{"id":64258,"date":"2025-08-06T15:29:46","date_gmt":"2025-08-06T22:29:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thegoodtrade.com\/?p=64258"},"modified":"2025-08-06T15:31:20","modified_gmt":"2025-08-06T22:31:20","slug":"gut-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thegoodtrade.com\/features\/gut-health\/","title":{"rendered":"What Do You Need To Know About Gut Health? A Functional Medicine Doctor Explains"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>We hear about gut health all the time \u2014 but most of the conversation stops at digestion or probiotics. The truth is, your gut is doing far more behind the scenes than you probably realize.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote has-text-align-right is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">&#8220;The truth is, your gut is doing far more behind the scenes than you probably realize.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s one of the most powerful systems in your body, influencing everything from your immune response to your mood, metabolism, hormones, and even how clearly you think. And when your gut is out of balance, it doesn\u2019t always show up as bloating or bathroom issues. It might feel more like anxiety, brain fog, skin flare-ups, or just feeling <em>off<\/em> in a way that\u2019s hard to explain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Let\u2019s break down what your gut <em>actually<\/em> does, why it matters, and the small shifts that can create a big impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-gut-does-more-than-digest-food\">The gut does more than digest food<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019ve probably heard phrases like \u201cgut-brain connection\u201d or \u201csecond brain.\u201d These aren\u2019t just metaphors. Your gut houses its own nervous system (the enteric nervous system), with over 100 million neurons, and communicates directly with your brain via the vagus nerve. It\u2019s constantly sending signals that influence your mood, energy, focus, and even motivation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But that\u2019s just the beginning. Your gut also:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Regulates up to 70% of your immune system<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Produces key neurotransmitters (like serotonin \u2014 90% of which is made in the gut)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Helps metabolize and eliminate hormones like estrogen<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Influences inflammation, blood sugar, and metabolic health<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Supports detoxification and nutrient absorption<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Affects your skin, energy, sleep, and more<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>In short? Gut health is whole-body health. When your gut is thriving, everything else becomes easier to support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-did-you-know-these-symptoms-can-be-gut-related\">Did you know these symptoms can be gut-related?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Gut issues aren\u2019t always obvious. Sometimes they show up in ways that seem totally unrelated to digestion:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Fatigue, especially after meals<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Brain fog or memory lapses<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Skin flare-ups (acne, eczema, rosacea)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Anxiety, irritability, or mood swings<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>PMS or other hormonal symptoms<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Joint pain or muscle aches<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sleep disruptions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Food sensitivities<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Constipation, diarrhea, or changes in bowel habits<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If any of these sound familiar, it might be time to take a closer look at what\u2019s happening in your gut.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-so-how-does-the-gut-microbiome-become-disrupted\">So, how does the gut microbiome become disrupted?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>At the center of gut health is your microbiome \u2014 the trillions of bacteria, fungi, and other microbes living in your digestive tract. Think of it like a rainforest: When diverse and balanced, it supports harmony and health. When overrun by certain species or depleted by external factors, imbalance (or dysbiosis) occurs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Disruption to your gut microbiome can come from:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Poor diet (especially low fiber or high-sugar\/processed foods)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Eating too fast or eating late at night<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Chronic stress or trauma<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lack of sleep<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Environmental toxins<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hormonal shifts (like during perimenopause or postpartum)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Certain medications (like antibiotics, NSAIDs, or hormonal birth control)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>We often overlook these contributors \u2014 but they matter. Your microbiome responds to how you live, not just what you eat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-a-functional-medicine-approach-to-gut-health\">A functional medicine approach to gut health<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>In functional medicine, we treat the gut as a <em>command center<\/em> \u2014 because that\u2019s exactly what it is. When something is off in the gut, it often causes ripple effects throughout the entire body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s what we look for that traditional medicine might miss:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Subclinical dysfunction<\/strong>: You can have gut inflammation, permeability (&#8220;leaky gut&#8221;), or dysbiosis even if standard testing looks \u201cnormal.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Root causes<\/strong>: We ask <em>why<\/em> the gut became imbalanced. Was it unresolved stress, hormone shifts, medication, a past infection, or restrictive dieting?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Systemic effects<\/strong>: We explore how gut health is impacting your hormones, immune system, detoxification, and mental health \u2014 not just your digestion.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Functional labs<\/strong>: Tools like stool testing give us deeper insight into microbial diversity, digestion, inflammation, and the presence of pathogens or yeast.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Bottom line: We don\u2019t just chase symptoms. We start with the gut because it often holds the key to whole-body healing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-where-to-begin-with-transforming-your-gut-health\">Where to begin with transforming your gut health<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>A good portion of gut health happens above the shoulders. Your oral microbiome (what\u2019s happening in your mouth, teeth, and tongue) plays a direct role in your overall gut health. In fact, poor oral hygiene or imbalances in your mouth\u2019s microbiome can impact the entire digestive tract.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But I\u2019d argue it starts even earlier \u2014 <em>in the brain<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Before you even take a bite, your brain is already influencing digestion. Just thinking about food triggers a cascade of signals that prep your body to digest: Your salivary glands activate, your stomach produces acid, your pancreas gets ready to release enzymes. This is why slowing down and mentally arriving before a meal \u2014 what I call \u201cactivating your meal\u201d \u2014 matters more than we think.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">&#8220;Before you even take a bite, your brain is already influencing digestion.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>Taking a moment to check in with yourself before eating isn\u2019t just mindfulness fluff. It\u2019s a physiologic signal to your body: <em>We\u2019re safe, we can digest, we can receive this nourishment.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That\u2019s the real starting point of gut health. Not just what you eat, but how you approach eating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-simple-ways-to-support-your-gut-today\">Simple ways to support your gut today<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Everyone\u2019s gut-healing journey is different \u2014 but there are a few universal habits that lay a solid foundation:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Intention improves digestion.<\/strong> Your digestive process begins before the first bite. Taking a moment to slow down, breathe, and activate a calm state before eating can dramatically improve digestion.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Fiber is your friend.<\/strong> It\u2019s your gut microbiome\u2019s favorite food group. Aim for variety \u2014 different colors, textures, and types \u2014 because different fibers can feed different beneficial bacteria.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Diversify your meals.<\/strong> Eating a wide variety of nutrient dense foods &#8211; and eating what\u2019s in season &#8211; helps feed different strains of beneficial bacteria in your gut, supporting a more resilient and balanced microbiome.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Chew more than you think you need to.<\/strong> It\u2019s the first step in digestion and helps reduce bloating. Don\u2019t rush your meals. Shoveling food in quickly can stress your system and lead to gas and bloating.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Eat and sleep on a rhythm.<\/strong> Your gut has its own circadian rhythm. Eating during daylight hours and going to bed at a consistent time helps keep everything in sync.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Take a short walk after meals when possible.<\/strong> This simple practice helps regulate blood sugar and reduce bloating.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Hydrate consistently.<\/strong> Your digestive system needs water to move waste efficiently.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Minimize unnecessary medications.<\/strong> Talk to your healthcare team about what\u2019s essential and ask how to support your gut if you do need them.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Spend time in nature.<\/strong> Exposure to natural microbes through soil, fresh air, and green spaces can boost microbial diversity.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Eat more probiotic and prebiotic foods.<\/strong> Fermented foods, fruits, vegetables, and more nourish your gut ecosystem.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Enjoy a good source of protein with every meal. <\/strong>This might look different for everyone, but consistency is key.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Let these tips be gentle invitations, not rigid rules. Every small shift you make adds up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-\"><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019ve tried all the basics and still feel off \u2014 especially if you\u2019re dealing with IBS, chronic constipation, anxiety, immune, or hormonal symptoms \u2014 it might be time to work with your health care team to find some answers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Gut issues aren\u2019t just something to manage or push through. They\u2019re your body\u2019s way of asking for deeper attention. And even if your main concern isn\u2019t digestive, don\u2019t count the gut out. Your microbiome influences your hormones, your immune system, your metabolism, and your mind. Sometimes the answers start in places you\u2019d least expect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote has-text-align-right is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">&#8220;Gut issues aren\u2019t just something to manage or push through. They\u2019re your body\u2019s way of asking for deeper attention.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>With <a href=\"https:\/\/drjaclyntolentino.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">my patient care<\/a>, we take a root-cause, whole-person approach to gut health \u2014 one that starts with deep listening and real data, and builds a sustainable path forward.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your gut is a living, intelligent system \u2014 one that\u2019s digesting more than just food. It\u2019s constantly processing stress, emotion, environment, and experience. And when you support it with care, presence, and intention? The ripple effects are powerful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You don\u2019t have to get it perfect. One mindful meal, a few extra chews, and a little less rush is a beautiful place to start.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/drjaclyntolentino.com\/\"><strong>Dr. Jaclyn Tolentino<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0<em>is a Board-Certified Family Physician and the Lead Functional Medicine Physician at\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/love.life\/\">Love.Life<\/a>. Specializing in women&#8217;s health and hormone optimization, she has been featured in Vogue, The Wall Street Journal, and Women&#8217;s Health. As a functional practitioner and a breast cancer survivor, Dr. Tolentino is dedicated to uncovering the root causes of health challenges, employing a holistic, whole-person approach to empower lasting wellbeing. Follow her on Instagram\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/drjaclyntolentino\">here<\/a>\u00a0for more insights.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Your gut influences everything from your immunity to mood, metabolism, and hormones. Here are tips from a functional medicine doctor on keeping it healthy.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":223,"featured_media":64259,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"ep_exclude_from_search":false,"_enable_custom_container":false,"_custom_container_max_width":"","_is_legacy_styles_disabled":true,"_is_thumbnail_disabled":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[7,323],"tags":[419,418,60,3,4,428,431,9],"class_list":["post-64258","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-self","category-wellness","tag-jaclyn-related-reading","tag-mental-health","tag-physical-health-related-reading","tag-popular","tag-self","tag-thought-piece","tag-thought-pieces-featured","tag-wellness"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v26.5 (Yoast SEO v26.5) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>What Do You Need To Know About Gut Health? 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