heartburn at times. Persistent problems with gastrointestinal tract issues might signal that something is amiss with your digestive health. If you experience any of these symptoms persistently, it may indicate an unhealthy gut:

• Autoimmune conditions: Imbalanced digestive bacteria can initiate problems with autoimmune diseases.
• Change in stool: If there has been a change in the consistency or color of your stool, like if you have light-colored or loose stools, then it might be time to consult a medical provider.
• Skin allergies/irritations: Inflammatory skin issues, such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis, have been connected to gastrointestinal health.
• Mood changes: Depression and anxiety may stem from poor gastrointestinal health.
• Migraines: Headaches might be a sign that something is amiss in the gut, particularly if nausea and vomiting also occur.
• Stomach discomfort: Constant gas, constipation, or bloating may be a signal that your GI system is having difficulty processing food and getting rid of waste.
• Food cravings: Yearnings for foods, like sugar, could be a symptom of an imbalance in gut bacteria or nutritional deficiency.
• Fatigue: Experiencing exhaustion all the time may be related to a problem with nutritional absorption in the gut.
• Unplanned weight changes: An abrupt, inexplicable loss or gain in weight may mean your body is fighting to absorb nutrients, eliminate waste, or store fat.

In the event you experience any of the above signs or symptoms, or other symptoms of concern, like persistent acid reflux or blood in your stool, please get in touch with one of our GI doctors in DFW to have your gastrointestinal health evaluated.

What conditions or diseases can cause poor gut health?

The symptoms you experience might be indicative of a serious gastrointestinal condition or disease. Some of the conditions that can cause the symptoms mentioned above are:

• Celiac disease: The body's immune system reaction to gluten damages the small bowel.
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): Diseases such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease lead to inflammation in the digestive system.
• Cancer: GI cancers, like colon or rectal cancer and gastric cancer, can cause severe issues in the digestive tract.

How can I improve my digestive health?

Although it is essential to adopt healthy habits, it is recommended that you talk with a physician if you are noticing signs or symptoms linked to poor GI health. A Texas Digestive Disease Consultants doctor will be able to identify whether a more serious issue needs to be diagnosed or if some lifestyle enhancements can help you improve your digestive health. Any of the following changes may be suggested by your doctor:

• Consume plenty of water
• Stop using tobacco products
• Exercise regularly
• Identify food intolerances
• Sleep for 7 – 8 hours a night
• Add probiotics to your diet
• Increase the fiber in your diet

Get help for poor GI health in DFW

Should you experience signs or symptoms of poor gut health, it could point to an underlying condition. Please don't dismiss any signs your body is providing through stomach upset, food cravings, and unexplained weight changes. In order to understand and identify any GI diseases, you should connect with a gastroenterologist in DFW. To locate an experienced gastroenterologist near you, call Texas Digestive Disease Consultants. When you partner with our team, you can receive patient-centric services to help you manage and enhance your digestive health which, in turn, could help you enjoy a greater quality of living.