Skin irritation, unexpected weight changes and new food intolerances could all be signs of an imbalance of gut bacteria, an expert has warned. A survey for LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor found that almost two thirds of people (64%) were worried about their gut health. However, 44% admitted they had no idea what signs to look for and 42% had no clue how to improve it.
Dr Sameer Sanghvi, a practicing GP with the pharmacy chain, shared six common signs to look out for. He explained: “Around 70-80% of your immune cells are found in the gut. What’s more, the bacteria in your gut are also responsible for producing necessary vitamins like vitamin B12. This means that if the balance of bacteria isn’t as it should be, physical health and mental health can be affected.”
An unhealthy gut can lead to poor sleep, which can in turn cause fatigue and brain fog, Dr Sanghvi said. Skin conditions such as acne and eczema, and digestive issues including bloating and constipation could also be a sign that something is not right.
The body may struggle to absorb vital nutrients, store fat and regulate blood sugar when the gut is out of balance, leading to unexpected changes in weight.
Dr Sanghvi also highlighted the emergence of new food intolerances and problems with hormone levels or fertility as possible symptoms.
LloydsPharmacy’s survey of 500 people also found that 79% had tried to improve their gut health, with 45% cutting out certain foods and 37% turning to pre- or probiotics.
Dr Sanghvi added: “Diet has a big role to play when it comes to improving gut health. The aim is to help introduce good bacteria into your gut while reducing the number of bad bacteria.
“Ultra-processed foods can negatively impact your gut. The best thing to do is eat a variety of plant-based foods.
“Try to ‘eat the rainbow’, ensuring your diet includes lots of different coloured fruit and vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds, and legumes like beans and lentils.
“Lowering stress levels and getting good-quality sleep are equally important for maintaining a healthy microbiome. The same goes for staying hydrated.”