Bloating, constipation and diarrhoea are just a few of the more common signs something is wrong with your gut, but there are a number of other unexpected symptoms to watch out for.

Our bodies are constantly sounding the alarm on our health, even though it may not be the signs we’d expect – who’d of thought acne could be a sign of a struggling gut? Take a look at these 3 weird signs something’s brewing in your gut – plus, what you can do about it.

Brain fog.

Trouble concentrating and multitasking, short and long-term memory loss and impaired cognition all characterise brain fog – sound familiar? There are a number of conditions attributed to brain fog, from lack of sleep, depression and high stress down to chronic conditions like multiple sclerosis and even viral infections like COVID-19 have seen an influx of brain fog cases, known as “COVID brain.”

But one less expected cause is poor gut health. Research shows the gut has a direct link to the brain as excess gut inflammation throws our neurotransmitters out of whack, leading to those cognitive symptoms we associate with brain fog.

Common gut bacteria like Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes can cause inflammation when the natural gut balance is thrown off, and this usually occurs due to a diet high in added sugars and trans fats, with studies showing the latter results in a higher amount of what’s known as C-reactive protein, which is one of the markers for inflammation.

Take a look at some of the signs of gut inflammation:

1. Gut pain.
2. Bloating, especially after eating.
3. Unusual food sensitivities.

If this is hitting close to home, it’s worth considering whether gut health could be the culprit – read on to find out what you can do.

Frequent colds.

The gut affects our entire bodies – and while the gut-brain link is more well-known, the gut-immunity link is just as strong, and poor gut health is a one-way ticket to a weak immune system.

Research has shown a connection between the way we eat and how often we pick up infections with One study revealing the gut microbiome regulates the immune response to pathogens. One of the big reasons for poor gut health is excess sugar consumption, and Research shows it can suppress the immune response, with only a 75-gram dose required to make it happen.

Turmeric, ginger and green tea are all excellent immune-boosting foods that have natural antibiotic and antiviral properties, but one of the most important ways to get your immune system up to scratch is with a diet overhaul. A consistent, nutritious meal plan is the first step to getting your gut health in order.

Skin issues. 

If you’ve had bad acne breakouts lately, your skin could be trying to tell you something. Researchers found that those with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth were more likely to have acne, proving just how gut health is tied to skin health. Further, another study showed that when improving their gut bacteria with probiotics, participants saw a reduction in the severity of their acne.

A host of skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis are often the result of inflammation in the body – much of which is caused by – you guessed it – poor gut health.

Here are just a few of the skin conditions that can be caused by the gut:

1. Acne.
2. Eczema and psoriasis.
3. Premature skin ageing.
4. Dry skin.

Here’s what you can do about it.

Our lifestyle choices play a major role in our gut health – take a look at some of the causes of gut problems below:

• Stress and sleep issues: These can lead to hormonal imbalances and inflammation.
• Antibiotic use: Antibiotics are known for their destructive effect on our gut bacteria – both the good and the bad.
• Poor dietary choices: Sugar, fried foods and highly processed meals could be contributing to a dysregulated gut microbiome.

A low-sugar diet rich in vitamins, minerals and gut-boosting foods is the key to fighting gut inflammation and dysregulation. Be sure to pack a number probiotics into your diet, like yoghurt, kimchi, Sauer kraut, kefir and kombucha, these can help tip the balance of gut bacteria back into your favour.

Healthy fats are also important in moderation, but do opt for monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats – these are the heart-healthy fats found in olive oil, nuts, seeds and avocados.

Lastly, we recommend ditching sugar for a while and seeing how much better you feel. Join us for the 8-Week Program where we’ll be providing nutritious, tasty recipes and meal plans – minus the sugar. You’ll have support from a community of fellow sugar-free warriors and expert guidance from the team here at I Quit Sugar.

Take a peek at what’s on offer:

1. 8 weeks of meal plans and shopping lists.
2. A range of exclusive recipes, including sugar-free desserts, snacks and brekkies.
3. Community forums to share and discuss your experience.
4. Expert support to guide you through each week.
5. Techniques and tools to manage sugar cravings.

Ready to take your health into your own hands and say goodbye to bad gut health? JOIN NOW!