Maintaining gut health is important. Signs and symptoms of poor gut health, like stomach pain, chronic diarrhea, or unintentional weight changes, can be more than a mere annoyance. If you experience persistent signs of an unhealthy gut, you could also be afflicted with a more concerning GI issue that should not be overlooked.
If you have symptoms that are different, such as a change in bowel habits or yearnings for certain foods, bring it to the attention of a skilled gastroenterology specialist like the providers at Ocean Family Gastroenterology. By talking with a provider at Ocean Family Gastroenterology, you can learn if what you have is a common problem that can be managed or something more serious that needs to be diagnosed and treated.
What are common symptoms of poor gut health?
You might suffer from an occasional upset stomach or have a bout of heartburn from time to time. However, frequent trouble with gastrointestinal concerns, might signal that something is interfering with your digestive health. It’s important to get to the root of what could be causing the problem.
If you have any of the following symptoms or signs often, it might be due to poor gut health:
- Changes in stool: If you have noticed a difference in the color or consistency of your stool, such as if you have light-colored or loose stools, then it might be time to visit a doctor.
- Fatigue: Experiencing exhaustion on a frequent basis might be related to an issue with your GI system’s ability to absorb nutrients.
- Stomach discomfort: Constant constipation, gas, or bloating may be an indication that your gastrointestinal system is having difficulty breaking down food and getting rid of waste.
- Mood changes: Anxiety and depression may be a result of poor digestive health.
- Unintentional weight changes: A sudden, unexplained gain or loss in weight could be an indication that your body is battling to absorb nutrients, store fat, or get rid of waste.
- Food Cravings: Cravings for foods, like sugar, may be an indication of an imbalance in gut bacteria or nutritional deficiency.
- Skin irritations/allergies: Inflammatory skin issues, including acne, psoriasis, and eczema, have been connected to digestive heath.
- Autoimmune issues: Imbalanced gut bacteria can trigger problems with autoimmune diseases.
- Migraines: Headaches can be a sign that something is amiss in the digestive tract, particularly if nausea and vomiting also occur.
If you experience any of the signs or symptoms listed here, or any other concerning symptoms, such as repetitive acid reflux or blood in your stool, please schedule an appointment with one of our gastroenterologists in Toms River to have your digestive health checked. Our professionals will diagnose the problem and recommend a course of action to correct the problems and improve your gut health.
What conditions might result from poor gut health?
The symptoms you experience might point to a concerning GI disease. If you experience the symptoms above, they could lead to one of the following conditions:
- Cancer: GI cancers, such as colon cancer and gastric cancer, can lead to major issues in the digestive tract.
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): Diseases such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease cause inflammation in the GI tract.
- Celiac disease: The body’s immune system reaction to gluten damages in the small bowel.
Can I improve my gut health?
We advise that you consult a physician if you are having issues linked to poor digestive health. An Ocean Family Gastroenterology specialist can determine if a more serious issue needs to be diagnosed or if lifestyle changes could help you improve your gut health. Some of the following could be suggested by your physician:
- Drink plenty of water
- Increase your fiber intake
- Monitor for food intolerance
- Stay physically active
- Stop using tobacco products
- Sleep for 7 – 8 hours a night
- Add pro-biotics to your diet
Get help for poor gut health in Toms River, NJ
Never dismiss the signals your body is providing such as an upset stomach, food cravings and unintended weight changes. To detect and understand your digestive conditions, you should meet with a digestive health specialist at Ocean Family Gastroenterology in Toms River, NJ. As a patient of our office, you can expect patient-focused services and expert care. For a consultation, contact us at (732) 281-1590 or online HERE.
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