Signs your gut health might be off – and what to do about it

We all know the feeling when something just isn’t right

Gut health plays a huge role in how we feel each day, but many of us don’t pay attention to the warning signs until things get uncomfortable.

The reason for that is, usually, that a lot of us just don’t know exactly what to look out for.

“I think it's different for everybody because we all have very, very different systems,” Fiona Gratzer tells Her.ie’s Jody Coffey. 

“Some people could have constipation, for example, somebody could have diarrhoea, somebody could have a little bit of IBS.” 

Other common signs of poor gut health include:  

• Frequent bloating or gas  
• Unexplained fatigue  
• Skin breakouts  
• Food intolerances getting worse  
• Constant sugar cravings  
• Feeling sluggish or mentally foggy  

If any of these sound familiar, your gut might be trying to tell you something. 

And you’re not alone: “It's reckoned that about 40% of people will suffer from gut health issues at any one given time,” Fiona explains.

The key to better gut health starts with awareness - as Fiona says: “We know our own system. We know what's wrong with ourselves. We know when we don't feel right.”

If you notice ongoing digestive discomfort or just a general feeling of being "off," it’s worth taking a closer look at what might be causing it.  

One of the biggest factors in gut health is diet and Fiona believes “it's really important to look at our diet. Our diet is responsible for our gut health. We have a choice with every single meal that we eat to improve our gut health.”

Instead of focusing on cutting foods out, Fiona says we should be adding the right foods in: “We have a choice to add really good foods to our diet. 

“What I really want to get across to people with my book is it's about adding food, not taking food away.”

Some of the best foods for gut health include:  

• Fibre-rich vegetables and whole grains  
• Fermented foods like yogurt, kimchi, and sauerkraut  
• Prebiotic foods like garlic, onions, and bananas  
• Plenty of water to aid digestion  

“Adding food that is good for your health, good for your nutrition, good for your hormones, good for your digestion and good for your immunity.”

If you’re feeling off, your gut might be at the root of the problem, so pay attention to how your body responds to food, stress, and daily habits. 

Small changes - like adding gut-friendly foods - can make a huge difference in how you feel, helping you get back to feeling your best.

You can pick up a copy of Fiona’s new book The 30-Day Diet Cookbook here.