Gut Health Alarms: Subtle Signs Your Digestion Is in Trouble

23. Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) or Night Twitches

Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)—the irresistible urge to move the legs, often occurring in the evening—is commonly linked to iron and dopamine deficiencies. A struggling gut can be the cause of these deficiencies. Gut inflammation impairs the absorption of vital iron and B vitamins, disrupting the synthesis of dopamine, a neurotransmitter critical for movement control and sleep. If you experience RLS, night twitches, or a nagging urge to move your limbs, it could be a sign that your gut isn't providing the building blocks necessary for proper neurotransmitter and mineral balance.

24. Excessive Gassiness Without Bloating (Fermentation Warning)

Gassiness without the immediate, visible discomfort of severe bloating can be a sneaky sign that the wrong kind of fermentation is happening. This indicates that a high volume of food—particularly carbohydrates—is being broken down by bacteria too high up in the digestive tract, possibly due to Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO). While bloating is common, flatulence alone (especially after meals) can signal misplaced or imbalanced bacteria. This is a subtle, odorless metabolic alarm that the delicate balance between the small and large intestine may be compromised, leading to inefficient digestion.