Is Your Gut Making You Tired? 🥱 How Digestion Affects Energy Levels

Struggling with bloating?

Sluggish digestion?

Food sensitivities?

Or just feeling off?

I get it. It’s SO frustrating. It can feel like your gut is working against you, like no matter what you do, you’re stuck in the same cycle of discomfort and guesswork.

But here’s the good news: your gut is not broken, and you are NOT stuck.

Your microbiome (the trillions of bacteria in your gut) is always changing. It adapts to what you eat, how you move, how you sleep, and even how you manage stress. That means that with:

  • Every meal

  • Every habit

  • And every lifestyle shift

… you literally have the power to create a healthier gut. It’s all in your hands.

And the best part? It doesn’t take years to see a difference. Your gut bacteria can begin shifting in just a few days when you start making better choices. That means you’re never more than a few steps away from feeling better, from having more energy, better digestion, fewer cravings, and an improved mood—it all starts in your gut.

So if you’ve been feeling defeated, let this be your reminder: you have control. Your body is always working to heal, you just have to give it what it needs. 🫶

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 Is Your Gut Making You Tired? 🥱 How Digestion Affects Energy Levels

If you’re constantly running on empty, reaching for caffeine to get through the day, or struggling with brain fog no matter how much you sleep, your gut might be the missing link.

Most people think of digestion and energy as separate systems, but the truth is, your gut is directly responsible for how well your body creates and sustains energy. If your gut isn’t functioning properly, it doesn’t matter how many ceasar salads you eat, your body isn’t absorbing and utilizing nutrients the way it should. That means:

  • Less fuel for your brain

  • Muscles

  • And metabolism

  • Leaving you drained and sluggish.

But, how exactly does your gut impact your energy levels?

1. Nutrient Absorption: 

Your gut is where all the magic of nutrient absorption happens. Every vitamin, mineral, and macronutrient that fuels your body gets processed through your digestive system first. If your gut is inflamed, leaky, or out of balance, nutrient absorption suffers, meaning you’re not getting the full benefits of your food. Common signs of malabsorption include:

  • Feeling exhausted despite eating well

  • Cracks in the corners of your mouth (B vitamin deficiency)

  • Frequent colds or slow wound healing (low zinc or vitamin C)

  • Brittle nails, hair thinning, or dull skin (poor protein or iron absorption)

2. The Microbiome’s Role in Energy Production

Your gut microbiome (the trillions of bacteria in your digestive tract) does more than just break down food. It also produces short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which help regulate metabolism and provide energy to your cells. A diverse, healthy microbiome supports steady energy, while an imbalanced one can lead to fatigue, sluggishness, and even blood sugar crashes. Signs your microbiome might be off include:

  • Bloating or irregular digestion

  • Sugar cravings that feel impossible to control

  • Feeling foggy or mentally exhausted after meals

  • Skin breakouts or dull complexion

Your gut bacteria also influence serotonin and dopamine production—the neurotransmitters that keep your mood and motivation stable. So if you’re constantly feeling drained or unmotivated, your gut might be influencing more than just digestion.

3. Blood Sugar Regulation:

Gut health plays a key role in how your body processes carbohydrates and regulates blood sugar. If your gut is inflamed or your microbiome is out of balance, it can disrupt insulin sensitivity, making it harder for your body to efficiently use glucose for energy. This leads to:

  • Energy crashes after meals (aka the afternoon slump)

  • Constant sugar cravings that keep you on a blood sugar rollercoaster

  • Fatigue after eating instead of feeling fueled and energized

The good news? When you support your gut, your energy naturally improves. Start with these simple shifts:

  • Prioritize Gut-Healing Foods – Eat fiber-rich veggies, fermented foods (like sauerkraut and kefir), and quality proteins to nourish your microbiome.

  • Balance Blood Sugar with Protein & Healthy Fats – Start meals with protein and fiber to prevent glucose spikes that drain energy.

  • Optimize Stomach Acid & Enzymes – Low stomach acid leads to poor digestion and nutrient absorption. Try adding apple cider vinegar before meals or digestive enzymes if needed.

  • Reduce Gut Inflammation – Minimize processed foods, excess sugar, and alcohol, which can weaken gut lining and disrupt energy production.

  • Get Enough Magnesium & B Vitamins – These nutrients are essential for energy and heavily dependent on gut health for absorption.


If you’ve been relying on caffeine, sugar, or quick fixes to push through fatigue, it’s time to look deeper. Let’s get to the root cause. Book a discovery call, and we’ll discuss creating a personalized plan to heal your gut and restore your energy, for good! 📲. 🫶  And check out my favorite hormone-safe products and supplements HERE.

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Supplement Of The Week: DIGESTIVE ENZYMES 

Ever feel like food just sits in your stomach after meals? Or maybe you’re dealing with bloating, sluggish digestion, or discomfort after eating certain foods? Your body might not be breaking down food efficiently, and that’s where digestive enzymes come in.

Here’s why they’re worth considering:

1. Supports Nutrient Absorption – Helps break down food properly so your body can absorb essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.

2. Reduces Bloating & Gas – Improves digestion by preventing undigested food from fermenting in the gut, which can cause bloating and discomfort.

3. Eases Digestive Stress – Great for those with low stomach acid, gallbladder issues, or difficulty digesting certain foods like dairy or fats.
4. Enhances Gut Healing – By reducing the burden on your digestive system, enzymes allow your gut to heal from inflammation and irritation more effectively.

Jamie Sheppard