How Gut Health Impacts Your Wellness
Have you ever wondered why you’re constantly bloated, low on energy, or inflamed for no clear reason? You might be surprised to learn that your gut is at the root of your issues.
We often think of digestion as a standalone system, but the truth is your gut impacts nearly every part of your health, from your hormones and immune system to your mood and skin. As a functional nutritionist, I see it all the time: when we heal the gut, everything else starts to fall into place.
What is Gut Health (And Why Is It So Important)?
“Gut health” refers to the balance and function of the digestive system including the trillions of bacteria that live in your gut (called the microbiome), your gut lining, and how well your body absorbs nutrients.
In functional medicine, we call the gut the “second brain” because of its deep connection to the nervous system. It helps regulate hormones, inflammation, immunity, and mental health. About 70% of your immune system lives in the gut—and so does 90% of your serotonin, the feel-good neurotransmitter.
If your gut’s out of balance, you’re likely to feel it throughout your entire body.
Additionally, many people have a "leaky gut," meaning the lining of your intestines isn't as strong and tightly sealed as it should be. When those cells loosen up, tiny particles that don’t belong in your bloodstream—like toxins and food proteins—can sneak through. One of these particles are called LPS (lipopolysaccharides), a substance found on certain harmful bacteria. When LPS enters the bloodstream, it signals the immune system to launch a response, leading to widespread inflammation. Over time, this can contribute to symptoms like fatigue, joint pain, brain fog, and even more serious chronic health issues.
Signs Your Gut Might Be Struggling
A gut imbalance doesn’t just show up as digestive issues (though bloating, gas, and constipation are common!). Some other red flags include:
Brain fog or fatigue
Anxiety or mood swings
Skin issues like acne or eczema
Food sensitivities or intolerances
Weight gain or trouble losing weight
Frequent illness or inflammation
What Throws Off Gut Health?
Many things can damage the gut:
Overconsumption of ultra-processed foods and sugar
Chronic stress
Overuse of antibiotics or medications
Environmental toxins (like mold)
Underlying infections
A Root-Cause Approach to Gut Healing
Instead of just managing symptoms, I work with clients to uncover what’s actually causing their symptoms. Using functional lab testing, we can identify imbalances and infections that may have been missed by standard labs.
From there, we work together to create a personalized healing plan. That may include:
Targeted supplements based on YOUR needs
Gut-healing foods and anti-inflammatory nutrition
Lifestyle strategies for stress, sleep, and detox support
