Your gut is more than just a digestion machine—it’s the command center for your immune system, hormone balance, and even your mental well-being. When your gut is out of balance, it can show up in ways you’d never expect: fatigue, skin issues, mood swings, and stubborn weight gain.

In this blog, we’ll explore the most common gut conditions—small intestinal bateria overgrowth (SIBO), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and irritable bowel disease ( IBD)—and how you can take powerful steps toward healing with nutrition, targeted supplements, and daily lifestyle changes.

Why Gut Health Matters

Over 70% of your immune system lives in your gut. It’s also home to trillions of microbes that influence inflammation, mood, and metabolism. A balanced gut microbiome helps absorb nutrients, regulate digestion, keep your immune system in check, and support mental clarity and mood.

When things go wrong, the symptoms can ripple through your entire body.

Have you noticed any symptoms like fatigue, bloating, or brain fog that might be connected to your gut?

SIBO, IBS, and IBD: What’s the Difference?

Let’s break down three of the most common GI conditions.

SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) SIBO occurs when bacteria meant to live in your large intestine end up multiplying in your small intestine. This leads to bloating (often within 30–90 mins after eating), gas, constipation or diarrhea, and nutrient malabsorption.

IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) IBS is a functional disorder affecting the gut-brain axis. Common symptoms include cramping and abdominal pain, irregular bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation, or both), bloating, and can be triggered by stress, food sensitivities, or gut dysbiosis.

IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease) IBD includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. These are autoimmune conditions marked by inflammation and physical damage to the GI tract, leading to bloody stools, weight loss, severe abdominal pain, and fatigue.

Can you identify which of these conditions align most closely with your symptoms?

Signs Your Gut Is Imbalanced

Not sure if your gut is sending you an SOS? Look for these signs:

• Frequent bloating or gas
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Sugar cravings
• Skin issues like eczema or acne
• Brain fog or mood swings
• Food sensitivities

What are the top 3 symptoms you’re currently experiencing that might be linked to gut health?

Diet: Your First Line of Defense

Food is medicine, and healing your gut starts with what’s on your plate.

Gut-Healing Food Tips:

• Eat whole, unprocessed foods: Focus on veggies, fruits, high-quality proteins, and healthy fats.
• Avoid inflammatory triggers: Gluten, dairy, refined sugar, and alcohol may worsen symptoms.
• Feed the good bugs: Include prebiotic-rich foods like garlic, onions, asparagus, and apples.
• Try low-FODMAP (for SIBO or IBS): Reducing fermentable carbs can ease bloating and discomfort.

A personalized elimination diet can also help you identify food sensitivities that are fueling inflammation.

Example: Start your day with a gut-friendly smoothie—blend spinach, blueberries, almond milk, chia seeds, and a scoop of collagen peptides.

What small change can you make to your diet this week to support your gut?

Supplements That Can Help

Supplements are powerful allies when used wisely. Here are some commonly used for gut health:

• Probiotics: help restore microbial balance (Hill et al., 2014)
• Digestive Enzymes: support better breakdown of food
• L-Glutamine: supports gut lining repair and helps reduce inflammation (Zhang et al., 2016)
• Herbal antimicrobials (for SIBO): oregano oil, berberine, or allicin (used under supervision)

Always use supplements that are third-party tested and practitioner-recommended.

Lifestyle: The Missing Piece

Stress, sleep, and movement can make or break your gut healing process.

Key Tips:

• Stress management: chronic stress impairs digestion (Barbara et al., 2021)
• Sleep: aim for 7–9 hours of restorative sleep per night
• Gentle movement: yoga, walking, and strength training support motility and reduce inflammation

Which of these lifestyle habits can you commit to improving this month?

Case Study: Sarah’s Story

Meet Sarah, a 38-year-old teacher who struggled with bloating, fatigue, and unpredictable bathroom habits for years. She was diagnosed with SIBO after breath testing. Together, we created a 12-week gut healing protocol that included a low-FODMAP elimination diet, herbal antimicrobials, and gut-rebuilding supplements. She also prioritized stress management and improved her sleep hygiene.

By week 4, Sarah reported a significant decrease in bloating and improved energy levels. By the end of the protocol, her digestive symptoms were resolved, and she was able to reintroduce many of the foods she once avoided.

Can you relate to Sarah’s journey? What would it mean for you to feel that kind of relief?

Ready to Learn More?

I’m hosting a free Gut Health Webinar at the end of April where we’ll go deeper into these conditions, walk through real case studies, and give you a clear roadmap for restoring your gut health. Register here!

References

1. Pimentel M, et al. “Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth: a framework for understanding irritable bowel syndrome.” JAMA. 2020;323(10):949–958.
2. Ford AC, et al. “Irritable bowel syndrome.” The Lancet. 2020;396(10263):1675–1688.
3. Nishida A, et al. “Gut microbiota in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease.” Clin J Gastroenterol. 2018;11(1):1–10.
4. Hill C, et al. “The International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics consensus statement on probiotics.” Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2014;11(8):506–514.
5. Halmos EP, et al. “A diet low in FODMAPs reduces symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.” Gastroenterology. 2014;146(1):67–75.
6. Zhang Y, et al. “Glutamine supplementation and intestinal barrier function: A meta-analysis.” Nutrition. 2016;32(9):1059–1065.
7. Barbara G, et al. “The role of lifestyle and stress in functional gastrointestinal disorders.” Neurogastroenterol Motil. 2021;33(6):e14082.