What symptoms indicate gut-brain axis problems?
Written by
Chen Jialiang
Reviewed by
Prof. Benjamin Murphy, Ph.D.Your issues with the gut-brain axis are manifested in numerous physical and mental symptoms that are interconnected. You often have symptoms of digestive upset that seem to correlate with mood changes. These signals indicate a breakdown in communication in your body's messaging network. Awareness of the symptoms is essential for addressing the root causes.
Symptoms of indigestion occur early, often noted by an individual as distension after meals or irregularity of bowel action. Abdominal colics, during times of emotional stress, are also common to find, as are sudden development or increase of food sensitivities. These conditions are symptomatic of a more or less severe impairment of the digestive motility and secretions.
Cognitive Disturbances
- Brain fog results from inflammatory cytokines crossing the blood-brain barrier
- Memory lapses link to reduced serotonin production in the gut
- Poor concentration correlates with microbial imbalance affecting dopamine
Emotional Fluctuations
- Anxiety spikes occur when GABA-producing bacteria decrease
- Mood swings connect to irregular cortisol patterns from gut inflammation
- Irritability increases with histamine-producing bacterial overgrowth
Appetite Changes
- Cravings indicate leptin resistance from intestinal inflammation
- Sudden fullness relates to vagus nerve signaling errors
- Sugar urges stem from candida overgrowth disrupting hunger hormones
Physical manifestations exceed digestive issues. Skin issues, like eczema, may flare up from gut inflammation. Joint pain can arise with inflammatory particles entering the system. Headaches produce unexplained symptoms. The symptoms seem unrelated but can be traced to the gut.
The loss of microbiome diversity establishes vicious cycles. The lack of beneficial bacteria means less serotonin production, which worsens depression, increasing cortisol. Increased cortisol worsens the health of the gut lining. Breaking this loop requires addressing the physical, as well as the emotional aspects, but attacking them together.
Identifying these patterns will enable you to take more specific actions. Healing the gut should reduce inflammation while helping to balance neurotransmitters. Stress reduction strategies protect intestinal barriers. Dietary changes will rebuild microbial communities holistically for lasting relief.
Read the full article: Understanding the Gut Brain Connection
