Signs that your gut health is better than you think

When it comes to gut health, it is easy to focus on what is going wrong: the bloating, the discomfort, the unpredictable trips to the bathroom.

But what if your digestive system is actually doing better than you think?

The truth is, many people overlook the everyday signs that their gut is functioning well, simply because good gut health tends to go unnoticed. 

From the consistency of your stools to how you feel after a meal, there are several reliable indicators that your bowel health is on track. Read on to discover the key signs that your gut health might be better than you think... you may be pleasantly surprised!  

Your stools are formed, soft and sausage-like  

The infamous Bristol stool chart can help you identify if your stools are more on the hard side or on the loose side. Ideally, for most people, they should be a type 3-4.  

You can hold it in for a bit without pain 

We can't always find a bathroom when the time is right and sometimes, the environment we are in can have an impact on our ability to open our bowels. It's best not to hold it in for too long but if you can do so for a little while, without being in a lot of pain, it's a good sign that your gut is doing something right. 

It comes easily, no need to strain, no pain on passing 

Healthy bowel movements should be passed without the need to push, should not be painful and shouldn't require to wait a long time on the toilets. If they do, it may be a sign that you are constipated. 

You don’t have to wipe multiple times 

Excessive wiping can indicate that your stools are looser than ideal, and can lead to irritation of the anal area, itchiness and even fissures. 

You have that feeling of emptiness afterwards 

There is no other way to put it: pooping is satisfying! And feeling empty and lighter after you've been to the toilets is a sign that your bowels are working efficiently and your stools are properly eliminated. 

You can eat a variety of foods without experiencing bloating or abdominal pain 

If you don’t have specific genetic predispositions, allergies or auto-immune conditions, your digestion should be easy most of the time. You may feel heavier depending on the type of dish you eat (greasy foods, we are looking at you), but if you don't experience bloating or nausea after meals, your gut health is going well! 

Your bowel movements are regular and uneventful 

If you find that you don't need to give too much thought to your bowel movements, it is an encouraging hint that it is going well. Digestive complaints, whether it is diarrhoea, constipation, poor digestion or abdominal pain, can sometimes rule an individual's daily life, as it dictates what they can and can't eat, or impact their wellbeing. 

You have steady energy and your moods are stable 

There are many reasons why your energy and moods could be inconsistent, but a healthy gut certainly is a fertile ground for a happy brain and an energised life. Through the gut-brain axis, your bowels and your nervous system have a great impact on each other, so steady emotions and a good vitality coupled with other positive aspects cited above are great indicators that your gut health is in good shape. 

Good gut health is something to celebrate, but it is also something worth protecting. Whether you ticked most of the boxes above or found yourself wondering about a few, keeping an eye on your digestive health is one of the best things you can do for your overall wellbeing. After all, a happy gut means a happier, more energised you. 

If you do have any concerns about your bowel health, the team at Bowel Diagnostics and Therapy is here to help. With specialist care tailored to your needs, getting answers has never been easier. 

Book your appointment today at your nearest Bowel Diagnostics and Therapy clinic and take the first step towards a healthier gut.