When it comes to your heath, you have probably heard or read hundreds of suggestions.

What you may not have considered is just how important it is to keep your digestive system healthy.

When you really think about it, most of the important nutrients and energy your body takes in will go through your gut. If your gut isn’t healthy, those nutrients aren’t going to go where they need to. There is quite a bit to learn about digestive health, so let’s just discuss the basics.

Stomach or intestinal disturbances or discomfort is not a good sign. If you experience nausea, diarrhea, constipation, heartburn, bloating, gas, or pain in your stomach, upper gut, or lower gut, you may have an issue. Talk with your doctor about what you are experiencing and how often.

Some other symptoms of an unhealthy digestive system include:

1. Excess sugar intake – If you are craving sugar often, this could indicate an issue with the levels of yeast in your digestive system. Yeast lives on sugar, and may trick your body into making you eat more so it can continue to thrive. Although normal levels of yeast are expected, sometimes it can overgrow. Ask your doctor if you feel sugar controls your diet.

2. Changes in weight – Another symptom of a bad gut is an unexpected change in your weight. Especially if you are eating enough and can’t gain weight, or if you lose weight suddenly. Keep track of your body size and weigh yourself to see if something unusual is happening.

3. Frequent exhaustion or sleep problems – If you are constantly tired, you may be missing out on some important nutrients that your body isn’t processing correctly due to a sick digestive tract. Some examples include B12, Iron, Magnesium or Potassium. Your body needs a certain level of these to feel good. Low levels of some of these can cause restless legs and disturb your sleeping. Ask your doctor if you need to test your body’s general levels of vitamins and minerals.

4. Skin issues – Is your skin breaking out in ways it never did before? Are you getting rashes, bumps, cysts, pimples, or other problems? These can all be symptoms of a bad digestive system. Talk with your doctor to find the cause of these.

5. Sensitivity to some or most foods – Do you have a pattern of getting sick after you eat certain things? Or are you feeling sick most of the time regardless of what you eat? Either way, that could mean a problem. You could have an allergy or intolerance to gluten. You may be lactose intolerant. After all, some people develop Celiac Disease or lactose intolerance during their life and may be surprised when they start arising.

There are a few other signs of bad gut health, One of which includes mental health disturbances such as anxiety, depression, or mood swings. Do your research and ask your doctor to find out more about gut health.

This article is not intended to alarm you. However, if something in this article sounds like an issue you are having, call your doctor right away. They may be able to find the issue and get you back to a normal, healthy gut!