Heal from the Inside Out: Root Causes & Natural Remedies for Gut Conditions

The Gut: Your Body’s Inner Ecosystem

From IBS to Crohn’s, how to soothe inflammation, support your gut, and calm your nervous system naturally. Your gastrointestinal (GI) tract is more than just a digestive tube, it’s a central command center for your immunity, mood, hormones and inflammation.

It includes:

• Mouth, esophagus, stomach

• Small intestine, where nutrients are absorbed

• Large intestine (colon), home to trillions of bacteria (your microbiome)

• Rectum and anus, where waste is eliminated

This system breaks down food, absorbs nutrients, eliminates toxins, and houses over 70% of your immune system

Common Gut Disorders (and What They Really Mean)

1. IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)

• Functional disorder (no structural damage)

• Symptoms: bloating, constipation, diarrhea, cramping

• Often linked to stress, food sensitivities, and nervous system dysregulation

2. Crohn’s Disease

• Autoimmune condition causing deep inflammation anywhere along the GI tract

• Can lead to nutrient malabsorption and chronic pain

3. Ulcerative Colitis

• Inflammation and ulcers in the colon lining

• Common symptoms: urgency, blood in stool, fatigue

4. Coeliac Disease

• Autoimmune reaction to gluten damaging the small intestine lining

• Can cause brain fog, skin issues, bloating, nutrient deficiencies

5. Diverticulitis

• Inflammation of small pouches (diverticula) in the colon

• Triggered by low fiber diet, infections, or imbalanced gut flora

6. General Inflammation & Leaky Gut

• Damage to the gut lining lets particles “leak” into the bloodstream

• Can trigger immune reactions, allergies, autoimmunity, skin issues

7. Allergies & Food Intolerances

• Common with gut dysfunction; the immune system becomes overactive

• Often includes gluten, dairy, soy, eggs, corn, and nuts

Where Do Gut Disorders Really Come From?

Gut issues rarely have just one cause. They’re usually the result of layers of imbalance over time

Root Causes to Consider:

• Chronic stress , disrupts digestion, reduces stomach acid, slows motility

• Trauma & nervous system dysregulation, affects gut-brain connection

• Poor diet, processed foods, refined carbs, low fiber, seed oils

• Parasites, viruses, or infections (like H. pylori, Candida, SIBO)

• Antibiotic overuse , kills healthy gut bacteria

• Environmental toxins, pesticides, heavy metals, plastics

• Genetics, predispose but don’t determine outcomes

Foundational Diet for Gut Healing:

• Wholefoods, minimally processed, rich in fiber and nutrients

• Gluten-free, reduces inflammation in sensitive individuals

• Dairy-free / lactose-free, lowers mucous and inflammation

• MSG & additive-free, avoid artificial flavors and preservatives

• Anti-inflammatory fats, avocado, olive oil, omega-3s

• High-fiber vegetables, support microbiome diversity

• Filtered water, hydration is key for digestion and detox

Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV): A Forgotten Gut Hero

• Supports stomach acid production, which is often low in gut disorders

• Helps break down proteins and improves nutrient absorption

• Creates an acidic environment that protects against harmful microbes

• When diluted, it may gently soothe and tone the stomach lining

Tip: Try 1 tablespoon in warm water 15–20 minutes before meals.

Nervous System & Gut Connection: The Missing Link

The gut-brain axis is a two-way street. When your nervous system is constantly in fight-or-flight, digestion slows or shuts down entirely.

Mind-Body Practices for Gut Repair:

• Breathwork, regulates vagus nerve and digestion

• Yoga & stretching, supports blood flow and lymph drainage

• Float therapy, magnesium relaxes the nervous system

• EFT tapping, releases stored emotional stress

• Somatic healing & trauma therapy

• Massage therapy, stimulates parasympathetic healing

• Intermittent fasting, gives the gut time to rest and repair

Supplements & Herbs That Support Gut Healing: Key Supplements:

• L-glutamine, heals the gut lining

• Probiotics, repopulate healthy bacteria

• Digestive enzymes, support proper breakdown of food

• Zinc carnosine, soothes and rebuilds intestinal lining

• Omega-3s, reduce inflammation

• Magnesium, supports motility and nervous system

• Vitamin D3, essential for immune and gut regulation

• Quercetin, anti-inflammatory and anti-allergy support

Healing Herbs:

• Slippery elm & marshmallow root, mucilaginous herbs that coat and protect the gut lining

• Aloe vera juice, reduces inflammation and soothes the gut

• Chamomile & peppermint tea, reduce spasms and calm the digestive system

• Licorice root (DGL), supports mucous lining repair

Elimination Diets: What to Remove to Heal

Elimination diets help identify trigger foods and give the gut space to heal

Popular Protocols:

• Gluten-free, essential for coeliac and helpful for many gut conditions

• Dairy-free / lactose-free, reduces bloating, inflammation and mucous

• Low-FODMAP diet, removes fermentable sugars that cause bloating in IBS

• Chemical-free eating, avoiding food dyes, preservatives, additives, artificial sweeteners

• Nightshade-free, for those with autoimmune or inflammatory bowel disease

• Sugar-free, especially processed sugars that feed bad bacteria and yeast