Does it feel like no matter what you do, your gut just won’t heal?
The bloating, discomfort, unpredictable bathroom trips, or that heavy, sluggish feeling after meals keep hanging around. You’ve tried eliminating foods, probiotics, even those “gut cleanse” kits, but you’re stuck in the same frustrating cycle.
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone.
Many people struggle with lingering gut issues because some of the most common roadblocks to healing aren’t talked about enough.
Let’s dive into these obstacles and how you can finally break free from them.
1. Digestive Enzyme and Stomach Acid Deficiencies
Do you feel like food just sits in your stomach? A lack of digestive enzymes or low stomach acid is one of the biggest reasons gut health issues linger.
What they do: Enzymes help break down proteins, carbs, and fats so your body can absorb nutrients, while stomach acid helps kickstart digestion and protect against harmful bacteria.
Signs you’re lacking: Bloating, gas, heartburn, or undigested food in your stool.
Why it matters: Without proper digestion, your gut can become inflamed, and imbalances in your microbiome are more likely to occur.
What you can do:
Chew your food thoroughly to support digestion naturally.
Try a digestive enzyme supplement or betaine HCl to aid in breaking down food.
Read more about enzyme support in my blog Easy Bloating Relief.
2. Poor Sleep
Sleep is when your body repairs itself—and that includes your gut.
Why it matters: Poor sleep increases stress hormones and weakens your gut barrier, making it harder to heal.
Signs sleep might be an issue: Waking up tired, trouble falling asleep, or waking up in the middle of the night.
What you can do:
Stick to a consistent bedtime.
Avoid screens an hour before bed.
Add Blue light Blocking Glasses to your Evening Routine
Create a calming pre-sleep routine.
For tips on improving your sleep, visit Your Ultimate Guide to Overcoming Sleep Struggles.
3. Unaddressed Food Sensitivities
Even “healthy” foods can irritate your gut if you’re sensitive to them.
Common culprits: Gluten, dairy, soy, eggs, and processed foods often trigger inflammation.
Symptoms to watch for: Bloating, gas, stomach pain, or skin issues like acne or eczema.
Why it matters: Chronic exposure to trigger foods keeps your gut inflamed, preventing true healing.
What you can do: Consider an elimination diet to pinpoint foods that might be causing issues. For guided support, check out my 30-Day Gut Reboot Program to help identify and eliminate trigger foods during the elimination phase. Removing these foods, even temporarily, can give your gut a chance to recover.
For more about hidden triggers, check out my blog on The Hidden Causes of Leaky Gut.
4. Chronic Stress: A Silent Saboteur
Stress doesn’t just mess with your mood; it wreaks havoc on your gut, too.
The gut-brain connection: Stress impacts digestion, slows stomach emptying, and can even change the bacteria living in your gut.
How it feels: Bloating, cramping, or unpredictable bowel habits when you’re under pressure.
What you can do:
Practice deep breathing or mindfulness daily. Even 5 minutes can help.
Move your body—a short walk after meals can improve digestion.
Make stress management a priority. It’s not a luxury; it’s essential for gut healing.
Learn more about the stress-gut connection in my blog Nurture Your Brain.
5. Gut Microbiome Imbalance
Your gut is home to trillions of bacteria, both good and bad. When the bad bacteria take over, your digestion suffers.
Signs of imbalance: Frequent bloating, poor digestion, sugar cravings, and low energy.
What throws it off: Antibiotics, a low-fiber diet, or too much sugar.
Link to enzymes: Without proper digestion from enzymes and stomach acid, bad bacteria can thrive, further disrupting your gut microbiome.
What you can do:
Add fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, or yogurt (if tolerated).
Increase fiber from vegetables, fruits, and seeds to feed the good bacteria.
Consider a high-quality probiotic to restore balance.
Need help balancing your gut? Start with my Gut Health Checklist.
What’s Next? Get the Help You Deserve
If you’re tired of trying to solve your gut health puzzle on your own, you don’t have to. Gut healing is what I specialize in—it’s the #1 thing I help clients with in my practice.
Here’s how I can help:
Book a FREE 15-minute consultation to discuss your gut health struggles and get clarity on your next steps.
Explore my online gut health program for step-by-step guidance to reset your digestion and feel better fast.
Don’t let gut issues hold you back from living your life. Let’s work together to get your belly better for good!