Getting to the ‘Guts’ of it all…
Why a Gut-Centred Approach is Always a Good Idea - an Introduction
When it comes to addressing health concerns, the gut is often overlooked in mainstream medicine. Often clients report that they have been told ‘you just have IBS’, or it’s of no concern. Other clients have had investigations where seemingly nothing of note has been found - and yet, they still suffer constant and debilitating symptoms. And thirdly, in many conditions, the gut isn’t even considered. However, the gut and its complex microbiome play an integral role in nearly every aspect of our health. From autoimmune conditions to gynaecological disorders such as PCOS, endometriosis, and adenomyosis, to mental health challenges like anxiety, skin conditions, even frequent colds and flus - the health of the gut sets the stage for overall well-being. We’re here to change the status-quo, we’re taking a gut-centred approach, and for good reason! Here are just a few examples:
A well-balanced microbiome is essential for immune function, hormone regulation, and neurotransmitter production. An imbalanced microbiome, on the other hand, can contribute to chronic inflammation, immune dysregulation, and a cascade of health issues that seem disconnected but often trace back to the same source. The gut is not simply where food is digested; it is where the body determines what is safe and what is not. It is home to trillions of bacteria that communicate with the immune system, influence mood, and regulate hormones.
For those navigating autoimmune conditions, gut health is a critical piece of the puzzle. The relationship between the gut lining and the immune system is intimate—up to 80% of the immune system resides in the gut-associated lymphoid tissue. When the integrity of the gut lining is compromised, things like undigested food particles and toxins can enter the bloodstream, triggering an immune response that can contribute to autoimmune conditions such as Hashimoto’s, rheumatoid arthritis, and so much more. Restoring gut health reduces this inflammatory burden and helps bring the immune system back into balance.
In women’s health, the gut plays a profound role in hormone metabolism. Conditions like PCOS, endometriosis, and adenomyosis are often linked to excess oestrogen (or relative excess), inflammation, and immune dysfunction—all of which are influenced by the gut microbiome. Specific bacterial populations help break down and remove excess oestrogen from the body. When gut bacteria are imbalanced, oestrogen clearance is impaired, potentially worsening symptoms. By restoring microbial balance and strengthening gut integrity, we can support hormonal harmony and ease many of the debilitating symptoms associated with these conditions. Experiencing increased bloating around your period? The gut is full of oestrogen receptors!
And then there’s anxiety—the insidious, ever-present undercurrent that so many struggle with. The gut-brain connection is undeniable. The gut produces around 90% of the body’s serotonin and houses the vagus nerve, the 10th cranial nerve, which acts as a direct communication line between the gut and the brain. If the gut is inflamed, has impaired barrier function, or overrun with pathogenic bacteria, it can send distress signals to the brain, triggering anxiety, mood imbalances, and even depression. Supporting the gut means supporting the nervous system. When we heal the gut, neurotransmitters function optimally, and the nervous system can find its rhythm again.
One of the most common misconceptions about gut health is the belief that digestive symptoms such as bloating, irregular bowel movements, and reflux are simply normal inconveniences. They may be common, but they are not normal. These symptoms are signals—your body’s way of telling you something isn’t right. Suppressing them with quick-fix solutions does not address the root cause; it only prolongs suffering. At Every Season Naturopathy, we are committed to unravelling the complexity of each individual’s concerns and getting to the source of the issue rather than masking symptoms.
To truly understand the gut, we use the gold standard in metagenomic sequencing for microbiome testing. This allows us to gain precise insights into bacterial populations, inflammatory markers, and gut function, giving us the best information available to tailor treatment strategies. We do not rely on a one-size-fits-all approach. Each person’s microbiome is unique, and so too should be their path to healing.
Healing the gut is not a quick fix. It is a journey. It requires patience, commitment, and a willingness to listen to the body’s needs. The band-aid approach simply doesn’t work because the gut is not an isolated system—it is deeply interconnected with every other function in the body. When we fix the gut, everything else becomes easier to manage. Hormones balance, immune function stabilises, and the nervous system finds its equilibrium.
At Every Season Naturopathy, we are with you every step of the way. We believe in empowering our clients with knowledge, supporting them through the ups and downs, and celebrating every milestone on their path to better health. Because when you heal your gut, you give your body the foundation it needs to thrive.