5 Mistakes to Avoid on Your Gut Health Journey

Embarking on a gut health journey is one of the most empowering steps you can take toward feeling comfortable, confident, and energized in your body again.

Having a healthy gut is linked to countless benefits including better digestion, balanced hormones, improved mood, clearer skin, and more consistent energy throughout the day.

However, navigating the complexities of gut health on your own can feel overwhelming. With so much conflicting information online, it’s easy to fall into common traps that actually make your symptoms worse instead of better.

To help you move forward with clarity and confidence, let’s explore 5 mistakes to avoid on your gut health journey so you can stop the bloat, have regular BMs, and finally feel good in your body again.

Inside my membership, The Gut Reset Collective, I’ll be with you every step of the way helping you understand your body’s signals, rebuild your digestion, and feel confident knowing exactly what your gut needs. You’ll walk away feeling lighter, more regular, and at peace with food again.

👉 Learn more about The Gut Reset Collective here 

1: Skipping the Basics and Jumping to Complex Protocols

One of the biggest mistakes I see women make on their gut health journey is trying to jump into advanced supplements or elimination diets before mastering the foundations.

This happens because most people are desperate for relief (understandably!) and think, “If I just take the right supplement, this will finally go away.” But without solid digestion, hydration, and blood sugar balance, your gut can’t heal—no matter what supplements you take.

I’ve seen this time and time again in my practice. One client spent hundreds on supplements and probiotics before realizing she wasn’t even digesting her meals properly. Once we focused on slowing down, chewing thoroughly, and adding minerals for stomach acid support, her bloating started to disappear.

Skipping the basics can lead to ongoing bloating, constipation, and nutrient deficiencies that keep you stuck in the same cycle.

2: Cutting Out Too Many Foods

Another common mistake is over-restricting foods in an effort to “heal the gut.”

If you’ve ever found yourself eating only five “safe” foods, you’re not alone. It’s easy to believe that more elimination equals more healing. But long-term restriction can actually weaken your gut, lower microbial diversity, and increase food sensitivities.

One of my clients came to me terrified of eating anything outside her “safe” list because she’d been told to avoid gluten, dairy, FODMAPs, and histamines—all at once. We started reintroducing gentle, nourishing foods step-by-step, and within weeks, her digestion and confidence both improved.

Even though you may hear “cut this out” all over social media, over-restriction often leads to anxiety around food and a sluggish gut—not healing.

3: Ignoring Stress and the Gut-Brain Connection

The third mistake many women make is focusing only on food and forgetting about stress.

We’ve all been there tracking every meal, trying every probiotic but still bloated, especially during stressful weeks. That’s because your gut doesn’t work properly when your nervous system is stuck in “fight or flight.”

I’ve been there myself rushing through meals, multitasking, and wondering why my stomach felt like a rock after eating. When I started practicing mindful eating, deep breathing before meals, and gentle movement instead of over-exercising, my digestion completely shifted.

Instead of ignoring stress, try these three gut-loving practices:

• Take 3 slow breaths before every meal

• Eat without screens or distractions

• Schedule one “no-stress” meal daily—where you sit, slow down, and savor

4: Relying Too Heavily on Probiotics or Fiber Supplements

Another big mistake is assuming that probiotics or fiber powders alone will fix digestion.

Many women start taking probiotics or psyllium husk because they’ve heard it’s “good for the gut.” The truth? Not all probiotics are created equal—and too much fiber without addressing underlying sluggish digestion can make bloating and constipation worse.

One client started a daily probiotic and fiber blend, thinking it would solve her constipation. Instead, she became even more bloated and gassy. Once we adjusted her hydration, added mineral-rich salt, and focused on balanced meals, her bowels became regular again without needing a supplement crutch.

Overusing these tools can lead to more gas, discomfort, and frustration so it’s best to use them strategically, not automatically.

5: Expecting Overnight Results

Lastly, the most common mistake I see women make is expecting quick fixes.

This one’s understandable after months or even years of feeling miserable, you just want to feel normal again. But gut healing takes time. Your digestive system, microbiome, and hormones need patience and consistency to rebalance.

I’ve worked with women who almost gave up right before things started improving. Once we shifted focus to small, steady wins like one less bloated day, one more bowel movement they started to see lasting results.

If you’re feeling impatient, try this instead:

• Focus on progress, not perfection

• Track your wins weekly, not daily

• Remember that healing isn’t linear—it’s a long game

  

By avoiding common mistakes like skipping the basics, over-restricting foods, ignoring stress, overusing supplements, and expecting overnight results, you’ll set yourself up for success on your gut health journey.

Remember every woman’s body is different. What worked for your friend or an influencer online might not work for you. Listen to your body, be patient with your progress, and get support from someone who understands how to connect the dots.

With time, consistency, and the right guidance, you can achieve optimal gut health and finally feel calm, confident, and bloat-free.

If you’re ready to stop guessing and start healing, join me inside The Gut Reset Collective, where you’ll get the education, structure, and support you need to rebuild your gut health from the inside out.

👉 Click here to learn more and join today.