Gut Health, Regularity & Food Sensitivity Testing

Your gut is your second brain—and when it’s happy, you are too. Here’s how to feed it well, reduce discomfort, and skip the gimmicks.

A healthy gut is one of the best gifts you can give your body. When our digestion runs smoothly, we not only avoid discomfort like bloating, gas, and cramping—we also support our immune system, hormones, and even our mood.

Everyday Gut Health Habits

• Fiber first – Aim for a mix of soluble fiber (like oats, beans, apples) and insoluble fiber (like leafy greens, whole grains). Together, they keep things moving and feed healthy gut bacteria.

• Hydration matters – Water helps fiber do its job. A well-hydrated gut is less likely to slow down or cramp up.

• Move your body – Walking, biking, or even gentle stretching helps stimulate bowel motility.

• Balanced meals – Include protein, healthy fats, and complex carbs at each meal to avoid big blood sugar swings that can lead to bloating and sluggish digestion.

• Mindful eating – Eating too fast can lead to swallowed air, which shows up as gas and discomfort later.

Food Sensitivity Testing: Worth It?

There’s a big difference between a true food allergy and a food sensitivity:

• Food allergies (like peanut or shellfish) involve the immune system and can be life-threatening. These are diagnosed with validated testing and physician guidance.

• Food sensitivities/intolerances (like lactose intolerance or feeling bloated after gluten) are often not immune-driven and testing for them is unreliable. Many “food sensitivity tests” sold online measure antibodies that may simply reflect foods you’ve eaten, not foods causing you harm.

Because of that, the gold standard is:

• Elimination and reintroduction – Remove a suspected food for 2–4 weeks, then reintroduce one at a time and track symptoms. This approach is free and far more accurate than costly testing.

When to Seek Extra Guidance

If stomach pain, bloating, or irregularity becomes frequent, it’s worth checking in with a GI specialist to rule out conditions like IBS, celiac disease, or inflammatory bowel disease.

✨ Honey Note: Our guts love rhythm. When you feed it fiber, water, and consistency, it rewards you with energy and comfort. And when in doubt about a food, trust your own body more than a pricey test—it speaks more clearly than any lab result.

May your gut be as balanced as your spice rack,

🍯 Honey