7 Signs & Symptoms of An Unhealthy Gut
September 2025
Having a healthy gut is key for your body’s overall wellbeing and to help it function as well as it possibly can. The main role of your gut is to break down food and turn it into the essential nutrients your body needs. If the gut is out of balance, you could be left with a whole manner of issues like poor digestion, a weak immune system, and skin irritations.
The good news is that gut health can be easily restored to its natural balance, but first it’s important to recognise the signs and symptoms that indicate your gut may be struggling.
What Does Gut Microbiome Do?
A well-functioning gut is largely determined by the health of the microbiome within the gastrointestinal system – in other words the stomach, small intestine, and large intestine.
Gut microbiome is the bacteria and other microorganisms which help the body to break down food and turn it into nutrients for your physical and mental wellbeing.
What Are The Signs of Poor Gut Health?
Your body could be trying to tell you that you have an unhealthy gut in a number of ways. Some of the main signs are:
Digestive issues
If you have poor gut health, it’s highly likely you will be experiencing digestive issues because the stomach is not able to process food properly. This can show itself in a range of symptoms like an upset stomach, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhoea, heartburn, and sudden food intolerances.
Bloating/Gas
If the gut struggles to break down food it can result in excess intestinal gas which causes wind, uncomfortable bloating, and a feeling of fullness even if you haven’t eaten much.
Poor Sleep
The relationship between sleep and a healthy gut is a vicious cycle. A healthy gut promotes a good night’s sleep which improves energy levels and mood, but you need sufficient sleep in the first place to promote gut health. Not getting enough quality sleep can cause unbalanced hormones and the release of stress hormones which suppress digestion.
Acne/Skin Conditions
You may have heard that the skin is a window into what’s going on inside your body, and this is especially true when it comes to gut health. Scientists have found that there is a link between gut and skin health because built-up toxins inside the gut attempt to exit through your pores, causing skin conditions like acne, eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis.
Weight Fluctuations
A build up of toxins in the gut can increase inflammation, disrupt metabolism, and prevent your body absorbing important nutrients. This can cause water retention, disrupt hunger signals and physical discomforts which may decrease motivation to exercise.
Mood/Mental Health
When toxins and waste build up in the body, it prevents nutrients from food being properly digested and sent to the brain. This affects the brain’s ability to function and can cause low energy energy levels, difficulty concentrating and stress.
Weak Immune System
A healthy gut is necessary to regulate the immune system and maintain overall health. An unbalanced gut stops your body from functioning properly and can make you more prone to illness and health issues like fatigue and headaches.
How To Improve & Manage Gut Health
Avoid processed food
Processed food which is high in sugar, salt, and saturated fat, is harmful to the gut microbiome and can lead to inflammation. Eating fresh food, like fruit and vegetables, provides healthy bacteria, increases fibre intake, and can contain natural probiotics.
Drink more water
You’ve heard it countless times, but drinking more water is a sure-fire way to improve your overall health, especially your digestion. Increasing your hydration will aid in breaking down food so your body can absorb all its nutrients.
Move your body
Taking regular exercise will stimulate movement in the digestive system, help food to pass through the intestines more quickly, and promote regular bowel movements. Even light exercises like brisk walks, yoga, and cycling, are effective to improve gut health.
Colon hydrotherapy
Colonics are an excellent way to remove toxins from your body, help the gut return to its natural state, and boost your immune system. Colon hydrotherapy is a relaxing experience which involves gently flushing out the colon with warm, filtered water. As well as improving your gut health, colonics give you more energy, clear your skin, and provide mental clarity.
Kuyu Colonics is Canberra’s leading provider of colon hydrotherapy. To learn more about how colonics can improve your gut health and overall wellbeing, contact us using the form on this page or by calling 02 6106 9517.