Ever had one of those days when your stomach just feels off? Maybe you’re constantly bloated, running to the bathroom more than usual, or craving sugar like never before. Most of us tend to brush it off and blame it on last night’s dinner or stress but your gut might actually be trying to tell you something important.
Turns out, your gut health affects a lot more than digestion. From your energy levels to your skin and even your mood, an unhappy gut can throw your whole body off balance. It’s why many experts now call the gut our “second brain.”
So how do you know when it’s time to take your gut seriously? We asked Dr Shubham Vatsya, Senior Consultant in Gastroenterology and Hepatology at Fortis Hospital, Vasant Kunj, Delhi, to share five warning signs your gut may be in distress and why you shouldn’t ignore them.
1. Frequent bloating or gas
Feeling bloated once in a while is normal, especially after a heavy or late-night meal. But if you’re feeling puffed up most days of the week, it might be your gut waving a red flag.
“Frequent bloating can be a sign of gut inflammation, food intolerances, or even an overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine,” explains Dr Vatsya. “It may indicate conditions like SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth), IBS, or enzyme deficiencies,” he further said.
Think of it like this: if you’re constantly reaching for antacids or herbal teas and nothing seems to work, your body might be signalling something deeper. Dr Vatsya adds that diagnostic tests, such as a hydrogen breath test or stool analysis, can help pinpoint the cause.
2. Irregular bowel habits
Your bathroom habits can reveal a lot about your gut health, and they are one of the clearest indicators of how your gut is functioning. Ideally, if you’re having one to two well-formed bowel movements per day then your gut is fine.
“Constipation, diarrhoea, or even mucus or undigested food in the stool are all signs that your gut bacteria may be out of balance,” says Dr Vatsya. “Conditions like Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or celiac disease often show up first as changes in stool patterns,” he said.
He warns against self-medicating with laxatives or OTC anti-diarrhoeal, which may only mask the symptoms.
3. Brain fog and fatigue
Feeling tired or mentally slow even after a good night’s sleep? The problem could be linked to your gut health.
“When the gut lining becomes inflamed or leaky, toxins can enter the bloodstream, leading to low-grade inflammation,” says Dr Vatsya. “This has been linked to brain fog, poor concentration, and even mood swings.”
The gut-brain axis is real, and if you’re also dealing with digestive issues alongside mental fatigue, Dr Vatsya recommends checking for nutritional deficiencies, especially B12, iron, and magnesium.
4. Skin issues like acne, rosacea, or eczema
If you’ve been trying different skincare products with no visible results, the issue may not be on your skin, but in your gut.
“There’s a strong connection between the gut and skin known as the gut-skin axis,” explains Dr Vatsya. “Conditions like acne, eczema, or rosacea often flare up when the gut microbiome is disrupted,” he further said.
This could be due to inflammatory foods, imbalanced gut flora, or even hidden food sensitivities. Restoring gut health often improves skin conditions from the inside out.
5. Unexplained weight changes and food cravings
Notice your weight fluctuating for no clear reason? Or are your sugar cravings suddenly off the charts? Your gut bacteria may be to blame.
“Some microbes feed on sugar, and they can actually manipulate your cravings,” says Dr Vatsya. “At the same time, a poor gut may also lead to nutrient malabsorption or insulin resistance, both of which affect weight.”
If you’re eating the same but gaining or losing weight rapidly, it’s time to dig deeper literally.
When to see a Gastroenterologist?
Gut-related issues are easy to ignore, especially when the symptoms come and go. But Dr Vatsya says the key is to see if they are persistent.
“If any of these issues continue for more than a few weeks despite lifestyle changes, it’s best to consult a specialist,” he advises. “We often recommend tests like endoscopy, gut microbiome analysis, or stool testing to understand the root cause,” he further said.
Treatment might include dietary changes, probiotics, digestive enzymes, or in some cases, medication.
Your gut isn’t just digesting food, it’s managing hormones, immunity, mood, and even skin health. So the next time you feel bloated for days, can’t think straight, or are constantly tired despite sleeping well, it might be time to listen to what your gut is really trying to say.
As Dr Vatsya puts it: “Your gut is one of the loudest messengers in your body. If you ignore its signals, it eventually starts ignoring you back.”