What Are 7 Ways to Improve Your Gut Health?

Let me just start by saying this: gut health isn’t new to me. I’m an acupuncturist—and from the very beginning of my practice, I was taught that your gut is everything. Digestion, skin, mood, immunity, hormones—it all starts in the center.

But knowing that and living it? Two different things. Over the past several months, my own gut healing journey (thank you, SIBO 🙄) has been humbling. It reminded me that no matter how much we know, our bodies are always teaching us something new. And it’s what we do consistently—not perfectly—that makes the difference.

So if you’re feeling foggy, bloated, inflamed, or just… off? Let’s talk. There are actually things you can start doing today that are simple, supportive, and powerful for gut health.

Here are seven things I personally use and recommend—not just as a practitioner, but as someone walking through this with you.

1. Eat More Plants. No, Not Just Salad.

Look, I love a good spring mix—but improving your gut microbiome isn’t just about eating lettuce. Your gut bacteria thrive on variety. Think colorful veggies, leafy greens, herbs, garlic, onions, berries, sweet potatoes... even lentils (if you can handle them).

This kind of fiber feeds the good bugs in your gut. And when the good ones are happy? You feel it. More energy, better digestion, less bloat. Total win.

Try to get 10–20 different plant-based foods in your meals each week. It sounds like a lot, but it adds up fast when you mix things up in your smoothies, soups, and stir-fries.

2. Get Fermented—but Not in the Friday Night Way

Fermented foods are basically probiotic gold. Things like sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir, coconut yogurt, and even a good old-fashioned pickle (the kind in the fridge, not the shelf-stable kind in vinegar) all help flood your gut with beneficial bacteria.

If you’re new to them, go slow. A tablespoon of sauerkraut a day is a great start. Your gut might throw a little party... or a protest at first. Totally normal. Keep it gentle and build up.

3. Give Your Gut a Break

Here’s something no one tells you when you’re dealing with gut issues: digestion takes work. Like, a lot of it. If you’re constantly eating (hello, grazers), your gut never gets a chance to rest and reset.

Enter intermittent fasting. I’m not talking extreme 18-hour fasts. Just a 12-hour window—like finishing dinner by 7pm and eating breakfast at 7am—can be powerful. It gives your gut time to clean house and helps reduce inflammation.

And bonus: you’re not eating right before bed, which helps with sleep and blood sugar too.

4. Ditch the Sugar (Even If It Hurts)

Look, I love a cookie as much as anyone. But if your gut is struggling, sugar is not your friend. It feeds the “bad guys” in your microbiome and leads to yeast overgrowth, inflammation, and major energy crashes.

Here’s what I did: I swapped out processed sugars for things like monk fruit, raw honey (in moderation), and fresh fruit. I still enjoy food—I’m just a little more intentional about what I’m feeding (me or my symptoms?).

5. Hydrate Like You Mean It

I know, I know. You’ve heard this a million times. But if your gut isn’t properly hydrated, everything slows down—including digestion, elimination (ahem), and detox.

I keep a big glass water bottle with me throughout the day and toss in some electrolytes or a slice of lemon when I want to feel fancy. Aim for half your body weight in ounces daily—and don’t wait until you’re thirsty.

6. Chill Out (Seriously, It Matters)

We cannot talk gut health without talking about stress. When your nervous system is in fight-or-flight, digestion slows down, absorption decreases, and inflammation kicks up. It's not just emotional—it's physical.

3 Mushroom Blend

Helps to support your immune system, energy levels, and brain function as you prepare to slay the day. Experience an all-natural energy and brain boost without any caffeine. Mushroom Blend awakening that supports energy levels, mental agility, and immune system function by supporting optimal gut health!

I Need Better Gut Health!

This is where I love my 3 Mushroom Blend. It's a mix of turkey tail, cordyceps, and lion’s mane—adaptogenic mushrooms that help calm the system, boost mental clarity, and support immune function through the gut. Plus, it gives me clean energy without any caffeine crashes. I use it in my morning routine or add it to a smoothie on days when my brain feels foggy and my body feels heavy.

If you need to shift your nervous system and gently support healing, it’s one of my favorite tools.

7. Add in the Right Supplements (Only If You Need Them)

You do not need to order $300 worth of supplements from a wellness influencer with 12-pack abs. But some targeted support can be really helpful when you’re healing your gut.

My personal faves?

• Collagen peptides or bone broth protein – for repairing the gut lining
• Soil-based probiotics – they actually survive your stomach acid
• Digestive enzymes – especially helpful if food just sits like a rock
• L-glutamine – a gentle amino acid that soothes and supports the gut lining

Start with one. See how you feel. You don’t have to do it all at once.

Let’s Wrap This Up…

If you’re here because you’re bloated, sluggish, or just off—you are not alone. And you’re definitely not broken.

Our guts take a beating these days, between stress, processed foods, antibiotics, and just... life. But healing is possible. And it doesn’t have to feel impossible.

Start where you are. Pick one of these seven gut-loving habits and try it this week. Then build from there.

And if you’re wondering whether your gut might be at the root of your issues, I’ve got something for you.

📥 Download my free guide: 8 Signs You Might Be Suffering From Poor Gut Health
It's simple, no fluff, and full of aha moments that might just explain what’s going on.

If this helped, hit reply or leave a comment—I’d love to know which of the seven shifts you're working on first.

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I am not a medical professional, and the information provided on this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any changes to your skincare or wellness routine.