Are Gut and Mental Health Relate 6

10 Jun 2025

We often hear phrases like "trust your gut" or "gut feeling," but how often do we think about what our gut is actually telling us? The truth is, gut health plays a major role in how we feel every day — physically, mentally, and emotionally. When your gut is out of balance, symptoms like bloating, fatigue, poor digestion, and even brain fog can creep in.

That’s where the idea of a 7 Day Gut Reset comes in. It's a short, focused plan to help reboot your digestive system, reduce inflammation, and support a thriving gut microbiome. Whether you’re recovering from a junk food binge, dealing with digestive discomfort, or just looking to feel more energized, this one-week reset can help you get back on track.

What Is the 7 Day Gut Reset?

The 7 Day Gut Reset is a clean-eating and lifestyle-based plan designed to:

Eliminate common gut disruptors
Introduce healing, nourishing foods
Support your digestive system with hydration and rest
Improve the diversity of your gut bacteria
Promote long-term healthy habits

It’s not a fast or a juice cleanse. Instead, it’s about fueling your body with the right foods and habits to repair and strengthen your digestive tract.

The Core of the Reset: What to Focus On

Foods to Include:

Whole fruits and vegetables (especially high-fiber options)
Fermented foods (like kimchi, kefir, and sauerkraut)
Bone broth or plant-based broths
Herbs like ginger, turmeric, and peppermint
Prebiotic-rich foods (onions, garlic, leeks, bananas)

Foods to Avoid:

Refined sugars and artificial sweeteners
Alcohol
Fried or processed foods
Gluten and dairy (especially if you're sensitive)
Red meat and high-fat meats

A Sample 7-Day Journey

Day 1 – Eliminate and Simplify

Cut out processed and inflammatory foods. Focus on steamed vegetables, broths, and simple proteins. Drink plenty of water.

Day 2 – Hydrate and Calm the Gut

Add herbal teas and soups. Consider introducing aloe vera juice or a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in water to soothe the gut lining.

Day 3 – Rebuild with Probiotics

Start adding fermented foods to your meals. Yogurt, kefir, miso soup, and fermented veggies are great choices.

Day 4 – Feed with Prebiotics

Prebiotics are the food your good bacteria love. Include foods like leeks, garlic, asparagus, and green bananas.

Day 5 – Support with Fiber and Movement

Increase your fiber intake with chia seeds, oats, lentils, and leafy greens. Take a walk or do some light yoga to encourage gut motility.

Day 6 – Reflect and Reduce Stress

Spend time doing something relaxing — journaling, deep breathing, or even turning off your phone for a few hours.

Day 7 – Sustain and Plan Ahead

You’ve done the hard work. Now think about how to carry some of these new habits into your everyday routine. It’s not about perfection — it’s about progress.

Signs It’s Working

A gut reset is a gentle way to help your body heal. While results vary from person to person, you might notice:

Less bloating
Improved regularity
Better sleep
A lift in mood
Reduced cravings
More consistent energy levels

These changes often indicate that your gut bacteria are rebalancing and your inflammation levels are coming down.

Extra Tips for Success

Chew your food slowly – Digestion starts in the mouth.
Stick to meal times – Avoid constant snacking to give your gut time to rest.
Sleep well – Good rest is crucial for gut repair.
Avoid antibiotics and NSAIDs (unless medically necessary) – These can disrupt the gut microbiome.
Move your body daily – Gentle exercise helps digestion and improves microbiome diversity.

Do You Need a Gut Reset?

You don’t have to wait for gut issues to arise before doing a reset. But here are some signs you might benefit from one:

Frequent bloating or gas
Irregular bowel movements
Low energy despite adequate sleep
Sugar cravings
Brain fog or low mood
Recent use of antibiotics

Even if you're feeling okay, a short-term reset can still help reinforce healthier eating habits and build better awareness of what your body needs.

Conclusion: A Healthier You Starts in the Gut

Your gut does more than digest food — it shapes your immune system, your brain function, and your day-to-day vitality. A 7 Day Gut Reset gives your body a break from stressors and an opportunity to heal. Think of it as a wellness retreat for your digestive system.

You don’t need perfection — just intention. Seven days can kickstart lasting change and help you feel more balanced from the inside out.