Signs Your Gut Microbiome is Out of Whack (And How to Fix It)

29. Unexplained Anemia or Nutrient Deficiencies

An imbalanced gut microbiome can be a root cause of anemia and other nutrient deficiencies, even if your diet is nutrient-rich. A healthy gut is where most of your vitamins and minerals are absorbed. Gut dysbiosis, and especially small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), can impair this absorption, leading to deficiencies in B12, iron, and other vital nutrients. These deficiencies can manifest as fatigue, brain fog, and a range of other symptoms. If your blood tests show unexplained deficiencies despite a good diet, it's worth considering the health of your microbiome.

30. Stubborn Weight Loss Resistance

If you’re struggling to lose weight despite a healthy diet and regular exercise, your gut microbiome might be working against you. Certain strains of bacteria in an imbalanced gut can be highly efficient at extracting calories from food, leading to increased fat storage. Gut dysbiosis can also lead to inflammation and insulin resistance, which are major obstacles to weight loss. To break through this plateau, focus on a diet rich in prebiotic fiber to nourish a diverse gut flora, which in turn can help regulate metabolism and make weight loss efforts more effective.