Guts vs Science

How much does science know and what works?

What Is Gut Health, and Why Is It Important?

Your gut is home to trillions of tiny organisms called the gut microbiome. These bacteria, fungi, and other microbes help break down food, regulate the immune system, and communicate with your brain. This communication happens through the “gut-brain axis,” a two-way network connecting your digestive system and nervous system.

When this balance is disrupted—by stress, a poor diet, or illness—it can throw everything out of sync. The result? Gut issues like bloating, pain, or irregular bowel habits, which can also affect your mental health due to the close connection between the gut and brain.

Why Are Women More Prone to Gut Issues?

1. Hormones at Play

   Women’s hormones, especially oestrogen and progesterone, play a big role in gut health. Fluctuations during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or menopause can cause bloating, pain, and changes in bowel habits. These hormone shifts can even influence the types of bacteria in the gut microbiome.

   
   

2. Stress Hits Harder

   Stress is a gut disruptor, and women are more likely to experience stress-related gut problems. This is partly due to the stronger link between emotions and the gut-brain connection in women.

   
   

3. Gut Sensitivity

   Women’s guts tend to be more sensitive, making symptoms like cramping, bloating, and discomfort more intense. This is why conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are more common in women.

   
   

Common Gut Disorders That Affect Women

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): IBS causes pain, bloating, and irregular bowel movements. Stress and certain foods often worsen symptoms. While not life-threatening, IBS can significantly impact daily life.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): IBD includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, both of which cause chronic inflammation in the gut. Women often experience more severe symptoms, including fatigue, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain.

Holistic Solutions for a Healthier Gut

While medication and traditional treatments are essential for managing gut conditions, holistic approaches can provide extra support by focusing on the whole person—mind, body, and lifestyle.

Dietary Changes

Low-FODMAP Diet: This scientifically backed diet limits fermentable sugars that trigger symptoms like bloating and discomfort in IBS patients.

Probiotics: Adding “good” bacteria to your diet can help balance your gut microbiome and reduce inflammation.

Stress Management

Practices like mindfulness, yoga, and meditation reduce stress levels, helping to calm the gut-brain axis.

Hypnotherapy, such as the techniques in the Nerva app, has been shown to reduce symptoms of IBS by helping the brain and gut work together more effectively.

Gut-Brain Therapies

Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and gut-directed hypnotherapy target the emotional aspects of gut health, helping to reduce symptoms like pain and bloating while improving your overall mental health.

Personalised Care

No two guts are the same. Personalised approaches that consider your specific symptoms, triggers, and lifestyle are the most effective. Combining medical treatments with holistic methods can lead to better results.

Takeaway: Whole-Body Healing for a Healthier Gut

Your gut isn’t just about digestion—it’s the centre of your physical and emotional wellbeing. Women face unique challenges with gut health due to hormones, stress, and gut sensitivity, but there are ways to take control. By embracing holistic approaches like stress reduction, dietary changes, and therapies targeting the gut-brain connection, you can improve your gut health and overall quality of life.

Whether you’re managing IBS, IBD, or just looking to feel better in your body, taking a whole-body approach can help you feel your best—inside and out.

Have your own gut health story or tips? Share them in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you!