Why Gut Issues Aren’t Always Caused by Food (And What to Do Instead)
If you're dealing with bloating, gas, constipation, diarrhea, or even skin rashes, it's easy to feel like you're constantly guessing — or worse, Googling — trying to figure out what the heck is going on inside your body.
I get it. I’ve been there too.
I remember a time when I had eliminated more foods than I could eat from my diet— and still ended up with digestive issues like bloating, gas, and chronic constipation.
It’s frustrating. And unfortunately, it’s very common.
Why Food Isn’t Always the Problem
Most people assume their gut symptoms are caused by something they ate. And that’s not a totally wild guess — after all, some symptoms show up right after meals. But that logic can actually keep you stuck.
Eliminating food becomes the go-to strategy. But when that doesn’t lead to lasting relief, you’re left confused, restricted, and still not feeling great.
Don’t get me wrong — food is important. The right nutrition is key to keeping your gut nourished and functioning properly. But food is rarely the root cause of gut dysfunction. It’s often just the messenger.
Common Root Causes of Gut Dysfunction
Your digestive system is made up of many moving parts. When even one piece isn’t doing its job well, you’ll feel it — sometimes in very unpredictable ways.
Here are just a few of the issues that could be going on underneath the symptoms:
Low stomach acid – Makes it hard to break down food and can lead to heartburn, bloating, or nutrient deficiencies.
Poor bile production – Without enough bile from the gallbladder, digesting fats becomes difficult and uncomfortable.
Microbial imbalances – Things like H. pylori, yeast, parasites, or general dysbiosis can wreak havoc on your gut lining and immune system.
A stressed-out nervous system – If your body is stuck in “fight-or-flight,” digestion slows way down (because your body thinks you’re running from a bear, not digesting dinner).
Enzyme or hormone issues – Without the proper chemical messengers, your body doesn’t know how to digest or absorb what you’re eating.
And honestly, that’s just the beginning.
Why Eliminating Foods Doesn’t Fix the Root
When the gut isn’t working properly, food becomes a trigger — not a cause.
So while it might seem like gluten, dairy, or sugar are the problem, it’s often your gut’s impaired function that’s behind the symptoms.
This is why people can end up on long-term, highly restrictive diets. You remove more and more foods trying to feel better, but never address what’s actually broken. Eventually, your food list is so small that meals become stressful, eating out is a nightmare, and you’re afraid to reintroduce anything — even when your symptoms start to fade.
That’s not freedom. That’s survival mode.
How I Help You Heal (Without the Guesswork)
The good news? You don’t have to figure all of this out alone.
I spent years trying to DIY my gut healing. I tried the elimination diets, the over-the-counter supplements, and the endless internet rabbit holes. And while some things helped a little… nothing actually fixed the cause.
That’s why I created Nourish Freely, my 3-month program designed to help you identify and heal the root cause of your digestive issues.
Inside the program, I use in-depth assessments to pinpoint exactly where dysfunction is happening and build a personalized plan that includes nutrition, targeted supplements, and lifestyle support.
You get clear guidance, not guesswork. You get to enjoy food again — not fear it. And most importantly, you get to feel like yourself again.
Gut Healing Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated
Gut health is complex, but your healing plan doesn’t have to be. When you know what’s actually going on, you can stop spinning your wheels and start seeing real progress.
You deserve to feel good in your body. You deserve answers.
And I’d be honored to help you find them.
You can setup a free consultation call to discuss more or feel free to check out more about my program.
