5 Common Gut Health Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore

Gut health goes far beyond digestion. In fact, your gut is often referred to as your "second brain" because it influences so many areas of your overall well-being, from your energy levels to your mental clarity. Despite this, gut health issues are frequently overlooked, misdiagnosed, or simply chalked up to poor diet or stress. The reality is that persistent gut problems could be signs of more serious conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO).

Are you brushing off your symptoms, thinking they’re “normal”? Here are five common gut health issues you should stop ignoring—because getting to the root of these problems is the key to reclaiming your vitality and living life without restrictions.

1. Bloating

We’ve all been there—your stomach balloons after a big meal, or maybe after a cheeky dessert, leaving you unbuttoning your jeans for relief. While occasional bloating is common, persistent or daily bloating is not. Chronic bloating can be a sign that your gut is struggling to process food properly, which is often the case for people with IBS or SIBO.

With IBS and SIBO, food isn’t broken down efficiently in the small intestine, leading to fermentation and the production of excess gas. This trapped gas causes discomfort, pain, and that all-too-familiar “pregnant belly” look. Many people live with these conditions for years without realizing that their bloating isn’t just about what they ate—it’s a signal that something deeper is wrong.

Left untreated, bloating can worsen over time, often leading to more severe symptoms. If bloating has become your “normal,” it’s time to stop ignoring it. Working with a gut health expert to identify whether your bloating is linked to IBS, SIBO, or another condition can make all the difference.

2. Fatigue

Do you ever feel like no matter how much rest you get, you’re still running on empty? Chronic fatigue could be another sign of poor gut health. While it’s easy to assume tiredness is due to a busy lifestyle, there’s a deeper connection between the gut and energy levels.

When your gut is out of balance, it struggles to absorb the vital nutrients your body needs to produce energy. Poor digestion and malabsorption, common in conditions like IBS and SIBO, can lead to deficiencies in iron, B12, vitamin D, and other nutrients that play a key role in maintaining your energy levels. This is why gut-related fatigue often goes hand in hand with low iron or other nutritional deficiencies.

Additionally, an unhealthy gut can lead to chronic inflammation. When your body is in a constant state of inflammation, it uses up more energy to deal with the internal stress, leaving you feeling fatigued and sluggish. If your tiredness is accompanied by digestive symptoms, there’s a good chance that healing your gut could help you get your energy back.

3. Irregular Bowel Movements

Everyone has an “off” day with digestion, but if irregular bowel movements have become a frequent part of your life, it’s time to pay attention. Whether you’re dealing with constipation, diarrhea, or an unpredictable mix of both, irregular bowel movements are often a key sign of gut imbalances.

Constipation can occur when your gut is moving too slowly, leading to hard, infrequent stools (or, as many clients describe, rabbit poos). On the flip side, diarrhea is your body’s way of speeding up digestion, often as a response to inflammation or an infection in the gut. Both of these extremes can be symptoms of IBS, which impacts the normal rhythm of your digestive system.

Long-term irregularity can have a knock-on effect on your overall health. Chronic constipation can lead to discomfort, bloating, and even toxin reabsorption, while prolonged diarrhea can cause dehydration and nutrient loss. Gut issues like these can interfere with your daily life and even trigger anxiety around food. Addressing the root cause of irregular bowel movements is essential for bringing balance back to your digestive system—and your life.

4. Food Sensitivities

Have you noticed that more and more foods seem to “disagree” with you lately? You’re not alone. Many people develop food sensitivities as a result of gut imbalances. While you may feel tempted to keep eliminating foods in hopes of relief, food sensitivities are often just a symptom of a deeper issue, like gut dysbiosis or leaky gut syndrome.

Gut dysbiosis refers to an imbalance in your gut bacteria, where the “bad” bacteria outnumber the beneficial ones. This imbalance can cause your immune system to react poorly to certain foods, leading to bloating, gas, or digestive discomfort after eating. Similarly, leaky gut syndrome occurs when the lining of the intestine becomes damaged, allowing undigested food particles and toxins to “leak” into your bloodstream, causing an immune response.

Simply cutting out problem foods won’t fix the underlying issues. Over time, untreated gut problems can make your food sensitivities worse and limit your diet even more. Healing your gut is the key to restoring balance and allowing your body to tolerate a wide range of foods again—without the discomfort.

5. Brain Fog

Do you ever feel like you’re walking around in a mental haze, unable to focus or think clearly? That “brain fog” you’re experiencing might not just be due to stress or lack of sleep—it could be linked to your gut. The gut-brain connection is a powerful one, and when your gut isn’t happy, your brain often isn’t either.

Gut inflammation and imbalances can trigger the release of harmful substances that affect brain function. This is why so many people with chronic gut health issues report feeling mentally foggy or forgetful. An unhealthy gut can also impact the production of neurotransmitters like serotonin, which regulate mood, energy, and focus.

Ignoring brain fog can lead to worsening mental clarity and even feelings of anxiety or depression. By addressing the root of your gut issues, you can clear the fog and reclaim not only your physical health but your mental well-being as well.

If any of these symptoms resonate with you, it’s time to stop ignoring them and take control of your health. You don’t have to live with discomfort, fatigue, or confusion over what’s causing your symptoms. With the right guidance and support, you can heal your gut and enjoy food without fear.

Our Nourished Gut Program is designed specifically for people like you—busy, motivated individuals who are ready to get to the root of their gut issues and feel like themselves again. Over three months, you’ll receive personalised 1:1 support, weekly group calls, progress reports, and access to our online portal full of resources and tools to help you along your gut healing journey.

Are you ready to take the next step? Apply to join the Nourished Gut Program today, and let’s get you back to feeling your best.