Gut health 101
What if I told you that the health issue you’re dealing with right now—whether it’s fatigue, bloating, anxiety, or skin flare-ups—is connected to your gut? Would you believe me?
Your gut microbiome is foundational to how you feel and how well your body functions. When it’s out of balance, it can ripple into nearly every system—causing symptoms that seem unrelated but are deeply connected.
What Does Your Gut Actually Do?
If I listed everything your gut does for you, this blog would turn into a book. So let’s highlight a few key roles:
1. Digestion & Nutrient Absorption
Breaks down food into usable nutrients
Absorbs vitamins, minerals, fats, proteins, and carbs
Produces enzymes and acids to support digestion
2. Immune System Support
About 70% of your immune system lives in your gut
Gut bacteria help fight off harmful pathogens
A balanced gut reduces inflammation and supports immune resilience
3. Hormone Regulation
Gut microbes influence hormones like serotonin, cortisol, and estrogen
Helps regulate mood, stress response, and sleep cycles
4. Mental Health & Mood
The gut-brain axis connects your digestive system to your brain
Gut bacteria produce neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine
Imbalances can contribute to anxiety, depression, and brain fog
5. Detoxification
Filters out toxins, waste, and excess hormones
Supports liver function and elimination pathways
6. Metabolism & Weight Balance
Gut microbes influence how you store fat and regulate blood sugar
A diverse microbiome supports a healthy metabolism
Signs Your Gut Might Need Support
Sugar cravings
Low energy
Weight gain
Anxiety or depression
Skin issues (acne, eczema, psoriasis, dandruff)
Joint and muscle pain
Hormonal imbalances (PMS, infertility)
Digestive issues (bloating, belching, gas, indigestion)
Diarrhea, constipation, or floating stool
Headaches and brain fog
The list could go on—and often does.
Simple Tips to Support Your Gut
If you’re just starting your gut health journey, here are a few foundational practices:
Chew your food thoroughly: Most people don’t chew enough, which stresses digestion and feeds opportunistic bacteria.
Take three slow, deep breaths before eating: This activates your parasympathetic nervous system—your “rest and digest” mode. Avoid eating on the go.
Eat whole, unprocessed foods: Processed foods damage the gut lining and promote harmful bacteria.
Get your fiber in: Fiber feeds beneficial microbes and helps them flourish through short-chain fatty acid production.
For more tips and daily inspiration, follow me on Instagram @prosperboise.
Want Deep, Transformative Gut Healing?
If you’re ready to take the guesswork out of your gut health, functional lab testing is a powerful next step.
I offer:
The GI-MAP stool test: A comprehensive look at your microbiome, pathogens, inflammation markers, and digestive function
The MRT food sensitivity test: Identifies delayed immune reactions to foods that may be triggering symptoms
These tests help us build a personalized plan that includes nutrition, lifestyle, and targeted supplements. I’ll be writing more about each test in upcoming blogs—so stay tuned!
Final Thoughts
Your gut is your foundation. When it’s supported, everything else starts to fall into place—energy, mood, digestion, skin, hormones, and more.
If you’re ready to feel better and work with someone who listens to your body’s unique needs, I’d love to support you. Book a one-on-one session or reach out with questions. Your healing starts here.