How to heal your stomach naturally in 2024 (Gut Reset)

“New year, new me.”

You may have started 2024 fully dedicated to your vision of a healthier life, like so many people. 

Perhaps you emptied your pantry of all sugary delights, or vowed to exercise every day. 

If you’ve lost momentum a few weeks later, please don’t feel bad, you’re in good company! Research shows that 43 per cent of people ditch their resolution before January ends, for a number of reasons, such as inadequate planning and lack of accountability. 

Did you know that poor gut health could be another culprit?

Your body contains specialised nerves that connect your gut to your brain. The more good bacteria in your stomach, the higher levels of dopamine (a feel-good hormone) in your brain. 

On the other hand, an imbalanced community of gut bacteria (microbiome) has been shown to lower motivation to exercise. 

But New Year's resolutions aside, there’s a bigger concern when the bad bugs take over. 

We know that mental and physical health are both compromised when harmful bacteria dominate the intestinal system (gut dysbiosis).

What is gut dysbiosis? 

This condition occurs when the gut microbial community becomes imbalanced due to a lack of diversity. Different organisms (or gut flora) have vital roles to play in maintaining a healthy system. Problems occur when organism populations drastically change. This allows harmful bacteria to thrive in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and create inflammation in the entire body.

 Common side effects of gut dysbiosis include: 

• Stress, depression and anxiety
• Insomnia
• Brain fog
• Sleep disturbances
• Lower immunity (more susceptible to illness)
• Fatigue
• Digestive symptoms like bloating, gas, diarrhoea, acid reflux and constipation
• Food intolerances
• Skin rashes and acne 

People with gut dysbiosis are also more likely to develop chronic health conditions like diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular disease.

What causes gut dysbiosis? 

Gut problems are widespread in Australia, impacting more than half our population, according to the CSIRO. 

Poor gut health is caused by a number of factors – such as genetics, diet, medication, hygiene, lifestyle habits and environmental influences. 

Thankfully, there are steps you can take to heal your gut naturally.

How to heal your stomach naturally with a gut reset:

Lifestyle and diet changes are the best way to detox and heal your gastrointestinal system. 

Cut down on processed and sugary foods, while increasing your intake of a diverse range of whole foods – especially those that are high in fibre. Examples include vegetables, fruits, nuts, beans, meat, seeds, poultry, herbs, spices and dairy. Different kinds of foods introduce different bacteria into your system, which is important for establishing a healthy microbiome. 

Fermented foods such as kefir, yoghurt, sauerkraut and kombucha help to repopulate your gut with good bacteria. 

Many people with sensitive guts also benefit from eliminating gluten and unfermented dairy products from their diet for a period of time. 

On top of dietary changes, it’s crucial to regularly exercise. Walking is a gentle way to stimulate your stomach muscles, while also managing stress, which can negatively impact gut flora. Try to get enough quality sleep every night as well!

Gut cleanse supplements and herbs to heal stomach lining:

If you’re motivated to heal your gut health through lifestyle changes, then gut cleanse supplements will support your recovery – but only if suitable for your body. 

There’s a wide array of products on the market, and some can do more harm than good. Just because a supplement is promoted as beneficial, doesn’t mean it’s good for you personally! 

If you have digestive problems, the last thing you need is to add potential irritants to an already overloaded system. Please ask a doctor or pharmacist about their recommendations for quality gut cleanse supplements that work well with your bodily constitution. 

At Specialist Clinic Pharmacy, we prefer to have one-to-one appointments with customers, so we can make recommendations based on their individual needs. We only suggest brands that are backed by extensive clinical research and rigorous testing – such as Metagenics, which has been around for over 30 years.

 A few products that our customers find beneficial: 

• Glutagenics oral powder: repairs the gut from inflammation. 

• Ultra Flora Intensive Care: probiotics and prebiotics to restore good bacteria. 

• Meta B complex: rapidly acting B-complex to maintain healthy energy levels. 

• Resist-X Advanced: assists in weight loss via liver detoxification. Reduces sugar cravings and helps to break down fat. 

• Ultra Flora GI Soothe: improves symptoms of IBS. One of our top products to aid digestion and soothe gut discomfort.

Book an appointment with one of our pharmacists for advice on how to heal your gut naturally

We all have different constitutions and lifestyles, so everyone’s healing journey is unique! We’re happy to sit down with you to discuss the best gut cleanse supplements for your body’s needs.

Specialist Clinic Pharmacy is committed to offering unparalleled service, paired with a wide range of products that support your vitality. We take pride in delivering a personalised service with genuine care for our customers.

Call (02) 4737 3456 or fill out this form to book an appointment.