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Also known as the second brain, your gut is responsible for getting your whole body into working order. While your gut needs to always be healthy, the question is, how can you tell if it is functioning as it should? According to experts, it is nearly impossible to ignore the gut's distress signals once they begin. “Chronic pain, an alarming bloat, or inconsistent bowel habits are not everyday inconveniences; rather, they are commonly early indicators of future gastrointestinal health issues,” informed Dr Mangesh Keshavrao Borkar, consultant medical gastroenterologist, Manipal Hospitals. As per De Borkar, a few unmissable signs of gut needing attention include: Persistent bloating and stomach pain Mild and sporadic bloating is common after eating a large meal. But if you experience stomach or abdominal pain or swelling every day, it could be a sign of something more serious. “This is how ulcers, gastritis, IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), and occasionally gallbladder and pancreatic problems manifest. It's important to pay attention to symptoms like pain that shifts, gets worse after eating, or wakes one up at night,” said Dr Borkar. Improvements to bowel behaviors For every individual, there is a regular rhythm in their gut, and any sudden, long-lasting change like diarrhea or constipation, or alternating between the two, means there is something wrong. Some of the symptoms could be caused by infections, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or even early indicators of colorectal disease. “An evaluation is necessary if there is blood or mucus in the feces, or if the stool is dark, especially when combined with a greasy nature,” he added. Unexpected loss of appetite Nutrient absorption is probably compromised if digestion is not functioning properly. Unexpected weight loss without dietary or lifestyle changes could be a sign of a chronic condition, such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, celiac disease, or any other gastrointestinal cancer. More subtle symptoms that you must get investigated include nausea, loss of appetite, and the sensation that you feel full sooner than usual. Permanent feeling of heartburn If the burning sensation or acid reflux doesn't go away despite changing their lives or taking over-the-counter medicine, it could be a sign of GERD or a structural issue like a hiatal hernia. The esophagus can develop ulcers or strictures (narrowing, scarring, and blockage of the esophagus) as a consequence of prolonged exposure to acid. “Endoscopic examination will reduce long-term harm risks and assist in identifying the underlying problem,” said Dr Borkar. Blood in your vomit or stool This may be one of the most serious warning signs. A bright crimson color may indicate an anal fissure or hemorrhoid. Blood in the vomit or dark, tarry stools may indicate bleeding higher up in the digestive tract, which could be caused by varices, erosions, or ulcers. It should get checked out by a doctor right away if there is blood in the vomit or stool. “Early problem detection lowers the chance of more serious problems and decreases the progression of symptoms. Diagnostic endoscopic procedures like colonoscopy or upper gastrointestinal endoscopy are frequently advised. Since direct monitoring of the digestive tract enables a precise diagnosis and prompt treatment, these techniques are regarded as less invasive,” the doctor added. Recurrent gut problems should be discussed with the doctor for the best results, since neglecting them can lead to long-term inflammation, infection, or even cancer. When the gastrointestinal system experiences recurring suffering, one should always be concerned because the system has a remarkable capacity to cure itself with proper care.
