Your Gut Health Matters More Than You Think
If your energy feels off, your digestion seems unpredictable, or your mood swings feel stronger than usual, your gut may be asking for attention. The gut isn’t just where food is digested; it’s the foundation of immune health, hormone balance, mental clarity, and overall vitality.
At Rooted Functional Medicine, we view gut health as the starting point for total wellness, because when your gut is balanced, the rest of your body can follow.
1. Feed the Good Bacteria
Your gut is home to trillions of bacteria, some helpful, some harmful. The balance between them determines how you feel day to day. One of the simplest ways to support this balance is through food.
Try to:
Include 25–30 grams of fiber daily (from plants, fruits, seeds, and legumes).
Add fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, or kimchi a few times a week.
Rotate your produce, aim for different colors each week to feed diverse bacteria.
Small, consistent changes are more effective than restrictive diets. Your gut thrives on variety and nourishment, not deprivation.
2. Support Digestion Naturally
Your digestive system works best when it feels supported — not rushed. Before reaching for supplements, try resetting some daily habits that make a big difference:
Chew slowly and take a few deep breaths before eating.
Hydrate throughout the day (not just with meals).
Move gently after eating, even a short walk aids motility.
Reduce chronic stress, which can disrupt digestion as much as poor diet.
These mindful habits help your body shift into “rest and digest” mode, a state where healing and balance can actually occur.
3. Listen to Your Gut (Literally)
Your gut often communicates before labs do. If you notice signs like:
Bloating after meals
Irregular bowel movements
Food sensitivities
Fatigue or brain fog
…these may be your body’s way of asking for deeper support. While online tips are a great start, every gut is unique, which means what works for one person might not work for another.
4. Take the Next Step Toward a Balanced Gut
Sometimes, surface-level changes aren’t enough. Comprehensive functional lab testing (like the GI-MAP) can reveal the “why” behind your symptoms, identifying imbalances in bacteria, yeast, digestion, and inflammation.
Working with a functional medicine provider ensures you get personalized recommendations that address your specific needs, not just temporary relief.
If you’re ready to learn more, take our Gut Check Quiz or schedule a Discovery Call to explore your next steps. Your gut may be the root cause you’ve been overlooking, and restoring it might be the key to feeling your best again.