8 Signs Your Gut Needs Help (and How to Fix It)
You’ve probably heard the saying, “You are what you eat.” But the truth is… you are what you absorb.
You can eat the highest quality, cleanest, most nutrient-dense foods, but if your gut isn’t functioning properly, your body won’t absorb the nutrients it needs. Poor digestion can lead to low energy, mood swings, brain fog, and even stubborn weight issues.
The good news? With a few simple changes, you can dramatically improve your gut health—and your overall energy and resilience.
8 Signs of an Unhealthy Gut
If you’re experiencing any of these, it’s time to pay attention to your digestive health:
Belching, gas, or bloating after meals
Heartburn or acid reflux
Skin issues like eczema, rashes, or acne
Feeling better when you skip meals
Allergies or asthma flare-ups
Intense sugar or carb cravings
Autoimmune conditions
Poop that’s hard to pass, loose, or poorly formed
These are classic signs of digestive dysfunction—and one of the biggest underlying causes is low stomach acid (hypochlorhydria).
Why Low Stomach Acid Wrecks Digestion
Contrary to popular belief, most heartburn and indigestion aren’t caused by too much stomach acid, but by too little.
Stomach acid is essential for:
✅ Breaking down proteins and nutrients
✅ Triggering the release of bile and digestive enzymes
✅ Killing harmful bacteria
Unfortunately, stress, antacids, processed foods, constant snacking, excess alcohol, and nutrient deficiencies all lower stomach acid over time—setting the stage for gut dysfunction.
5 Steps to Heal Your Gut Naturally
Healing digestion isn’t just about taking probiotics or cutting out foods. Digestion is a “north-to-south” process—meaning it starts in the brain and ends with elimination. Follow these steps, in order, to help your gut work the way it should:
1. Rest to Digest
The most important step for gut health? Relax before you eat. Stress shuts down digestion, so take a few deep breaths, sit down, and eat without distractions. This helps activate your “rest and digest” (parasympathetic) state so your body can produce saliva and digestive juices.
2. Chew, Chew, Chew
Chew each bite until your food is liquid before swallowing. Aim for 20–30 chews per bite. This mechanical breakdown makes it easier for your stomach and intestines to do their job, helping you absorb more nutrients and reduce bloating, gas, and indigestion.
3. Boost Stomach Acid Naturally
If you suspect low stomach acid, try:
A teaspoon of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice in warm water before meals
Digestive bitters before eating
Less liquid with meals (large amounts of water can dilute stomach acid)
4. Support Bile & Liver Function
Healthy bile flow is crucial for breaking down fats and absorbing fat-soluble vitamins. Support your liver with bitter greens, beets, dandelion tea, or consider digestive support if you’ve had your gallbladder removed. Read more information on digesting fats HERE.
5. Repair Your Gut Lining
If you have leaky gut (a permeable intestinal lining), your immune system may constantly be on high alert, leading to inflammation, food sensitivities, and autoimmune issues. Gut-healing foods like bone broth, collagen, and aloe vera can help restore the gut lining.
Why Gut Health Matters for Your Whole Body
Your gut doesn’t just affect digestion—it impacts hormones, immune function, mental health, and metabolism. As Hippocrates said, “All disease begins in the gut.”
When you support digestion, you’ll notice better energy, clearer skin, stable moods, and fewer food cravings.
Ready to Heal Your Gut?
If you’re experiencing one (or all) of the symptoms above, don’t ignore them—your gut is asking for help.
A healthy gut is the foundation of vibrant energy, balanced hormones, and long-term wellness.
📌 Next step? If you’re ready to find out what’s really going on with your digestion and how to heal it, I invite you to book a discovery call. In my Functional Nutritional Therapy practice, I help women get to the root of gut dysfunction so they can restore energy and feel like themselves again.
👉 Click HERE to Book your discovery call.
In Your Corner,
Karri