Introduction to Gut Health

Got a gut feeling something’s off? You could be right — and the culprit isn’t necessarily Taco Tuesday. “When your gut microbiome is off, think of it like a garden,” gut health expert, author and celebrity nutritionist Dr. Daryl Gioffre told The Post.

“When your gut microbiome is off, think of it like a garden,” Dr. Daryl Gioffre told The Post. T Mdlungu/peopleimages.com – stock.adobe.com
“Ideally, you want it to be full of vibrant, diverse flowers — healthy bacteria, also known as probiotics, that support digestion [and] immunity, as 80% of the immune system lives in your gut. But when the weeds take over, the balance is lost, and you will feel it.”

What is Dysbiosis?

In fact, you might be living with a condition you’ve probably never even heard of. “Most people suffer from a condition called dysbiosis, where harmful microbes, like inflammatory bacteria, parasites, active viruses and H. pylori, overgrow and start damaging the gut,” he said.
“These stealth gut infections don’t just stay contained within your gut — they weaken the gut lining, leading to leaky gut, where toxins, undigested food particles and these inflammatory pathogens breach through your gut wall and escape into your bloodstream.”

Symptoms of Leaky Gut

While not a formal diagnosis, leaky gut is known to cause bloating, constipation, indigestion, acid reflux and potentially intestinal pain.
Many people suffer from a stomach condition called dysbiosis, which leads to leaky gut, causing symptoms like constipation. Pixel-Shot – stock.adobe.com
Unfortunately, that’s not all.
“Once these toxins leak beyond the gut, they trigger widespread inflammation, leading to issues like skin problems, brain fog, anxiety, depression, cardiovascular stress and even fertility challenges,” Gioffre said.

The Importance of a Balanced Gut

“A thriving gut means keeping the probiotics strong and keeping the harmful microbes in check,” he said. “The key is not just eliminating the bad but nurturing and strengthening the good, so your microbiome can work for you, not against you.”
It can also cause bloating and acid reflux. milanmarkovic78 – stock.adobe.com

The Weed, Seed, and Feed Approach

At that point, it’s time for a total gut reset to reduce inflammation and restore balance — using what he calls the “weed, seed and feed” approach.
“The first step in gut healing is to weed out harmful triggers that disrupt the microbiome. This means eliminating inflammatory foods like gluten, seed oils, dairy, processed sugar, artificial sweeteners and ultra-processed foods — all of which fuel inflammation and weaken gut function,” he explained.
“Next, we seed the gut by restoring stomach acid and optimizing digestion with apple cider vinegar, digestive enzymes and bitters. These help reduce inflammation and improve nutrient absorption. Strengthening the gut terrain with spore-based probiotics and prebiotic-rich foods supports a balanced microbiome.”
“And, finally, we feed the gut to heal and seal the gut wall, strengthening it from the inside out,” he noted. “This starts with nutrient-dense, gut-balancing foods like bone broth, leafy greens, fermented foods and omega-3- and probiotic-rich foods.”

Additional Support and Lifestyle Changes

Sadly, the work doesn’t completely end there because “the gut is constantly under attack from toxins, stress, inflammatory foods and environmental pollutants, making extra supplemental support essential,” according to Gioffre.
Celebrity nutritionist and author Daryl Gioffre is a gut health expert. courtesy of Dr. Daryl Gioffre
That’s why he recommends a scoop of Gut Punch by Alkamind — which he developed — in 6 ounces of water on an empty stomach every morning for powerhouse protection.
Needless to say, making healthy lifestyle choices is also crucial to keeping your gut happy.
“Equally important is managing stress and prioritizing sleep, as chronic stress disrupts digestion by keeping the body in fight-or-flight mode,” he said.
“Movement and sweating also play a key role, improving gut motility and eliminating toxins — something as simple as a brisk walk or gentle rebounding can make a huge difference.”

Conclusion

So, if you’ve got chronic bloating, unexplained breakouts or a foggy brain — maybe it’s time to start listening to your gut.
As Gioffre reminds us, “Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, said it best: ‘Look to the gut, for it is where all disease begins.’ The gut is the foundation of health and longevity, and by strengthening and healing it, you’ll experience better digestion, more energy, a stronger immune system and overall improved well-being.”

FAQs

Q: What is dysbiosis?
A: Dysbiosis is a condition where harmful microbes, like inflammatory bacteria, parasites, active viruses, and H. pylori, overgrow and start damaging the gut.
Q: What are the symptoms of leaky gut?
A: Leaky gut can cause bloating, constipation, indigestion, acid reflux, and potentially intestinal pain, as well as skin problems, brain fog, anxiety, depression, cardiovascular stress, and fertility challenges.
Q: How can I improve my gut health?
A: Improving gut health involves eliminating inflammatory foods, restoring stomach acid and optimizing digestion, and feeding the gut with nutrient-dense, gut-balancing foods.
Q: Why is it important to prioritize sleep and manage stress?
A: Chronic stress disrupts digestion by keeping the body in fight-or-flight mode, while prioritizing sleep and managing stress can help improve gut health and overall well-being.