Your gut houses trillions of microbes that make up your gut microbiome, which influences digestion, immunity, mood, and more. When it is imbalanced here's what you may notice. 

1. Constant Bloating and Gas 

Passing gas occasionally is normal. But if you're experiencing excessive gas on most days, particularly alongside bloating or digestive discomfort, it may be one of the signs your gut is having trouble digesting certain foods properly. 1 

Myth Buster: Bloating isn't always about eating too much. It's often about how your gut processes carbs and fiber. 

2. Irregular Bowel Movements (Diarrhea or Constipation) 

Going too often, or not enough? Diarrhea, constipation, or irregular bowel movements are some of the clearest unhealthy gut symptoms, often pointing to a disrupted gut microbiome. 2 

Fun Fact: A healthy gut usually means 2-3 smooth, easy-to-pass bowel movements a day. 

3. Getting Sick More Often Than Usual 

About 70-80% of your immune cells live in your gut. If you're catching every cold that goes around, your gut may need some support.3 

Also Read: The 8 Best Foods to Boost Your Immune Health 

4. Constant Sugar Cravings 

The bacteria in your gut are influenced by what you eat. A high-sugar diet can reduce beneficial bacteria like Bifidobacterium while encouraging the growth of some less beneficial microbes, including certain Bacteroides and Clostridium species.  

Over time, this imbalance may affect appetite signals and make sugar cravings more frequent, creating a cycle that's difficult to break. 4 

5. Fatigue That Doesn't Go Away, Even With Enough Sleep 

Poor nutrient absorption or low-grade gut inflammation can leave you feeling drained, even when your diet looks healthy. 5 

6. Unexplained Skin Breakouts 

Acne, eczema, or rosacea flare-ups can sometimes reflect internal inflammation. When good bacteria are low, harmful bacteria can release compounds that show up on your skin, a connection known as the gut-skin axis.6

7. Increased Anxiety or Mood Swings 

Your gut and brain are in constant contact through the gut-brain axis. This is why the gut is sometimes called the second brain. Over 90% of your body's serotonin, the chemical most linked to mood, is made in your gut. 

When gut bacteria are out of balance, that production can be disrupted, sometimes showing up as anxiety or mood swings that seem to come out of nowhere. 7 

8. Trouble Falling or Staying Sleep 

Your gut plays a role in producing melatonin, the hormone that tells your body it's time to sleep. Specialized cells in your gut lining make their own local supply, separate from what your brain produces.8 

When your gut is out of balance, this process can be disrupted, which may be part of why gut issues and poor sleep so often show up together. 

9. Persistent Bad Breath 

If bad breath persists even after brushing, your gut might be behind it. One common cause is acid reflux (GERD), when stomach acid moves back up into the esophagus and triggers chronic bad breath. 9 

Good to Know: GERD stands for gastroesophageal reflux disease, the medical term for chronic acid reflux. 

10. New Food Sensitivities 

If foods you once digested easily now cause discomfort, your gut might be out of sync. Research suggests gut imbalances can increase food sensitivities over time. 10 

These signs of bad gut health don't appear out of nowhere. Understanding what typically causes them is the first step toward fixing the symptoms of poor gut health for good. 

What Causes an Unhealthy Gut? 

Your gut has its own network of nerves. Scientists call it the enteric nervous system (ENS), or the body's second brain.11 It controls digestion and talks directly to your brain. That's part of why gut problems can affect your mood, not just your stomach. 

Several everyday factors can throw this balance off: 

Did you know? More than 3.2 million people in the U.S. died from heart attacks between 1999 and 2023. That’s roughly 130,000 lives lost every year 1 

You may be sitting at home, walking, or doing something as ordinary as climbing stairs when you suddenly notice pressure in your chest. Maybe your arm feels strange; you become unusually short of breath, or you start sweating for no clear reason.  

These can be heart attack symptoms, but symptoms do not always look like the shown in media! Some people have severe chest pain, while others experience milder or less obvious symptoms such as nausea, fatigue, dizziness, or discomfort in the jaw, back, or arm. 

If you think you may have a heart attack, call 911 immediately. Do not wait to see if symptoms go away. 

What Are the Most Common Heart Attack Symptoms? 

A heart attack, or myocardial infarction, occurs when blood flow to part of the heart muscle is severely reduced or blocked. Because the heart is not receiving enough oxygen, heart muscle can become damaged 2  

Common signs of a heart attack include: 

Symptoms can vary from person to person. Some heart attacks begin suddenly, while others develop gradually, and some may cause only mild symptoms. 

Important: You do not need to have every symptom to have a heart attack. If symptoms are new, concerning, or severe, seek emergency medical care. 

What Does a Heart Attack Feel Like? 

Heart attack feels like pressure, squeezing, heaviness, or tightness in the chest. However, a heart attack can also feel like aching, burning, indigestion, or discomfort that moves into another part of the upper body.  

Some people experience shortness of breath, nausea, sweating, or sudden weakness instead of obvious chest pain. 

What Does Heart Attack Chest Pain Feel Like? 

Heart attack pain often feels like pressure, squeezing, tightness, heaviness, or aching in the center or left side of the chest (it sometimes also feels like a faint pain going up the shoulders and stretching towards the arm) and may last for several minutes or come and go. 

The intensity can range from mild to severe. Because symptoms can overlap with conditions such as indigestion, muscle pain, or anxiety, you should not try to diagnose the cause based on how the pain feels alone. 3 

Can Heart Attack Pain Spread to the Arm, Jaw or Back? 

Yes. Heart attack symptoms of arm pain may involve one or both arms, a shoulder, the back, neck, jaw, or even the upper abdomen. Discomfort may occur at the same time as chest symptoms or, in some cases, without obvious chest pain. 

If you are wondering what heart attack arm pain feels like, it may feel aching, pressure, heaviness, or discomfort rather than a sharp injury-type pain. Any new unexplained upper-body discomfort accompanied by other possible heart attack symptoms needs urgent medical evaluation. 

Heart Attack Symptoms in Women 

Heart attack symptoms in women can overlap with those seen in men, but women are more likely to experience symptoms that may not immediately seem heart related. 

Possible heart attack symptoms in women include 4 

These symptoms can occur with or without chest pain. Women may also be more likely to dismiss symptoms as indigestion, stress, fatigue, or another less serious problem, which can delay emergency treatment. 

Signs of Heart Attack in Women 

A woman may have chest discomfort, but she may instead notice unusual fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, back or shoulder pain, or other unexplained symptoms. 

Do not assume symptoms are harmless because they are mild or because chest pain is absent. If you suspect a heart attack, call 911. 

Heart Attack Symptoms in Men 

The most common heart attack symptoms in men include chest pressure or discomfort, shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, and pain or discomfort that spreads to an arm, shoulder, back, neck, or jaw. 

Male symptoms of heart attack can also be mild or unusual. Men should not wait for severe crushing chest pain before seeking help. 5 

Can You Have a Heart Attack Without Chest Pain? 

Yes. Not every heart attack causes obvious chest pain or pressure. Some people have mild, unusual, or no noticeable symptoms. These are sometimes called silent heart attacks. 

Silent heart attacks are more common in older adults and people with diabetes or high blood sugar, although they can occur in other people as well. 

What Are Silent Heart Attack Symptoms? 

Silent heart attack symptoms may be subtle or mistaken for another problem. They can include: 

Because symptoms can be mild, it is not possible to determine symptoms alone whether a heart attack is "minor" or "small." Even a heart attack with mild symptoms requires medical evaluation. 

Are There Warning Signs Before a Heart Attack? 

There is no reliable one-month countdown that can predict a heart attack. Searches for "6 signs of heart attack a month before" can be misleading if they imply that everyone experiences the same symptoms on a predictable timeline. 

Some people experience warning symptoms hours, days, or even weeks beforehand, while others have a heart attack without clear warning symptoms.  

Recurrent or worsening chest pressure, particularly with exertion, can be a sign of reduced blood flow to the heart and should be medically evaluated. 

6 Possible Warning Signs to Take Seriously 

These symptoms do not mean a heart attack will definitely happen within a month. However, new, unexplained, recurrent, or worsening symptoms deserve medical attention: 

If symptoms are severe, sudden, or suggest an active heart attack, do not wait for a routine appointment. Call 911. 

Heart Attack vs. Heart Failure Symptoms: What's the Difference? 

A heart attack and heart failure are different conditions, although a heart attack can damage the heart and contribute to heart failure. 6 

A heart attack is a medical emergency. Heart failure is generally a longer-term condition that requires diagnosis and ongoing treatment, although sudden worsening can also require emergency care. 

What Should You Do If You Have Heart Attack Symptoms? 

If you think you or someone else may be having a heart attack, act quickly. 

The priority is getting emergency medical evaluation as quickly as possible. 

How Are Heart Attacks Treated? 

The goal of heart attack treatment is to restore blood flow to the heart as quickly as possible and limit heart muscle damage. The treatment used depends on the type of heart attack, the location and severity of the blockage, and your overall health. 

Emergency Medications for a Heart Attack 

Depending on the situation, emergency treatment may include medicines that reduce clotting, improve blood flow, relieve symptoms, or reduce the heart's workload.  

These can include antiplatelet medicines, anticoagulants, nitrates, beta blockers, statins, and, in selected cases, clot-dissolving medicines 7 

The specific medications and doses are determined by the medical team based on the patient's condition. 

Angioplasty and Stents 

Angioplasty, also called percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), can reopen a narrowed or blocked coronary artery. A doctor guides a thin catheter to the affected artery and uses a small balloon to widen the narrowed area. A stent, a small mesh tube, may then be placed to help keep the artery open. 

Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery 

Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) creates a new route for blood to flow around a blocked or severely narrowed coronary artery. A healthy blood vessel from another part of the body is used to create the bypass. 

Bypass surgery may be considered when blockages are extensive, certain arteries are severely narrowed, or angioplasty is not suitable or has not worked. 

What Happens After a Heart Attack? 

Recovery after a heart attack varies from person to person. Your care team may recommend: 

Cardiac rehabilitation can support recovery and help reduce the risk of future heart problems. 

Recovery is not just about getting past the emergency. Follow-up care, medications, rehabilitation, and risk-factor management are important parts of protecting your heart after a heart attack. 

How Can You Reduce Your Risk of Another Heart Attack? 

After a heart attack, prevention focuses on managing the factors that contribute to cardiovascular disease. Your healthcare professional may recommend: 

Lifestyle changes are important, but they should complement and not replace medications and medical care prescribed for your individual condition 9 

Frequently Asked Questions  

1. How Is a Heart Attack Usually Diagnosed? 

Doctors typically use an ECG, blood tests for cardiac troponin, and the person’s symptoms and medical history. Imaging or coronary angiography may also be needed. 

2. What Should You Do While Waiting for an Ambulance? 

Stop what you are doing and sit or lie down. Call 911 immediately and follow the dispatcher’s instructions. Do not drive yourself to the hospital. 

3. Can You Have a Heart Attack Without Heart Disease? 

Yes. A heart attack can occur without previously diagnosed heart disease. Risk factors such as smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, and family history can increase the risk.

References 

A review of 228 clinical trials found that probiotics don’t work the same way for everyone. Their effects depend on the specific strain and health condition 1 

So, then which ingredients are worth giving a shot? This guide breaks down probiotics, prebiotics, digestive enzymes, and colostrum, their potential benefits, and how to choose a gut health supplement wisely. 

What Are Gut Health Supplements, and Do You Really Need One? 

Gut health supplements are products designed to support different aspects of digestive health. 

Probiotics contain live microorganisms, while prebiotics provide the fibers that feed certain beneficial microbes. Digestive enzymes help break down specific food components, and some ingredients may support the gut barrier or digestive comfort. 

The key is that “gut health supplement” is a broad category, not a single type of product. What makes sense depends on your specific goal and the ingredient’s evidence. 

Are gut health supplements the same as probiotics? 

No. Probiotics are just one type of gut health supplement. Probiotics provide live microorganisms, while prebiotics provide fuel for beneficial gut microbes. Digestive enzymes work differently by helping break down food, such as proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. 

For example, a probiotic like Greek yoghurt may add beneficial bacteria, while a prebiotic such as chicory root or bananas (esp. unripe ones) helps support the bacteria already in your gut. So, the right supplement depends on what you want to support, not simply whether a product is labeled for “gut health.” 

Can supplements replace a gut-friendly diet? 

No. Supplements can support your gut, but they cannot replace a healthy diet. Fiber-rich foods, enough water, regular movement, good sleep, and stress management form the foundation of digestive health. 

For example, a probiotic may add specific beneficial bacteria, but it cannot make up for a diet that consistently lacks fiber-rich foods such as vegetables, fruits, beans, and whole grains.  

Supplements work best as targeted support alongside healthy daily habits, not instead of them 

Which Gut Health Supplements Have the Best Evidence? 

Probiotics currently have some of the strongest clinical evidence among gut health supplements, but their benefits are specific to certain strains and health conditions.  

A systematic review of 228 randomized controlled trials found evidence that probiotic effects varied by both the strain used and the condition being studied. 

For example, the review found that some specific Lactobacillus strains helped prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhea, while other strains did not show the same benefit. This is why you cannot assume that every probiotic product will work in the same way just because it contains probiotics. 

Prebiotics also have promising evidence, particularly for changing the composition of the gut microbiome, although their effects on digestive symptoms are less consistent.  

A systematic review of 11 randomized trials found that prebiotics increased Bifidobacteria but did not consistently improve symptoms such as bloating or abdominal pain in people with IBS 2 

Bovine colostrum is another emerging area of research. A 2024 meta-analysis of 10 randomized clinical trials found that colostrum supplementation significantly reduced some measures of intestinal permeability, it means certain tests/biomarkers used to assess gut-barrier permeability showed improvement in the study. 3 

This makes colostrum particularly interesting when the goal is supporting the gut barrier rather than changing the microbiome directly. Wellness Extract’s Bovine Colostrum Powder is one example of a colostrum-based option designed around this type of gut support. 

So, the better question is not simply “Which gut supplement works best?” but “Which ingredient has evidence for the specific outcome I want to support?” That distinction helps you compare supplements based on the ingredient, strain, dose, formulation, and intended use rather than the claims on the label. 

Sometimes, but it depends on what is causing the symptoms and which supplement you use. For example, a 2023 meta-analysis of 82 trials involving 10,332 people with IBS found that some probiotic strains may help, but the evidence for reducing bloating was very low certainty 

Can gut health supplements support regular digestion? 

Yes, certain fibers and prebiotics can support regular digestion by providing fuel for gut bacteria and adding bulk to the diet. For example, oats, onions, garlic, bananas, beans, and lentils provide prebiotic fibers. Hydration, fiber-rich foods, and regular movement still come first; supplements can provide targeted support when needed. 

Do gut health supplements support immune health? 

They may, because the gut microbiome and immune system constantly interact. Research shows that gut microbes help regulate immune responses and maintain the intestinal barrier 4 

For example, probiotics and prebiotics may influence this gut–immune interaction, but that does not mean a gut supplement can “boost immunity” in everyone. Its effects depend on the specific ingredients and health outcomes being studied.

How Do You Choose the Best Gut Health Supplement? 

The best gut health supplement depends on what you want to support. There is no one-size-fits-all option, and research shows that benefits can vary by ingredient, strain, formulation, dose, and health goal.  

Should you choose probiotic, prebiotic, enzyme, or colostrum? 

For example, if your goal is to add specific beneficial bacteria, a probiotic may make more sense. If you want to feed the bacteria already in your gut, a prebiotic such as inulin or FOS may be more appropriate.  

The important part is matching the supplement to the goal, rather than choosing one simply because it says “gut health” on the label. 

Who should talk to a healthcare professional before taking one? 

Anyone with an ongoing digestive condition, regular medications, or other health concerns should check with a healthcare professional first. This is especially important if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, immunocompromised, or taking prescription medicines, since some supplements can interact with medications or may not be appropriate for certain people 8 

If bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, or other digestive symptoms are persistent or getting worse, don't use a supplement to self-treat them. Get the symptoms evaluated first.