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AIIMS, Harvard-trained gastroenterologist shares 5 early signs of unhealthy gut: Weak immunity to bloating after meal

Published on: Oct 12, 2025, 08:50:44 IST
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According to the gastroenterologist, if you consistently feel gassy or bloated after meals, it may indicate that your gut bacteria are imbalanced. (Freepik)
According to the gastroenterologist, if you consistently feel gassy or bloated after meals, it may indicate that your gut bacteria are imbalanced. (Freepik)

Gastroenterologist Dr Sethi identifies 5 early signs of an unhealthy gut, including bloating, irregular bowel movements, poor nutrient absorption, and more.

A compromised gut often becomes the cause of many underlying issues in our body. Therefore, it is often recommended to include probiotic and prebiotic foods in your diet, exercise regularly, stay hydrated, and eat more fibre-rich foods to maintain overall health.

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But what if you still feel that you have an unhealthy gut? Dr Saurabh Sethi, MD, MPH, a gastroenterologist and hepatologist trained at AIIMS, Stanford and Harvard Universities, highlighted the 5 early signs that indicate an unhealthy gut.

5 early signs of an unhealthy gut

In an Instagram post dated October 12, Dr Sethi shared the 5 signs of having an unhealthy gut, with the caption, “Board-certified gastroenterologist shares 5 Early Signs of an Unhealthy Gut. Which of these signs have you noticed in yourself?” Let's find out:

1. Funhealthy gut

According to the gastroenterologist trained at AIIMS, if you're always feeling gassy or bloated after meals, it could mean your gut bacteria are imbalanced.

2. Irregular bowel movements

Stating irregular bowel movements as a sign of an unhealthy gut, the gastroenterologist said, “Chronic constipation or diarrhoea is often your gut's way of signalling trouble.”

3. Unexplained fatigue

“Poor gut health affects nutrient absorption, leaving you tired even after proper rest,” Dr Saurabh Sethi pointed out.

4. Food intolerances

If certain foods trigger discomfort, according to the gastroenterologist, your gut microbiome may be struggling to process them properly, which can be an early sign of compromised gut health.

5. Weakened immunity

Lastly, a weakened immunity is also an early sign of an unhealthy gut. Dr Sethi noted, “70 percent of your immune system lives in your gut. Frequent colds or infections can mean your gut needs attention.”

Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.

This report is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.

  • Krishna Pallavi Priya
    ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    Krishna Pallavi Priya

    Krishna Priya Pallavi is a journalist with over 9 years of experience, covering health, fashion, pop culture, travel, wellness, entertainment, festivals, mental health, art, decor, fitness, and sex and relationships. She is an alumna of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Dhenkanal, and holds an undergraduate degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Delhi. Her strong academic foundation informs her analytical and detail-oriented approach to storytelling, helping her uncover stories where none seem to exist. Before joining Hindustan Times, Pallavi worked with some of India’s leading media organisations. She spent close to three years at India Today, where she honed her newsroom skills and developed a sharp editorial sensibility. She also worked for over a year and a half at Vagabomb, ScoopWhoop’s feminist digital platform, where she explored stories through a gender-sensitive, socially aware lens. Pallavi has a deep interest in global fashion trends and international fashion seasons, and enjoys interviewing celebrities and tracking pop culture movements—interests that frequently translate into engaging, reader-friendly stories. Alongside lifestyle and entertainment, she has a keen eye for impactful health and wellness journalism, regularly interacting with doctors, designers, and digital content creators to bring nuance and credibility to her work. Born and raised in Haryana, Pallavi remains deeply connected to her ancestral roots in Odisha. Her ability to spot fresh angles brings curiosity and depth to stories she pursues. When not chasing deadlines, she enjoys spending time with her dog, planning her next vacation, reading, running new trails, and discovering new destinations.Read More

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