Okay let’s be honest…something isn’t right.
I shouldn’t feel bloated after every meal.
I shouldn’t be running to the bathroom — or worse, not going at all for days.
I shouldn’t feel exhausted after eating, like I need a nap instead of energy.
And this brain fog? These random skin breakouts? The aching joints?
I keep telling myself it’s normal. But deep down, I know it’s not. Something’s off, and it all starts in my gut.
So, here’s what I need to remember…
I Am Not What I Eat - I’m What I Absorb
I’ve been so focused on eating the “right” foods, but if my body can’t actually break down and absorb the nutrients, what’s the point?
If my gut isn’t working properly, it doesn’t matter if I’m eating the most nutrient dense, highest quality foods. If I can’t absorb it, my body can’t use it.
And right now, my gut isn’t absorbing what it should. Why?
My Gut Lining Has Been Under Attack
Gluten, dairy, and sugar… I didn’t realize how much damage they were doing. They weren’t just causing bloating — they were literally wrecking my gut lining, creating tiny holes (leaky gut) that let’s toxins, bacteria, and undigested food slip into my bloodstream.
And what happens then? Inflammation. Brain fog. Fatigue. Food Sensitivities. Joint pain. Skin issues.
It’s time to stop ignoring this. I need to give my gut a break.
My Stomach Acid is Too Weak to Do Its Job
I always thought acid reflex meant too much stomach acid…turns out, it usually the opposite.
Low stomach acid = weak digestion.
Without enough HCl (hydrochloric acid)
❌ I can’t break down protein properly.
❌ My gallbladder doesn’t release enough bile to digest fats.
❌ Nutrients like B12, iron, and zinc don’t get absorbed.
And guess what? Making HCl takes energy — and stress, processed food, and drinking too much water with meals all make it worse.
So, what if I started supporting my stomach acid instead of suppressing it?
✔︎ Chew my food slowly to trigger acid production.
✔︎ Add bitter foods (like lemon and apple cider vinegar) before meals.
✔︎ Stop chugging water while eating (it dilutes acid and weakens digestion).
I Need to Give My Body the Right Tools
Enzymes are the workers of digestion. If they’re not there, foods don’t get broken down properly, and I pay the price later (hello, bloating and discomfort).
✔︎ Eat more fruits & veggies (pineapple & papaya have natural enzymes).
✔︎ Chew, chew, chew — because digestion starts in the mouth!
✔︎ Consider a digestive enzyme supplement if I need extra support.
My Gut Can’t Heal if I’m Always Stressed
I can eat perfectly, take all the right supplements, but if my body is stuck in a stress mode (fight or flight)…digestion is going to suffer.
Stress literally shuts down digestion. It tells my body, “We don’t have time to break down food right now — we’re busy surviving!”
So, if I want to actually digest and absorb my food, I need to:
✔︎ Breathe before eating — slow down, shift into rest-and-digest mode.
✔︎ Eat without distractions — no scrolling, no rushing, just being present.
✔︎ Chew food well — because digestion starts in my mouth, not my stomach.
My Gut Bacteria Needs Love
My gut is home to trillions of bacteria that help break down food, support my immune system, and even impact my mood.
Right now, my gut bacteria feels off.
✔︎ Prebiotic foods (garlic, onions, asparagus) = feed the good bacteria.
✔︎ Probiotic foods (kimchi and sauerkraut) = add more good bacteria.
✔︎ Less sugar & processed food = stop feeding the bad bacteria.
Dear Body, I Hear You
I see the signs. The bloating, the fatigue, the brain fog, the cravings, the breakouts. They aren’t random. They’re signals.
It’s time to listen.
It’s time to fix this.
It starts with my gut.
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