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Yahoo
6 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
The Silent Symptom of Poor Gut Health That Most People Miss
The Silent Symptom of Poor Gut Health That Most People Miss originally appeared on Parade. You may be too tired to get through your day, have a general lack of energy, struggle to concentrate or just feel blah most of the time. Fatigue is relatively common, and it can be caused by a number of lifestyle habits or health issues. Poor gut health may be a contributing factor to fatigue. However, experts are still working to understand the exact relationship, explains , a gastroenterologist and chief of endoscopy at NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue. 'The science is still very much evolving.' Fatigue refers to 'extreme tiredness,' and may encompass trouble concentrating, a lack of motivation, depression, low energy, anxiety and weakness, according to the Cleveland Clinic. About 13.5% of American adults said they feel 'very tired or exhausted' most days, according to a 2022 National Center for Health Statistics survey. Here's what doctors want you to know about fatigue and gut health, and when to see a doctor. 🩺SIGN UP for tips to stay healthy & fit with the top moves, clean eats, health trends & more delivered right to your inbox twice a week💊 The Symptom of Poor Gut Health That's Often Missed Some studies have connected dysbiosis, or an imbalance in your gut microbiome, with certain types of fatigue, Dr. de Latour says. Researchers have also found differences in the gut microbiomes of people with chronic fatigue syndrome compared to people who don't have the condition. 'Gut health is closely tied to energy regulation,' says Dr. Aubrey Grant, MD, a sports cardiologist at MedStar Health in Washington, D.C. And it's likely a two-way relationship. Related: The 3 Most Important Things Your Poop Reveals About Your Health, According to Gastroenterologists The gut microbiome influences inflammation, nutrient absorption and neurotransmitter production, he explains. 'Dysbiosis can lead to systemic inflammation, altered metabolism and disruptions in serotonin and dopamine pathways, all of which contribute to fatigue.' Probiotics (like yogurt) and anti-inflammatory foods (such as fruits and vegetables) are good for your gut microbiome and are also known to boost energy, Dr. de Latour says. So if you don't typically eat these items, you might feel fatigued. Gut Health Conditions That May Cause Fatigue If your fatigue is linked to gut health, you'll likely experience other symptoms, too, Dr. Grant says. These may include bloating, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, appetite changes, unexplained weight loss, nausea or bloody stool. Many conditions can cause fatigue, but Dr. de Latour says an important one to note is anemia, which is when you have low levels of red blood cells, and your body isn't making enough new blood cells normally. Related: The #1 Habit to Help You Poop Better When anemia is caused by iron deficiency, she says, 'We worry about small amounts of invisible blood loss from a tumor or large polyp in the gastrointestinal tract.' In these instances, Dr. de Latour says doctors may do an endoscopy procedure to examine your GI tract. Conditions like celiac disease can lead to iron-deficiency anemia because it causes small bowel inflammation, impacting your ability to absorb iron, she explains. Inflammatory bowel disease may also cause anemia. Irritable bowel syndrome, chronic gastritis and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) may also cause fatigue due to nutrient malabsorption, chronic inflammation or immune system activation, Dr. Grant says. When to See a Doctor If you're dealing with fatigue and worry it may be related to your gut health, Dr. de Latour says there are some other 'red flags' to watch for, including iron-deficiency anemia, blood in your stool, changes in your bowel habits or stool and weight loss. It's especially crucial to note these symptoms if you have a family history of colon cancer, she adds. Related: You Should Never Sit for More Than This Many Minutes When You're Pooping When you're experiencing fatigue that persists beyond a couple of weeks and any of these other symptoms, see your doctor, Dr. Grant says. They'll likely do blood work and possibly an endoscopy to identify any issues in your GI tract, Dr. de Latour says. Up Next: Sources: Rabia de Latour, MD, a gastroenterologist and chief of endoscopy at NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue Aubrey Grant, MD, a sports cardiologist at MedStar Health in Washington, D.C. Fatigue, Cleveland Clinic QuickStats: Percentage* of Adults Aged ≥18 Years Who Felt Very Tired or Exhausted Most Days or Every Day in the Past 3 Months,† by Sex and Age Group — National Health Interview Survey,§ United States, 2022, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Gut Microbiota Dysbiosis: Triggers, Consequences, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Options, Microorganisms Studies find that microbiome changes may be a signature for ME/CFS, National Institutes of Health The Silent Symptom of Poor Gut Health That Most People Miss first appeared on Parade on Aug 6, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Aug 6, 2025, where it first appeared.
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The Independent
01-08-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Doctor warns of hand symptom that can reveal advanced lung cancer
A Brooklyn doctor warns that a modest transformation in fingernails could indicate lung cancer. Dr. Davood Johari, a pulmonary and critical care specialist at NYC Health + Hospitals/Kings County, told the New York Post that 5 percent to 15 percent of lung cancer patients develop nail clubbing, which typically appears in later stages of the disease, often too late for effective intervention. 'Fingertips appear wider and rounder than normal, with the nails curving downwards, resembling an upside-down spoon,' Johari said as August 1 marks World Lung Cancer Day. 'The nail bed, the area under the nail, feels spongy and softer,' he added. 'The fingertip might be red or feel warmer than usual.' The exact cause of nail clubbing and the connection to lung cancer isn't fully known, but it may result from hormone-like substances produced by tumors that widen blood vessels in the fingers, increasing blood flow and causing fluid buildup under the nails. Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths globally, with about 226,650 new U.S. diagnoses expected this year, leading to nearly 125,000 deaths. Johari urges that anyone who notices persistent changes in nail color, shape, or thickness lasting more than two weeks, even without other symptoms to seek medical attention. People with other lung cancer symptoms including a persistent cough, voice changes, unexplained weight loss or fatigue, ongoing shoulder pain that worsens at night, vision issues, or drooping eyelids, should also consult a doctor, he said. Lung cancer evaluations usually start with a medical history review, physical exam and imaging, with a biopsy required for a definitive diagnosis. Nail clubbing can also indicate other serious conditions like chronic lung infections, heart defects, gastrointestinal diseases and autoimmune disorders. Johari said that other nail changes such as dark streaks, persistent bruises, nail lifting or bleeding, may also signal various forms of cancer and shouldn't be ignored. 'Many nail changes are harmless and may be related to aging, injury and trauma or everyday activities like using nail polish,' Johari told the outlet. 'However, any changes in nail color, nail shape or thickness, which are persistent and last for more than a couple of weeks, should be checked by a physician.' While smoking is the most well-known cause of lung cancer, several other risk factors can also lead to the disease. One major cause is radon exposure, a naturally occurring, odorless, colorless and tasteless gas that is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the US, particularly among non-smokers, according to the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center. High, unsafe levels of radon are commonly found in rock, soil and groundwater. Testing homes for radon and understanding local regulations are key to reducing exposure, and fortunately, high radon levels can often be lowered through effective mitigation. Age is another factor, with two-thirds of lung cancer cases diagnosed in individuals over 65 years old, and most occurring in those over 45, per the source. A family or personal history of lung cancer also increases risk. Additional environmental and occupational exposures, such as to arsenic, asbestos, cadmium, chromium, uranium and certain petroleum products, can contribute to lung cancer development. Air pollution, prior radiation therapy to the chest or breast and a history of lung diseases such as tuberculosis further elevate the risk.
