Your gut health affects far more than digestion; it influences your hormones, immune system, brain function, metabolism, sleep quality, emotional balance, and overall energy.

When the gut becomes imbalanced, a condition known as gut dysbiosis, the symptoms can appear throughout the entire body.

If you’re in Aurora, Illinois, and have been dealing with unexplained discomfort, low energy, anxiety, or digestive problems, your gut may be signaling that something is wrong.

This expert guide breaks down the 15 most important symptoms of poor gut health, what causes them, and what you can do to support healing.

What Does “Poor Gut Health” Mean?

Your gut microbiome contains trillions of bacteria, yeasts, and microorganisms.
When balanced → they support your health.
When imbalanced → inflammation grows, digestion weakens, hormones shift, and your body begins to show warning signs.

Gut dysbiosis can develop from:

• Stress
  
  
• Poor diet
  
  
• Antibiotics
  
  
• Lack of sleep
  
  
• Emotional trauma
  
  
• Food sensitivities
  
  

And once an imbalance starts, symptoms often appear in multiple areas

15 Symptoms of Poor Gut Health

1. Persistent Bloating

Bloating is one of the most common early warning signs.

Caused by:

• Bacterial imbalance
  
  
• Slow digestion
  
  
• Food sensitivities
  
  
• Fermentation in the intestines
  
  

Daily or severe bloating is never “normal.”

2. Constipation or Diarrhea

Irregular bowel movements indicate that your digestive system is struggling.

• Constipation → slow motility, dehydration, dysbiosis
  
  
• Diarrhea → inflammation, irritation, microbial imbalance
  
  

Both are strong indicators of poor gut health.

3. Excess Gas

Frequent, painful, or foul-smelling gas suggests that your gut bacteria are fermenting foods improperly.

This happens when:

• Beneficial bacteria decrease
  
  
• Harmful bacteria increase
  
  

4. New or Increasing Food Sensitivities

Suddenly reacting to foods you previously tolerated often means your gut lining is weakened.

Known as:

• Gut permeability
  
  
• Leaky gut
  
  
• Inflammation response
  
  

This is a major sign of gut dysfunction.

5. Constant Fatigue or Low Energy

Your gut produces:

• Most of your serotonin
  
  
• Vital B-vitamins
  
  
• Absorption of nutrients
  
  

When inflamed, energy production drops.

6. Skin Issues (Acne, Rosacea, Eczema, Rashes)

Skin problems are often internal, not external.

Poor gut health leads to:

• Inflammation
  
  
• Toxin buildup
  
  
• Microbiome imbalance
  
  

This triggers skin flare-ups.

7. Unexplained Weight Gain or Loss

Gut dysfunction affects:

• Metabolism
  
  
• Blood sugar
  
  
• Hormones
  
  
• Hunger signals
  
  

Making weight hard to lose, or making weight drop unexpectedly.

8. Brain Fog

Gut inflammation interrupts the gut–brain axis.

This creates:

• Slow thinking
  
  
• Poor focus
  
  
• Short-term memory lapses
  
  
• Mental fatigue
  
  

9. Sugar Cravings

Bad bacteria feed on sugar and signal your brain to consume more.

If cravings feel uncontrollable, the root is often microbial imbalance.

10. Frequent Illness or Weak Immune System

Since 70% of the immune system lives in the gut, any disturbance affects immunity.

Symptoms include:

• Frequent colds
  
  
• Slow recovery
  
  
• Repeat infections
  
  

11. Trouble Sleeping

Poor gut health disrupts:

• Melatonin production
  
  
• Serotonin balance
  
  
• Nervous system regulation
  
  

Leading to insomnia, restlessness, or nighttime waking.

12. Anxiety, Irritability, or Mood Shifts

The gut regulates neurotransmitters.

If the microbiome is imbalanced, mood follows.

Common emotional symptoms:

• Anxiety
  
  
• Irritability
  
  
• Feeling overwhelmed
  
  
• Emotional sensitivity
  
  

13. Bad Breath

Gut-related halitosis is caused by:

• Bacterial overgrowth
  
  
• Slow digestion
  
  
• Acid reflux
  
  

This persists even with brushing and mouthwash.

14. Chronic Inflammation or Body Pain

Inflamed gut → inflamed body.

Pain may appear as:

• Joint stiffness
  
  
• Muscle aches
  
  
• Migraines
  
  
• Fatigue
  
  

15. Difficulty Losing Weight (Even When Doing Everything Right)

If weight won’t move despite clean eating and exercise, internal imbalance is likely the real cause.

Poor gut health alters:

• Cortisol
  
  
• Insulin
  
  
• Thyroid activity
  
  
• Metabolism
  
  

Healing the gut often restarts weight loss naturally.

How to Improve Gut Health Naturall

Start with:

• More fiber
  
  
• Probiotic-rich foods
  
  
• Less sugar & processed foods
  
  
• Proper hydration
  
  
• Stress reduction
  
  
• Better sleep
  
  
• Identifying food triggers
  
  
• Supporting gut lining repair
  
  

But because every person’s gut is different, personalized guidance always works fastest.

Ready to Heal Your Gut?

If you’re experiencing these symptoms and want clarity and a customized plan:

👉 Book a Free Gut Health Consultation
https://www.heathermhewett.com/contact

FAQ

What are the early signs of poor gut health?

Gas, bloating, low energy, irregular bowel movements, and new food sensitivities are common early indicators.

Can gut issues cause anxiety?

Yes. Poor gut health affects serotonin and neurotransmitter function, leading to anxiety or mood instability.

How do I repair my gut naturally?

Increase fiber, reduce processed foods, add probiotics, improve sleep, and support gut lining repair. Personalized plans work fastest.

What causes poor gut health?

Stress, poor diet, antibiotics, processed foods, and lack of sleep are the most common causes.

When should I see a specialist?

If symptoms last more than three weeks or affect daily life, a gut health consultation is recommended.

About the Expert



Heather M. Hewett is a Board-Certified Traditional Naturopath and Clinical Nutritionist with over 22 years of experience in holistic health and wellness. She is also a certified somatic trauma therapist and the author of Natural Health Simplified. Heather specializes in gut microbiome nutrition, weight loss, and somatic emotional regulation, offering an integrated approach that fosters emotional resilience and autonomy.

yHaving personally overcome challenges such as binge eating, a 100-pound weight gain, and autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, Fibromyalgia, and Sheehan's Syndrome, Heather brings a compassionate and experiential perspective to her work. Her journey of transformation has led her to help others, particularly highly sensitive and neurodivergent individuals, reclaim their health and happiness

.Through personalized one-on-one coaching and group programs like "Love Your Body, Love Your Life!", Heather empowers clients to build self-awareness, develop emotional regulation tools, and cultivate emotional resilience. Her approach combines science-backed principles with a nurturing environment, guiding individuals towards a life filled with vitality and authenticity