If you’ve ever finished a meal and instead of feeling energized, you felt sluggish, foggy, or uncomfortable, you’re not alone.
Many women, especially in midlife, find themselves dealing with bloating, inconsistent digestion, or that nagging sense of being “off,” even when they’re trying to eat healthy.
Here’s the surprising truth: your gut health could be the missing link.
Your gut is home to about 70% of your immune system and is directly connected to your energy, mood, and even your hormones. In fact, researchers have found that gut bacteria help produce neurotransmitters like serotonin, which plays a key role in mood, sleep, and feelings of well-being. No wonder we can feel anxious or down when digestion is out of balance.
But here’s the good news: supporting your gut doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Small, consistent shifts can create a big difference.
I’ve navigated gut healing in my own life, as a mom (specifically supporting a few of my kids who have needed extra gut health support) and as a Nutrition Therapy Practitioner.
Before we dive in, let’s clear up a few common myths first.
Gut Health Myths That Hold You Back
Myth 1: Gut health is just about probiotics.
Probiotics are important, but your gut is an ecosystem. Everything from chewing well to fiber intake to meal timing matters.
Myth 2: Acid reflux means too much stomach acid.
Often, the opposite is true. Low stomach acid (common for women over 40) can cause reflux. Stomach acid actually helps you absorb nutrients like B12 and zinc and is essential for healthy digestion.
Myth 3: Digestion is only about comfort.
Yes, bloating and constipation are uncomfortable, but gut health also impacts your energy, mood, hormones, and immune system. Caring for your gut health goes beyond comfort and is an essential part of your body’s health and vitality.
Myth 4: Medication is always the answer.
While medications can be helpful in certain situations, they’re not the whole picture and not always the best long-term solution. Getting to the root cause or digestive comfort and nourishing your body with gut-friendly foods and improving the diversity of your microbiome through your diet is an essential part of healing.
A Stanford study found that people who ate a more diverse range of plant foods had healthier gut microbiomes, lower inflammation, and stronger immune function. Food matters.
Three Simple Shifts to Support Your Gut
Before you think you need to overhaul your diet overnight – pause and consider what small change you can make today.. The most powerful changes often start small. Pick one of these to put into practice this week:
- Slow down before you eat. Take a breath. Smell your food. This signals your nervous system to shift into “rest and digest” mode, which primes your body for better digestion.
- Chew more than you think you need to. Digestion begins in your mouth. Chewing thoroughly mixes food with enzymes in your saliva that kickstart nutrient absorption.
- Feed your gut the good stuff. Processed foods can fuel the “bad” bacteria in your gut, creating inflammation and more cravings. Whole, colorful foods (like veggies, legumes, and healthy fats) help the “good” bacteria thrive. Think of it like tending a garden: the more diverse and nourished the soil, the stronger the harvest.
The Reframe: Less Perfection, More Nourishment
Here’s what I want you to remember: gut health isn’t about perfection. You don’t need to track every bite or follow strict rules to make progress on improving your gut health. Instead, it’s about small, sustainable shifts that help you feel more balanced, energized, and at ease in your body.
When you support your gut, you’re also supporting your hormones, immune system, mood, and energy. It’s a ripple effect – one that has benefits that impact every area of your life.
Ready to Go Deeper?
If this resonates with you, I’d love to invite you to a free class I’m teaching: From Overwhelmed to Nourished: a Simple Nutrition Framework That Finally Works.
In this class, I’ll share:
- A clear, practical approach to gut health and nutrition – without the confusion, guilt, or extremes.
- What most nutrition programs ignore which makes it hard to be successful
- A sneak peek into my new program, the Nourished Reset, designed to help you find clarity, consistency, and confidence in nourishing your body.
Sign up for the free class here.
Take a deep breath – you’re not behind. You’re right on time. And one small shift at a time, you can move from bloated to balanced.
I can’t wait to see you at the free class!
xo,
Robin
