7 Signs of an Unhealthy Gut and What to Do Next
Bloating, gas, constipation, or diarrhea can be easy to dismiss, but recurring symptoms deserve attention. A national survey commissioned by Oshi Health and conducted by The Harris Poll in March 2026 reported that 50% of Americans either had a gastrointestinal (GI) diagnosis or suspected one.
This article covers 7 signs of an unhealthy gut, practical steps to manage digestive wellness, and symptoms that require medical attention. Readers can start with a free gut health e-book to learn more and explore additional guidance based on their needs.
How These 7 Signs Were Selected
This guide covers seven common digestive symptoms, starting with everyday discomfort and moving to symptoms that may need prompt medical attention. Each sign includes a practical next step and guidance on when to see a doctor.
The American Herbalists Guild's Code of Ethics outlines ethical standards for herbal practitioners. Following these principles means recognizing the limits of herbal guidance and knowing when medical care is needed.
Signs 1-2 of an Unhealthy Gut: Bloating and a Swollen Belly
Bloating and a swollen belly are everyday digestive signs worth tracking, and a free guide gives you a safe place to start.
What You May Notice: Bloating and a Swollen Belly
According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), common gas symptoms include belching, bloating, abdominal swelling, and passing gas.
Talk to your doctor if these symptoms bother you, change suddenly, or occur with abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, or weight loss.
Common digestive signs that can point to an unhealthy gut include bloating, a swollen belly, frequent gas, belching, constipation, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. One rough day means little.
Write down what you eat, when symptoms start, and how long they last for two weeks. Then share your notes with your doctor.
Your First Step: The Free E-Book
Natural Solutions Method offers a free e-book, Ultimate Guide to Fixing an Unhealthy Gut, to help readers recognize the signs of an unhealthy gut and learn practical steps for digestive wellness. It is a useful starting point for moms who want to learn more before investing in a paid program.
Doctor-First Checkpoint for Bloating and a Swollen Belly
See your doctor first if bloating or swelling comes with blood in your stool, severe or worsening pain, or fever. Bring your symptom notes to the visit. Natural support works best beside a clear medical picture, not instead of one.
Signs 3-4: Gas and Belching
Some gas and belching is normal, and a guided session helps you build a daily wellness routine once your doctor rules out other causes.
What You May Notice: Gas and Belching
Gas can show up as passing gas often or belching after meals. A little of both is normal. A sudden change, or gas that comes with pain, is worth a closer look.
Your Next Step: A "Find Your Oils" Session
After your medical check, a "Find Your Oils" session helps you choose oils and plan how to use them in your daily routine. It does not treat gas or belching.
The Nature's Rx Kit is one option. It holds twelve 5 mL oils and blends, including DigestZen, plus Fractionated Coconut Oil and an in-box usage guide. Each oil is CPTG Certified Pure Tested Grade®.
doTERRA is the only company that uses the CPTG® (Certified Pure Tested Grade®) label for its essential oils. Each batch undergoes more than 50 tests to assess purity and detect potential contaminants and synthetic substances.
The company also trains laboratories to identify synthetic chemicals in essential oils, emphasizing that one or two tests may not be enough to detect adulteration or dilution.
When choosing essential oils, look for thorough quality testing and follow product directions and safety precautions. Essential oils should not replace medical evaluation or treatment for digestive symptoms.
Doctor-First Checkpoint for Gas and Belching
See your doctor first if gas or belching changes suddenly or if it comes with pain, constipation, diarrhea, or weight loss. Oils can be part of your daily routine. They do not replace a diagnosis.
Signs 5-6: Constipation and Diarrhea
Constipation and diarrhea show your digestion changing pace, and a short challenge turns guesswork into a plan.
What You May Notice: Constipation and Diarrhea
Constipation can mean hard, infrequent stools. Diarrhea can mean loose stools that keep returning.
According to the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA), a 2024 Harris Poll survey of 2,013 U.S. adults diagnosed with IBS with constipation or diarrhea found that 72% said their symptoms made them stay home more often.
Keep a simple log of stool changes, meals, and stress so your plan starts from real data.
Your Next Step: The 5-Day Mini Course
The 5-Day Gut Health Mini Course Challenge costs $27 and includes bonus training. It gives you a structured plan to follow instead of guessing. It fits moms who want a low-risk first purchase.
Doctor-First Checkpoint for Constipation and Diarrhea
See your doctor first if diarrhea lasts more than a few days or if you notice blood, black stools, or signs of dehydration. Ask about testing before you start any plan.
Sign 7: Abdominal Pain
Abdominal pain needs a medical check first, and a personal consultation helps you plan next steps once your doctor weighs in.
What You May Notice: Abdominal Pain
Abdominal pain can feel like aching, cramping, or burning. It can have causes unrelated to your gut. That is why this sign gets the strongest doctor-first advice in this guide.
Your Next Step: A "Let's Chat!" Consultation
After a medical check, readers can book a "Let's Chat!" online consultation with Jenni Wilson to discuss their wellness goals and explore suitable next steps. Moms who complete the mini course can also consider continuing with the 3-Month Supplement Program.
In a 2026 study published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research, of 11,345 adults receiving virtual team-based GI care, the odds of positive outcomes rose significantly as visits increased.
The study was a retrospective cohort of one provider's medical care, not herbal guidance, so it shows that ongoing support matters, not a promise.
Doctor-First Checkpoint for Abdominal Pain
Worsening pain, pain with fever, or pain that wakes you at night needs medical evaluation first. Ask what tests make sense before you start any plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What are the first signs of an unhealthy gut?
The first signs are usually digestive: bloating, a swollen belly, frequent gas, belching, constipation, diarrhea, or abdominal pain that returns week after week. None of these confirms a diagnosis. Track your symptoms for two weeks, then talk to your doctor.
Q2. When should I see a doctor instead of trying Natural Solutions?
See your doctor first for blood in your stool, severe or worsening pain, fever, unexplained weight loss, or symptoms that last more than a few days. Natural Solutions supports your routine after a medical check, not instead of one.
Q3. What should I ask a natural gut health guide about credentials?
Ask which credential the guide holds and what it does and does not cover. Jenni Wilson is a Master Herbalist and a Diamond-rank doTERRA Wellness Advocate. Neither credential replaces a medical diagnosis, so Natural Solutions Method supports your doctor's care.
Q4. Do I need the free e-book, or can I start with the mini course?
Start with the free e-book if you want to learn first. Choose the $27 5-Day Gut Health Mini Course Challenge for a structured plan right away. A consultation can match either step to your symptoms.
Conclusion
Your gut health can affect your daily comfort and well-being. Recognizing the signs of an unhealthy gut and seeking medical advice when needed can help you make informed decisions about your digestive health.
Ready to take the next step? Book a "Let's Chat!" online consultation with Jenni Wilson at Natural Solutions Method to discuss your wellness goals and explore a personalized approach to digestive wellness.
