Why Gut Issues Are Becoming So Common (But They're Not Normal!)

Ashley
Apr 4
3 min read

Digestive issues are becoming increasingly prevalent—and while they're common, that doesn’t mean they’re normal or something you have to live with. I’ve had countless conversations with clients and friends who regularly experience symptoms like bloating, cramping, constipation, diarrhea, and gut-related discomfort.

Many of the individuals I work with have struggled for years without finding lasting relief. Despite numerous visits to doctors, many are left with surface-level advice: "Just add more fiber," "Take Metamucil," or "Try a laxative." (I was even told the same thing years ago!)

The problem is, those recommendations often miss the root cause. They may offer short-term relief, but they don’t address the underlying dysfunction happening in the gut.

Understanding How Gut Imbalances Can Lead to IBS

Picture the surface area of a tennis court—that’s approximately the same size as the surface of your small intestine, where most nutrient absorption takes place. This area also houses about 60% of your immune system.

Just one cell layer separates your immune system from the contents of your digestive tract—undigested food, microbes, and toxins. When that lining becomes damaged—due to factors like stress, infections, a low-fiber, high-sugar diet, excessive alcohol, or food sensitivities—it becomes more permeable, allowing harmful substances to pass through.

This breakdown of the intestinal barrier (often referred to as "leaky gut") triggers the immune system, setting off inflammation. Think of the lining like Lego blocks stacked tightly together; when they begin to separate, the body's natural defenses kick into overdrive. This immune response can irritate the gut and trigger a cascade of symptoms tied to IBS, as well as broader concerns like mood imbalances, skin issues, autoimmune conditions, and more.

6 Strategies to Support Gut Health Naturally

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to healing the gut, but I’ve seen powerful transformations when my clients begin incorporating these seven foundational strategies:

Support Digestion with Bitters

Digestive bitters can help stimulate your body's natural digestive enzymes, improving nutrient absorption and reducing bloating or discomfort after meals. Take a few drops before eating to enhance digestion.

Reduce Sugar and Ultra-Processed Foods

These foods disrupt the gut microbiome and spike blood sugar levels, leading to brain fog, increased cravings, and nutrient depletion. Instead, opt for whole, nutrient-dense snacks like:

Plain Greek yogurt (no added sugar) with berries and protein powder
All-beef or turkey meat sticks with raw veggies
A handful of nuts paired with fruit
Dark chocolate (70% or higher)—I personally love HU Kitchen

Focus on Anti-Inflammatory Foods

Chronic inflammation is at the root of many digestive disorders. Prioritize anti-inflammatory choices like leafy greens, olive oil, turmeric, wild-caught salmon, and other omega-3-rich foods. To optimize your intake, I recommend regularly consuming Balance Oil, especially if you're avoiding seed oils. This unique blend of organic flaxseed (omega-3) and unrefined safflower oil (omega-6) is formulated in a ratio that supports optimal health. If you're not eating fish a few times a week, adding a high-quality omega-3 supplement can further support your health.

Add Fermented Foods for Probiotic Support

Incorporating probiotic-rich foods like kimchi, kombucha, kefir, yogurt (dairy or non-dairy), tempeh, and sauerkraut can help rebuild and diversify your gut flora.

Move Your Body

Physical activity is incredible for so many aspects of health—it stimulates digestion, reduces symptoms like bloating and constipation, boosts energy, supports mental clarity, and improves overall well-being. Even just 30 minutes of walking can make a big difference. For those seeking more intensity, resistance training, including weight lifting, or HIIT workouts are excellent options to further enhance digestive health, build muscle, and promote longevity.

Manage Stress Mindfully

Stress can be a major contributor to many health issues, including gut problems. Practices like breathwork, meditation, yoga, journaling, or simply unplugging can help improve the gut-brain connection and reduce flare-ups. If you're looking for some extra support in managing stress, Core Formulas Stress Control can be a great option. It helps balance hormones and supports adrenal and brain function, especially with stressors like EMF sensitivity, sleep disruptions, environmental factors, or physical stressors like pathogens.

Healing Takes Time—But It’s Worth It

There’s no overnight fix when it comes to gut health, but by addressing the why behind your symptoms and creating consistent habits that support your digestive system, you can absolutely start feeling better—more energy, less bloating, clearer skin, better mood, and improved overall well-being.

Your gut deserves attention. It’s not just about digestion—it’s the foundation of your health.