Our gut microbiome affects a whole range of bodily functions, so if it's not healthy - it can lead to a range health issues and complaints.

Here's some tell-tale signs that your microbiome may need a boost…

Abdominal discomfort

Experiencing a little gas and bloating after a particularly large meal is fairly normal, but if you find yourself regularly suffering from excessive gas and bloating, it's probably a sign that not all is well.

If you're feeling uncomfortable after meals in your belly - it's a signal from your digestive system and you should pay attention. 

A balanced microbiome will be able to digest food better, resulting in less bloating.

Poor sleep - you've gut this

The microbiome controls the levels of cortisol, serotonin and melatonin which are needed for quality sleep.

So, it is probably no surprise that an unhealthy gut can have a negative effect on your circadian rhythm (your internal clock), which can disrupt your sleep and can even result in sleep disorders such as insomnia.

Food intolerances

When it comes to food intolerances, you should know that they're not the same as food allergies.

An intolerance occurs when the body has difficulty digesting a particular food or food group, often due to a damaged gut - and can cause bloating, inflammation and bowel urgency - amongst other things. Some people even get skin rashes

On the other hand, allergies are much more serious and can result in severe reactions. 

Autoimmune disorders

Autoimmune disorders, which can be caused by high levels of inflammation in the body, are another issue that can arise.

These disorders occur when the immune system becomes overactive, and an imbalance in microbiome bacteria can make symptoms worse. 

Skin issues - could it be your gut health?

Research has linked the microbiome to various skin complaints, including eczema, psoriasis, and chronic acne. This means that good skincare starts from within, as the skin can reflect what is going on inside the body.

If you're having a flare up of an existing skin condition, it could be a sign that the good bacteria in your gut is fighting hard with the less desirable bacterias. 

Going to the toilet too often... or not enough!

A healthy microbiome is important regulating bowel movements. So, if you are experiencing constipation or diarrhoea, it is a sign that not all is well.

It is good to know what is normal for you so you can recognise when something may be off.

Constipation can mean that partly digested food is staying inside you for too long leading to a host of health issues. And diarrhoea can mean you're not getting enough nutrients and good stuff from the food you're eating. 

Unintentional weight change - gut health

We know that a combination of a healthy diet and exercise is crucial for maintaining a healthy weight, but studies are now showing the microbiome also plays an important role.

Any unexplained weight change, which is not due to a change of diet or exercise regime, could be an indicator of an unhealthy gut. Some clinical trials are showing that treatments targeting the microbiome could help to treat and prevent obesity, but more research is needed.

Low mood & gut health

Your microbiome is not just responsible for your physical health, it can affect your mental health too. This is because the gut is in a constant two-way communication with your brain, called the gut-brain axis, and research is showing that the microbiome plays a huge role in how we respond to stress.

So, it is super important to look after your microbiome! 

Looking after your gut 

If you weigh the gut microbiome, it weighs about the same as our brain. We all know to take care of our heart, protect our brain but if we’re not looking after our gut microbiome, then you’re missing a key aspect of your health. 

We have lots of blogs that discuss taking care of your gut. There’s no silver bullet but looking after your gut through nutritious plant-based foods (with lots of fibre for the gut bugs to munch on), as well as daily light exercise, plenty of rest is a great start to looking after your gut bugs so they can look after you.  

• Read more of our gut health articles and blogs
• Shop Gut Wealth sachets

Hear from our Founder Gemma