Don’t Think You Have Gut Issues? Here’s Why You Might Want to Think Again
By Jill Rehimi, Registered Holistic Nutritionist
You might not have stomach pain. You might not feel "bloated" all the time. And maybe you've never been diagnosed with IBS.
So you assume your gut is fine, right?
But what if the signs of imbalance aren’t showing up as the typical digestive symptoms—like bloating, constipation, or indigestion? What if they’re showing up as weight struggles, hormone swings, skin issues, mood challenges, or even fatigue?
Gut issues aren’t always obvious — and that’s why they’re often overlooked.
Many of the busy women I work with come to me for a variety of concerns — not just digestive symptoms. They might be dealing with weight struggles, acne, eczema, fatigue, hormone swings, or other issues they didn’t even realize could be gut-related. Often, they’re surprised to discover that their gut was the missing piece all along.
If this sounds like you, you’re not alone.
You might be trying topical creams for your acne or eczema. Considering hormone therapy for your irregular period or perimenopause symptoms. Wondering if antidepressants or a weight loss drug could finally give you relief. And while there’s absolutely a time and place for medical support, what often gets missed is the root cause.
The gut is central to how your body processes hormones, eliminates toxins, regulates mood, absorbs nutrients, and supports metabolism. When it’s out of balance, the ripple effects can show up anywhere.
Let’s look at a few subtle (but important) ways your body might be asking for gut support—even if you don’t identify as someone with a "gut issue."
1. Skin Flare-Ups (Acne, Eczema, Rosacea)
Your skin is an external reflection of what’s going on internally. When your gut is inflamed or your detox pathways are overloaded, your skin often picks up the slack. Your gut’s detox pathways are a key piece of your skin’s health puzzle.
Conditions like acne and eczema are often treated from the outside—but internal inflammation and poor elimination are often key drivers.
Try this: Add more fiber-rich vegetables and probiotics to your meals (think: sauerkraut, leafy greens, chia pudding). These help your body eliminate waste and calm internal inflammation.
2. Hormonal Swings (PMS, Perimenopause, PCOS, Irregular Cycles)
Your hormones and your gut are deeply linked. In fact, your gut helps process and eliminate used-up hormones like estrogen.
If your gut isn’t working well, those hormones can recirculate, leading to worsened PMS, heavy periods, mood swings, and symptoms that feel "off" even when your labs are normal.
Many women are prescribed HRT or cycle-supporting supplements without realizing that sluggish digestion might be the reason their hormones feel stuck.
Try this: Make sure you're going to the bathroom daily. Add flaxseed to smoothies or oatmeal and stay well-hydrated to support natural detox.
3. Constipation or Post-Meal Urgency (That You’ve Normalized)
Technically, these are digestive symptoms — but so many women think it’s “normal” to go every few days or rush to the bathroom after meals. Neither of these is a good sign of health, and they deserve attention, as it becomes a ripple effect, causing other symptoms.
Constipation means your body is holding onto waste too long, allowing toxins and excess hormones to be reabsorbed into the body. Urgency means your gut may be inflamed and reacting to something it can't break down.
Try this: Start your day with warm lemon water and a pinch of sea salt. It supports motility and wakes up digestion naturally.
4. Mood Swings, Anxiety, or Brain Fog
Over 90% of your serotonin (the feel-good neurotransmitter) is made in your gut. Yes, read that again..90%! So when your gut is struggling, your mood often is too.
Your gut and brain are deeply connected, largely through the vagus nerve—a calm gut helps regulate your mood, and vice versa.
If you feel anxious for "no reason," can’t focus, or have a general sense of being unwell, your gut might be quietly dysregulated.
This is one of the most underrecognized connections: poor gut health can mimic or contribute to symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Try this: Prioritize balanced meals with protein and healthy fats, balance blood sugar, and take breaks during the day to breathe, rest, and ground your nervous system.
5. Weight Struggles (Even With “Healthy” Habits)
If you’ve been eating well, moving your body, and still feel stuck with your weight — your gut might be at play.
The gut helps regulate key metabolic hormones, influences inflammation, and even determines how efficiently your body burns (or stores) energy. When your gut is out of balance, your metabolism can slow, cravings can increase, and your body can hold onto weight despite your best efforts.
Try this: Focus on meals with protein, healthy fats, and fiber — they keep your blood sugar steady and help regulate appetite. Include fermented foods like sauerkraut or kefir a few times a week to support your microbiome diversity.
Your Gut Might Be Quietly Asking for Support
The gut doesn’t always speak loudly. Sometimes it whispers through your skin, your cycle, your sleep, or your stress levels.
When you start with food and lifestyle, it’s amazing how quickly things can start to shift.
The good news? You don’t have to jump straight to prescriptions or extreme diets to feel better. Often, it starts with food.
Ready for a Gentle Reset?
The 14-Day Gut Reset is a food-first, no-fads guide to helping your body find balance again. Think of it as your total body reset. It walks you through exactly how to support your digestion, energy, and mood—naturally.
✨ If you’ve been feeling off, this might be the gentle reset your body is asking for.
You Might Also Like:
- Let’s Talk About Constipation (Because No One Else Is)
- What Your Bloat is Trying to Tell You (And How to Calm It)
- Is Your Gut Messing With Your Skin? Here’s How They’re Connected
About the Author
Jill Rehimi is a Registered Holistic Nutritionist who helps busy women reset their gut, energy, hormones, skin, and weight — naturally. Her approach is rooted in sustainability, not extremes, and built to work with real life.
She supports clients through personalized 1:1 coaching and her 14-Day Gut Reset — a self-paced total body reset to help you feel lighter, clearer, and more in sync from the inside out.
→ Start your Gut Reset here
→ Book a free consult call with Jill to explore 1:1 coaching
