Is your gut happy? Here are 6 signs of healthy digestion

If you’ve been dealing with digestive issues, you’re probably all too familiar with the discomfort. Constipation, bloating, acid reflux, diarrhea, gas, stomach cramps, indigestion, nausea... the list goes on.

But have you ever stopped to wonder: What does healthy digestion actually feel like? Or maybe it’s been so long since you’ve experienced it that you’re unsure what to look for.

Here are 6 key signs that your digestive system is functioning smoothly ⬇️

1. You’re Not Experiencing Excessive Gas, Bloating, or Burping After Meals

While some gas is normal, it shouldn’t leave you feeling uncomfortable or avoiding certain foods entirely. Regular bloating or burping could signal that your body isn’t breaking down food properly, pointing to underlying issues with digestion or food intolerances.

2. You’re Not Having Adverse Reactions to Food

Healthy digestion means your meals don’t leave you feeling brain fog, fatigue, congestion, or headaches. If you’re noticing these symptoms after eating, it could indicate an issue like intestinal permeability (commonly known as “leaky gut”) or an imbalanced microbiome.

3. You Don’t Have Abdominal Pain or Cramping

Eating should be an enjoyable experience, not something you approach with hesitation due to discomfort. Pain before, during, or after meals could signal anything from food sensitivities to inflammation or an imbalance in your microbiome.

4. You’re Having Regular, Well-Formed Bowel Movements Every Day

Aiming for at least one well-formed bowel movement daily is a hallmark of good digestive health. Anything less is considered constipation, which can disrupt your body’s ability to detoxify. Poor detoxification can affect everything from energy and mental clarity to hormone health and fertility.

5. Your Stool Is an Ideal Consistency and Color

Your stool should be easy to pass, well-formed, and sink in the toilet. The Bristol Stool Scale is a helpful tool to check whether yours is on track. The color should be a healthy brown to dark brown.

Black or red stool can indicate bleeding and require immediate medical attention, while colors like orange, green, or clay-colored may suggest bile or digestive issues.

6. You’re Not Experiencing Heartburn or Acid Reflux

Heartburn or that burning sensation in your chest or throat might be common, but it’s not normal. It's a sign that you're not properly digesting food and you need to address the root cause, which can range from pathogens like H. Pylori, to nutrient deficiencies, stress, or eating meals in a rushed or distracted way.

How’s Your Digestion?

Now that you know what healthy digestion looks like, how does yours measure up?

If you’re not checking off all these boxes, don’t worry. Restoring digestion is a process, and it’s something I help my clients with every day. Through intentional nutrition and lifestyle changes, you can move closer to experiencing smooth, pain-free digestion.

If you have questions or want personalized support, I’m here to help. Book a complimentary discovery call, and let’s explore the best way to restore your gut health and improve your quality of life.

Your digestive system is the foundation for vibrant health — let’s make it a strong one!

This information is for educational and informational purposes only and solely as a self-help tool for your own use. I am not providing medical, psychological, or nutrition therapy advice. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting your own medical practitioner. Always seek the advice of your own medical practitioner and/or mental health provider about your specific health situation. For my full Disclaimer, please visit www.alisonkeiper.com/disclaimer.