What gut health really means
Let’s be honest, if you’ve been anywhere near the wellness world lately, you’ve probably heard the phrase “heal your gut” more times than you can count. And while it sounds important (and slightly mysterious), most of us are left thinking… Cool, but what does that actually mean?
Gut health isn’t just about digestion or dealing with bloating. It’s about your whole body. The root system that quietly supports everything from your energy and immunity to your skin, hormones, mood- even how clearly you think.
When your gut’s in a good place, you feel it. Things flow more easily- meals, moods, mornings. You feel grounded but light. Energised but calm. You feel like you again.
So, what exactly is gut health?
At its core, gut health is about two things:
How well your digestive system is functioning
How balanced your gut microbiome is (that’s the community of microbes living mostly in your large intestine)
This microscopic ecosystem is made up of trillions of bacteria, fungi, and other clever little organisms. Some are helpful, some… less so. The goal isn’t to wipe out the “bad” ones- it’s to create balance.
When things are flowing as they should:
You digest meals without being in discomfort
You absorb the nutrients your body actually needs
Your skin clears
Your inflammation stays low
Your brain feels sharper
And your mood? More steady and spacious
Basically, when your gut’s thriving, the rest of you tends to follow.
The signs your gut might be calling for help
Here’s the thing… your gut does try to talk to you. It just doesn’t always use words.
Instead, it sends little signals:
Bloating (especially after meals)
Skin flare-ups or stubborn breakouts
Food sensitivities that seem to come out of nowhere
Constant tiredness, even after a decent sleep
Foggy thinking, low mood, or feeling “off”
Digestive weirdness- constipation, diarrhoea, or a mix of both
These aren’t just annoying symptoms to power through. They’re messages and clues. Your body saying, “I need a bit more care right now.”
The gut-skin-brain triangle (yes, it’s a thing)
Here’s where it gets really interesting… Your gut is very deeply connected to both your skin and your mind.
Some facts:
Roughly 70-90% of your serotonin (your happy hormone) is made in the gut
Gut inflammation can show up as eczema, rashes, or other skin issues
An imbalanced gut can throw off your hormones, sleep, and mental clarity
A “leaky” gut can lead to food reactions, low mood, anxiety- even stress related breakouts
When your gut is calm and supported, the rest of your system softens. When it’s inflamed and stressed, everything else gets thrown out of rhythm too.
So how do you actually support your gut?
It’s not about restriction, or cutting out entire food groups, or even hopping from one trend to the next. It’s about consistency, simplicity, and listening to your body.
Here are some gentle ways to nourish your gut:
Eat more fibre rich plants (leafy greens, oats, lentils, root veg- all the colourful stuff)
Add fermented foods (yoghurt, kefir, kimchi, sauerkraut- start slow if you’re new)
Include prebiotics (onions, garlic, leeks, bananas, asparagus)
Don’t fear healthy fats (avocado, olive oil, nuts, seeds)
Drink more water (basic but powerful)
Prioritise rest- your nervous system and gut are deeply linked
Get quality sleep- your gut has its own rhythm, and it loves routine
This isn’t about following a rigid protocol. It’s about tuning in and tending to your body with care.
Think of your gut as your inner garden.
When it’s well cared for, everything blooms. Your skin glows, your energy feels more stable, you handle stress better, sleep comes easier, your mood lifts, and you start to feel like yourself again. It’s that “lit from within” kind of glow- and no serum in the world can fake it.
So next time something feels off, don’t just treat the surface. Start where the real shift begins… deep in the gut.
Love,
Keli x
