Why your gut affects so much more than digestion.
I used to think gut health was just about bloating or food sensitivities. The more I learned, the more I realized how much it connects to everything else: how well you absorb nutrients, your energy, your mood, and even how your skin looks in the morning.
More than digestion
Your gut microbiome, the community of bacteria living in your digestive tract, is involved in far more than breaking down food. Research links it to:
How your body processes hormones, including estrogen
Mood, through its connection with the brain
Skin and inflammation
Immune health
Absorbing nutrients
So if you're bloated after meals, waking up puffy, or feeling tired for no clear reason, it's worth paying attention to your gut. And if symptoms are persistent, see your doctor, since they can point to things that need proper testing.
What I do to support my gut
These are the habits I've built over time, and the ones I stick with because they work for me.
Fermented foods
I eat kimchi regularly, even just a few tablespoons a day. Fermented foods contain live bacteria that support a healthy, diverse gut. I also rotate in:
Sauerkraut (the refrigerated, naturally fermented kind)
Fermented carrots or beets
Miso and tempeh
Coconut yogurt
Before meals
Before most meals, I have either a small shot of raw apple cider vinegar in water, or an olive oil shot on an empty stomach in the morning. For me, both help with digestion and bloating after meals, and olive oil brings antioxidants too.
Digestive enzymes
I take a broad-spectrum digestive enzyme before heavier meals, especially ones with a lot of protein or fat. Digestion can become less efficient with age and stress, and I notice a real difference when I take them.
Probiotics, rotated
I take a probiotic every day, but I don't stick with one brand for months. Right now I'm using OMNi-BiOTiC powder.
I also added a second dose before bed. Taking it at night works well for my routine.
The gut, brain, and skin connection
When my gut is off, I feel it everywhere: my skin is less clear, my mood dips, and my energy drops. Researchers are actively studying these gut, brain, and skin connections, and while there's a lot still to learn, it matches what I see in myself.
Signs your gut might need attention
Even if you eat well, it may be worth looking at your gut if you often:
Feel tired after meals
Get bloated even when eating clean
Break out around your mouth or jawline
Get headaches after certain foods or wine
Feel foggy or irritable for no clear reason
Have inconsistent digestion
These are common, but that doesn't mean you have to live with them.
The bottom line
Gut health isn't glamorous, and it doesn't get likes on Instagram. But for me, it's one of the first places I look when I want to feel and look my best. The good news is that small, consistent habits can make a real difference.
My gut essentials
OMNi-BiOTiC powder probiotic, rotated every few months
Digestive enzymes before heavier meals
Fermented foods like kimchi or sauerkraut
Apple cider vinegar or olive oil shots
Dark leafy greens and bitter foods
A second probiotic dose before bed
→ Cultivate Elevate supplements: use code SYDNEY10. (I earn a commission when you use my code.)
Keep reading: Reduce Inflammation for Better Health and Aging, Detox Your Body the Right Way, and Beauty Is Biology
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