Learn to Spot the Signs of Poor Gut Health

Troublesome symptoms, such as pain in the abdominal area, persistent diarrhea, or unintentional weight changes, can be more than a simple annoyance. If you notice ongoing signs or symptoms of poor digestive health, you could be suffering from a concerning gastrointestinal condition. Should you face symptoms that are unusual, like a fluctuation in bowel habits or yearnings for certain foods, bring it to the attention of a skilled gastroenterology specialist in Dallas, TX. By talking with a practitioner at Digestive Health Associates of Texas, you can detect conditions involving your gastrointestinal system and find out how to improve your quality of life.

What are common symptoms of poor gut health?

Most individuals get the occasional upset stomach or have an episode of heartburn from time to time. Frequent issues with digestive concerns may signal that something is impacting your gastrointestinal health. When you notice any of these symptoms on an ongoing basis, it might be a sign of an unhealthy gut:

• Food cravings: Yearnings for certain foods, such as sugar, may be a sign of an imbalance in GI bacteria or nutritional deficiency.
• Stomach discomfort: Ongoing bloating, gas, or constipation can be a signal that your GI system is having problems digesting food and getting rid of waste.
• Autoimmune issues: A lack of balance in gastrointestinal bacteria can initiate problems with autoimmune disorders.
• Fatigue: Experiencing exhaustion on a consistent basis might be related to a problem with nutritional absorption in the gut.
• Mood changes: Anxiety and depression may stem from poor digestive health.
• Migraines: Headaches could indicate that a problem is occurring in the GI tract, particularly if the headaches are accompanied by nausea or vomiting.
• Skin allergies/irritations: Inflammatory skin conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis, and acne, have been linked to digestive health.
• Unplanned weight changes: An abrupt, inexplicable gain or drop in weight might signal your body is struggling to eliminate waste, store fat, or absorb nutrients.
• Change in stool: If there has been a difference in the color or consistency of your stool, such as if you experience light-colored stools or diarrhea, then it might be time to consult a medical provider.

In the event you have any of the signs or symptoms listed above, or even other concerning symptoms, such as frequent acid reflux or bloody stools, please connect with one of our GI doctors in Dallas, TX to have your digestive health assessed.

What diseases or conditions could result in an unhealthy gut?

The symptoms or issues you experience could be indicative of a concerning GI system condition or disease. Some of the conditions that can present with the symptoms listed above are:

• Inflammatory bowel disease: Diseases such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis lead to inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract.
• Cancer: Gastrointestinal cancers, such as colon cancer and gastric cancer, can cause severe issues in the digestive tract.
• Celiac disease: The manner in which the body's immune system reacts to gluten damages the small intestine.

How can I improve my gastrointestinal health?

While it is important to adopt healthy habits, you are encouraged to meet with a medical practitioner if you are experiencing concerns pointing to poor gut health. A Digestive Health Associates of Texas specialist can determine if a more significant condition needs to be diagnosed or if lifestyle changes can help you boost your GI health. Several of the following factors could be recommended by your physician:

• Include probiotics in your diet
• Monitor for food intolerances
• Get regular exercise
• Increase your fiber intake
• Quit smoking
• Drink plenty of water
• Get 7 – 8 hours of sleep each night

Treat an unhealthy gut in Dallas, TX

Should you notice signs or symptoms of poor digestive health, it could signal a more significant condition. We implore you to not dismiss any signals your body is sending you through stomach upset, yearnings for certain foods, and unexplained changes in your weight. To accurately understand and detect any gastrointestinal disorders, you can connect with a digestive health specialist in Dallas, TX. To find a skilled gastroenterologist near you, please get in touch with Digestive Health Associates of Texas. When you partner with our team, you can expect patient-centered services to help you manage and enhance your GI wellness which, in turn, can foster a better quality of life.