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 Dr. Rabia de Latour, MD, 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Related: The Early Colon Cancer Sign Most People Miss, According to Gastroenterologists
Sources:
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Rabia de Latour, MD, a gastroenterologist and chief of endoscopy at NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue
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Aubrey Grant, MD, a sports cardiologist at MedStar Health in Washington, D.C.
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Fatigue, Cleveland Clinic
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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.
