The Truth About Gut Healing: Busting 3 Common Myths

Gut health is one of the most talked-about topics in wellness today, and for good reason. When your gut is out of balance, it can affect nearly every area of your life. From mood and energy to hormone balance and immune function, a healthy gut is the foundation for overall well-being. However, there’s a lot of confusion and misinformation about what actually supports gut health and what doesn’t.

As a holistic health expert, I see women all the time who struggle with gut health issues but have been led down the wrong path because of common myths. These myths can prevent them from achieving real healing and ultimately cause them to feel frustrated and stuck.

In this post, I’m going to break down three of the most common myths I encounter when it comes to gut health. I’ll share why they’re not true and how you can approach gut healing in a way that actually works.

Myth #1: Probiotics Fix Everything

Probiotics are often marketed as a cure-all for gut issues, and while they have their place in supporting a healthy gut microbiome, they don’t always do what people expect. Many believe that by simply taking a probiotic supplement, they can fix their gut health problems, and that’s simply not the case.

The misconception arises because probiotics are often seen as a one-size-fits-all solution. The truth is that probiotics don’t target bad bacteria that may be causing digestive issues. If you have an overgrowth of harmful bacteria, pathogens, or yeast in your gut, introducing more good bacteria may not address the root cause.

To truly heal your gut, you need to clear out the harmful bacteria, viruses, or other pathogens that are disrupting your digestive function. Only then can you build a healthy microbiome with probiotics and other beneficial foods. If you’re not addressing the imbalances first, probiotics alone will do little to restore proper gut function.

If you suspect that harmful bacteria or pathogens are an issue, I recommend working with a qualified practitioner to assess your gut health and develop a targeted approach to clear out the imbalances.

Myth #2: Bloating is “Normal”

How often have you heard someone say, “Bloating is just a normal part of life” or “It happens to everyone”? Many women accept bloating as a part of their everyday experience, but that doesn’t make it normal.

Bloating is actually a sign your gut is out of balance and needs attention. While occasional bloating may happen in some cases (especially after overeating or consuming certain foods), persistent or frequent bloating indicates something deeper going on in the digestive system. It could be a sign of:

• Low stomach acid (HCL): When your stomach acid is too low, food isn’t broken down properly, leading to bloating and discomfort.
• A sluggish liver: If your liver isn’t functioning properly, it can’t process toxins or waste effectively, leading to bloating and digestive issues. This is connected to low bile production and or even gallstones.
• Bacterial overgrowth or imbalance: An overgrowth of bacteria and other bugs can create digestive distress and lead to symptoms like bloating, gas, and cramping (as one example).
• Stress or past dietary habits: Stress and poor dietary choices, even those made years ago, can impact your gut health and contribute to bloating.

If you’re consistently experiencing bloating, it’s important to listen to your body and figure out the underlying cause. Bloating is a red flag that shouldn’t be ignored. It’s not just something you should accept—it’s an invitation to explore what’s really going on in your digestive system.

Myth #3: Restrictive Diets Heal the Gut

Many people turn to restrictive diets like FODMAPs, elimination diets, or cutting out entire food groups in an effort to “heal” their gut. These diets can provide temporary relief, but they don’t address the underlying issues causing the gut imbalance in the first place.

While restrictive diets may alleviate symptoms in the short term, they often fail to provide the long-term healing the gut truly needs. Here’s the thing: while certain foods may cause discomfort in the short term, like broccoli, onions, or cruciferous vegetables, they can actually help clear accumulated pathogens and bacteria from the stomach and intestines. These foods are packed with fiber and nutrients that support the body’s natural cleansing processes, among many other benefits. However, they can lead to temporary discomfort, especially if you have a lot of imbalance in your digestive system.

If you’re finding that foods like broccoli or onions make you feel worse, it’s a good idea to hold off on these foods for a while and give your body time to heal. In the meantime, try incorporating more gentle, gut-friendly foods that are nourishing and easier on your digestive system, such as:

• Papaya: This tropical fruit contains enzymes that help break down proteins and support digestion.
• Aloe vera juice: Known for its soothing and healing properties, aloe vera helps to calm inflammation in the digestive tract.
• Celery juice: Known for its ability to improve digestion, celery juice helps increase stomach acid production and supports cleansing.

These foods are not only gentle but also nourishing for the gut, providing healing support without overwhelming your system. Another reason certain fruits and vegetables can make your stomach uncomfortable is due to sensitive nerves. When we have sensitive nerves in the intestines, fibrous or scrubbing foods like spinach or even certain fruits can feel uncomfortable. This is why we have to work within your window of tolerance, finding foods that help uproot the underlying issue but still do not make you uncomfortable while going through this process. This is what I cover inside my monthly community.

It’s Time to Listen to Your Body

If you’ve been struggling with gut health issues, it’s important to recognize that gut healing is not a one-size-fits-all journey. While some foods may be problematic for you right now, they may actually be part of the healing process once your gut is in a better state. The key is to listen to your body and give it what it needs at every stage of healing.

If you’re cutting out foods like fruits, vegetables, or whole food groups because they cause discomfort, it’s essential to ask yourself:

• Why is my body reacting this way?
• What can I do to heal my gut and restore balance?

The answers to these questions will guide you on your healing journey, and when you approach gut health in this holistic way, you’ll find that healing is not only possible—it’s much more sustainable.

Join Me for a Deep Dive into Gut Health

If you’re ready to learn more about gut health, break free from the myths, and get to the real reasons you are experiencing gut issues while finding solutions your body needs, I invite you to join me in my community this month. In our teaching call, I’m diving deep into these topics and sharing practical strategies to help you restore gut health and thrive.

Let’s work together to address your gut health in a way that truly supports your long-term wellness.