Bloating after meals. Energy that crashes out of nowhere. Skin that’s suddenly breaking out. These kinds of symptoms can feel frustrating on their own, but more often than not, they’re all connected. And the common thread? Your gut.
Your digestive system isn’t just about breaking down food. It plays a key role in everything from hormone balance and mood to skin clarity, immunity, and energy production. So when your gut isn’t functioning properly, it can show up in ways that don’t always feel obviously related to digestion.
Some of the most common signs your gut might need a little love include:
- Persistent bloating or a heavy feeling after meal
- Excessive burping and/or flatulence
- Constipation, loose stools, or fluctuating bowel habits
- Reflux, nausea, or that uncomfortable “stuck” sensation after eating
- Acne, eczema, dermatitis, or skin irritation that won’t settle
- Fatigue and brain fog
- Food sensitivities or unpredictable reactions to meals
- Cravings for sugar or carbs
If any of these sound familiar, you’re not alone. And the good news is that there’s a lot you can do to support your gut naturally.
Here are a few simple (but powerful) ways to start:
- Eat slowly and chew your food properly. It sounds basic, but digestion begins in the mouth. Rushing meals or eating while distracted can make your gut work harder than it needs to.
- Pay attention to how foods make you feel. If something leaves you bloated, foggy, or uncomfortable every time, it’s worth noting. This doesn’t mean you have to cut it out, but it could be a clue that your gut needs some extra care.
- Support regular bowel movements. Your body clears waste and toxins through your bowels. Staying hydrated, moving your body daily, and including gentle fibres like flaxseeds, well cooked vegetables or stewed fruit (e.g. apple) can help.
- Find ways to support your nervous system. The gut and brain are closely connected. Even five minutes of slow belly breathing, sunlight exposure, or a walk outside can help move your body into a calmer, more digestible state.
If your symptoms are lingering or you’ve already tried the usual advice without much improvement, it might be time to take a more targeted approach.
As a naturopath, I work closely with clients to identify the why behind your symptoms. This often includes comprehensive health history analysis, diet and lifestyle assessments, and functional testing such as gut microbiome analysis. Microbiome testing gives us insight into what’s really going on in your gut — including bacterial imbalances, inflammation, digestive insufficiencies, and even parasites — so we can address the root cause rather than just manage symptoms on the surface.
From there, we build a treatment plan that’s realistic, tailored to your body, and designed to support long-term gut health. This might include practitioner-grade supplements, dietary strategies, nervous system support, and guidance around food reintroductions once symptoms are under control.
If your gut’s been off for a while and you’re ready to feel better (not just manage symptoms), I’d love to support you.
I’m a degree-qualified naturopath and founder of The Pillars Naturopathy, where I specialise in helping clients improve their gut health, hormone balance, and overall wellbeing. I’ve supported hundreds of clients with chronic bloating, skin issues, fatigue, and digestive discomfort to get to the root cause of their symptoms and feel like themselves again.
You can find me at The Pillars Naturopathy, online or in my Sydney clinic on Manly Beach, for consultations that go beyond band-aid solutions.
Because when your gut is thriving, the rest of you can too!
Written by
Dominique McGuire
Clinical Naturopath - BHSc (Nat)