Many studies have revealed that gut health can help reduce the risks of various diseases, such as diabetes, cancer, and Alzheimer's disease. In fact, many of us may not realize whether our guts are healthy or if our bodies are warning us that something is wrong in our intestines. Typically, we associate abdominal pain or bloating with signs of gut health, but there are several "surprising" ways our guts can alert us, according to experts.
**Brittle Skin, Hair, and Nails**
When your skin is dull or irritated, or you feel your hair is dry alongside nails that break easily, all these symptoms may indicate that something is not right in your gut, according to nutritionist Lucy Crispin from The Gut Health Clinic.
**Frequent Bone Fractures**
Nutritionist Kirsten Jackson stated that frequent bone fractures could indicate conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or celiac disease. The National Health Service notes that celiac disease is a condition where the immune system attacks your tissues when you consume gluten, damaging your intestines so you cannot absorb nutrients. According to Jackson, the damage these conditions cause to your intestines means you cannot absorb sufficient calcium, which can lead to osteoporosis, weakening your bones and making them fragile and more prone to fractures.
**Going to the Bathroom Multiple Times a Day**
Jackson explained that people assume that having multiple bowel movements a day will prevent them from experiencing constipation; however, in reality, their intestines may be struggling with "complete evacuation," leading them to go to the bathroom many times.
**Gas and Bloating**
Crispin pointed out that "one way poor gut health becomes apparent is through excessive bloating or gas. Sounds from the abdomen may also alert you. Additionally, constant fatigue and a lack of energy may be another sign of an unhealthy gut."
**Mood Swings or Depression**
Jackson mentioned that the gut and brain communicate through what is known as the gut-brain axis, meaning that poor gut health can send signals to your brain that negatively affect your mood. Consequently, gut health can be the root cause of mood disturbances or depression, regardless of mental health struggles.
**Frequent Coughs and Colds**
Crispin explained that "70% of the immune system is located in the gut; thus, poor gut health makes us more susceptible to infections. Some people might not show any symptoms that indicate gut health issues at all."
