Feeling Tired All the Time? Your Gut Health Might Be to Blame
If you’re constantly low on energy and don’t know why, your gut could be the reason. Gut health plays a bigger role in how you feel than you might think, including your energy levels.
Your Gut Affects More Than Just Digestion
Your gut is home to trillions of bacteria—some good, some bad. This mix is called your gut microbiome. When the balance is off (called dysbiosis), it can affect your whole body, including how energized you feel. “A disrupted gut can also make it harder for your body to absorb important nutrients like iron, vitamin B12, and magnesium,” says PIH Health gastroenterologist, Preeya Goyal MD. These nutrients help keep your energy up. If you’re not getting enough, you may feel tired or weak.
Inflammation and Fatigue
When your gut is irritated, it can trigger inflammation—a type of internal stress that affects your brain and body. Even if you’re getting enough sleep, inflammation can leave you feeling drained. It can also impact your mood, increasing anxiety or depression, which can make fatigue worse.
Gut Health and Sleep Go Hand in Hand
Many gut issues can mess with your sleep. Conditions like IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), acid reflux, and bloating can make it hard to fall asleep or stay asleep. Poor sleep can then make gut issues worse, creating a cycle that’s tough to break.
More Than Just Fatigue
Dr. Goyal emphasizes, “If your gut isn’t healthy, you might notice other symptoms like gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, frequent stomach pain, brain fog, strong food cravings, or getting sick more often”. These are all signs your gut might need some help.
How to Support Your Gut and Feel More Energized
- Eat more fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains to help feed the good bacteria in your gut.
- Add fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, or kimchi to restore healthy bacteria.
- Drink plenty of water to keep your digestive system moving.
- Cut back on added sugars and processed foods, which can harm your gut and drain your energy.
- Manage stress with calming activities like walking, deep breathing, or spending time outside.
- Get consistent, quality sleep to support your gut and boost your overall well-being.
If you’ve been feeling tired for a while and nothing seems to help, talk to your doctor. They can check for vitamin deficiencies, digestive issues, or other health concerns that may be affecting your gut and your energy. Visit PIHHealth.org/Digestive to learn more about gastroenterology at PIH Health and visit PIHHealth.org/Doctor to find a specialist near you.
Preeya Goyal MD
Preeya Goyal MD is a fellowship-trained gastroenterologist with expertise in esophageal and anorectal motility, which focuses on how things move through the gastrointestinal tract. Dr. Goyal was attracted to gastroenterology very early in her medical training. She is a member of the American College of Gastroenterology, American Gastroenterological Association and American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. Dr. Goyal was born and raised in California and is very happy to have the opportunity to stay close to her large family. She enjoys traveling, tennis, dancing, painting, trying new restaurants and spending time with friends and family in her free time.
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