Feeling constantly exhausted, sluggish, or like you’re wading through brain fog all day? You might be blaming your busy schedule, poor sleep, or stress—but have you considered that your gut could be the real culprit?
Your digestive system isn’t just about breaking down food. It plays a huge role in nutrient absorption, blood sugar regulation, and inflammation—all of which can make or break your energy levels. If your gut health is out of balance, you’re likely running on empty no matter how much coffee you throw at the problem.
Here are five red flags that your gut might be sabotaging your energy—and what you can do about it.
1. You Feel Tired After Eating
You’ve just eaten, and instead of feeling fuelled and ready to go, you’re ready for a nap. This is often a sign of poor digestion, blood sugar crashes, or an overworked gut struggling to break down food properly.
Fix it:
- Balance your meals with protein, healthy fats, and fibre to keep blood sugar stable.
- Chew properly (yes, really—your stomach doesn’t have teeth).
- If bloating or heaviness is an issue, consider whether certain foods (like gluten or dairy) aren’t working for you.
2. You’re Bloated and Gassy All the Time
Bloating isn’t just annoying—it’s a sign that your digestion isn’t working efficiently. When food isn’t broken down properly, it ferments in the gut, producing gas and discomfort. This can affect how well you absorb nutrients like iron and B vitamins, which are crucial for energy.
Fix it:
- Eat slowly and avoid drinking loads of liquid with meals (it dilutes stomach acid and digestive enzymes).
- Try fermented foods like sauerkraut or kefir to boost beneficial gut bacteria.
- If bloating is a daily struggle, your gut might need a proper reset.
3. You Wake Up Exhausted (Even After a Full Night’s Sleep)
If you’re sleeping but still wake up feeling wiped out, your gut might be inflaming your system overnight. Poor digestion can contribute to high cortisol levels, which interfere with deep, restorative sleep.
Fix it:
- Avoid late-night snacking—your gut needs a break.
- Cut back on processed foods that trigger inflammation.
- Support your gut microbiome with prebiotic foods like onions, garlic, and leeks.
4. You Crave Sugar and Caffeine All Day
Constant cravings for sugar and coffee are often a sign that your gut bacteria are out of balance. Bad bacteria thrive on sugar, and the more you feed them, the more they demand—leading to a vicious cycle of energy crashes and cravings.
Fix it:
- Reduce refined carbs and sugary snacks.
- Eat protein with breakfast to stabilise blood sugar early in the day.
- Consider a probiotic to help rebalance your gut flora.
5. You Get Sick Often or Have Allergies Playing Up
Around 70% of your immune system lives in your gut. If you’re constantly catching colds, dealing with sinus issues, or noticing that allergies are worse than usual, your gut health might be struggling to keep inflammation under control.
Fix it:
- Prioritise gut-healing foods like bone broth, cooked vegetables, and fermented foods.
- Reduce alcohol and ultra-processed foods that irritate the gut lining.
- Get enough vitamin D and zinc—both are crucial for gut and immune health.
Ready to Reset Your Gut (and Get Your Energy Back)?
If any of these sound familiar, it’s time to take your gut health seriously. The good news? You can start seeing changes quickly with the right tweaks.
Join my free 14-day gut reset challenge to kickstart your energy, beat the bloat, and get your digestion back on track. Or, if you want a more in-depth approach, check out my 8-week group gut reset programme, where I guide you through everything step by step.