8 Signs that You Have Intestinal Disorders

Certain skin issues like acne or allergic reactions can actually be due to your intestines not being able to detoxify themselves.
8 Signs that You Have Intestinal Disorders
José Gerardo Rosciano Paganelli

Reviewed and approved by the doctor José Gerardo Rosciano Paganelli.

Last update: 15 December, 2022

Intestinal disorders often trigger digestive symptoms that can interrupt your day and make you feel sick.

It’s common to have abdominal pain, inflammation, and other stomach issues that can actually end up recurring, depending on what’s causing them.

However, your intestinal health affects processes like the secretion of certain hormones and your immune system. Thus, a sick colon can also manifest itself in other parts of your body.

Symptoms of intestinal disorders

People often confuse their health problems with certain illnesses when the problem actually comes from their intestinal disorders. And so, today, we’d like to share 8 symptoms that may indicate that something isn’t right with your colon.

1. Anxiety and depression

Anxiety and depression may be linked to intestinal disorders

It may seem quite strange to associate your intestines with your emotions. However, as odd as it may sound, they actually have a lot to do with them.

About 70% of the serotonin in your body comes from this organ. Serotonin is the happiness neurotransmitter.

A lowered amount of this chemical substance causes you to feel down, while also affecting physiological functions of your body, like your digestion.

2. High glucose levels

Prediabetes and diabetes are chronic disorders that originate from an excessive accumulation of sugar in your blood. Additionally, they may be caused by poor intestinal functioning and intestinal disorders. The bacteria that live in this part of your body can be affected and this leads to trouble in metabolic processes that transform sugar into energy.

We recommend you also read:

6 Signs of High Blood Sugar

3. Skin problems

Intestinal problems may manifest in skin rashes

Conditions like acne and eczema may be linked to trouble in your intestines, specifically in changes in the bacteria that inhabit them.

For example, the “leaky gut syndrome” intestinal disorder, characterized by difficulty digesting certain food particles, triggers an inflammatory response that oftentimes is seen in your skin.

4. Digestive issues

Abdominal inflammation, gas, and diarrhea are clear signs of changes in the bacterial flora protecting your intestines.

While these symptoms can come from many different stomach problems, remember that they may also come from an intestinal disorder.
The buildup of waste and poorly digesting certain foods can cause this.

5. Bad breath

Bad breath may be caused by intestinal disorders

Halitosis (what we know as bad breath) may come from a microbial imbalance in your intestines, intestinal disorders.

While these imbalances start in the stomach, a lot of the time they move to other parts of your body, your mouth included.

If mouthwashes and external remedies don’t clear your bad breath, this may be the case.

6. Trouble sleeping

Having trouble falling asleep warns of an imbalance in the chemical substances your brain secretes in order to sleep well.

One of these is serotonin, a neurotransmitter that originates in your intestines as well.

When levels go down or are otherwise not normal, insomnia and sleep interruptions are common.

7. Having a sweet tooth

A sweet tooth is a sign of stomach problems

Imbalances in bacteria caused by regular consumption of sugar and sweets can also translate into a bottomless desire to keep eating this kind of food. Consequently, the bacteria adapt to this substance that is feeding it, and when levels go down, they take fuel away from your brain.

As a result, you have a bigger appetite and over the long term, you will gain also weight.

8. Food Intolerances

Food intolerances, like lactose or gluten intolerances, are a byproduct of your intestines having trouble completely digesting these substances.

With leaky gut syndrome, this difficulty in breaking down food triggers an inflammatory response that doesn’t just affect your digestion, but also your immune system.

It’s essential to identify what the problem is, since it may lead to more serious issues if left untreated.

To conclude, while it’s normal to have stomach problems sometimes, intestinal disorders may also affect your emotional, skin, and metabolic health.  Seeing a doctor right way is very important, especially if symptoms don’t go away or keep reoccurring.


This text is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a professional. If in doubt, consult your specialist.