Your Gut Is More Than Just Digestion—Here’s Why It Matters

When you think about gut health, you probably think about digestion—how well your body processes food, absorbs nutrients, and eliminates waste. But did you know your gut does so much more than that?

In functional medicine, we see the gut as the foundation of health because it impacts every system in your body—including your brain, immune system, hormones, and even your mood!

A Quick Tour of Your Digestive Tract

Your gut isn’t just your stomach—it’s an entire system working in harmony:

🔹 Mouth & Stomach: The first step in digestion! Chewing and stomach acid break down food for absorption.
🔹 Small Intestine: Where most nutrient absorption happens. A healthy gut lining prevents “leaky gut.”
🔹 Large Intestine (Colon): Home to trillions of gut bacteria that influence digestion, immunity, and even brain health.
🔹 Liver & Gallbladder: Key players in detox and fat digestion.
🔹 Gut-Brain Connection: Your gut produces neurotransmitters like serotonin, affecting mood, focus, and energy.

Why Functional Medicine Focuses on the Gut

Most chronic health issues—like bloating, fatigue, skin problems, anxiety, and autoimmune conditions—can be traced back to gut imbalances. When your gut isn’t functioning properly, your whole body feels it.

Common Signs of an Unhealthy Gut:
❌ Frequent bloating or gas
❌ Food sensitivities or digestive discomfort
❌ Fatigue, brain fog, or mood swings
❌ Skin issues like acne or eczema
❌ Autoimmune conditions or inflammation

How to Start Supporting Your Gut Today

✅ Chew your food well to aid digestion
✅ Eat fiber-rich foods (veggies, flaxseeds, chia) to nourish gut bacteria
✅ Reduce processed foods that cause inflammation
✅ Drink bone broth to support gut lining
✅ Manage stress—chronic stress harms digestion

Want to Dig Deeper?

If you’ve been struggling with gut symptoms and don’t know where to start, I can help you find the root cause and create a healing plan tailored to your body’s needs.

👉 Schedule a free 15-minute consultation here to take the first step toward better digestion, more energy, and a healthier you!

To your health,
Nichole Erhardt
Wellness with Nichole
wellwithnichole.com