What if your heartburn isn’t caused by too much acid… but not enough?  In other words, a stomach acid imbalance. 

Yep — I know. It sounds backwards.
But when it comes to that burning, uncomfortable, can-someone-please-put-a-fire-exit-in-my-chest feeling… the story is very rarely what you think.

Most people assume that the answer to their symptoms is simple: acid reflux → too much acid → take antacids.
But for a LOT of people, that chain of logic is completely the wrong way round.

Let’s break it down 👇

The surprising truth about stomach acid imbalance

For many, heartburn and reflux are actually linked to low stomach acid — a condition called hypochlorhydria. And here’s the kicker:

👉 Every time you take antacids, PPIs or H2 blockers, you may be making the underlying stomach acid imbalance worse.

This is how people accidentally slip into a vicious cycle:

Low acid → poor digestion → bloating → pressure → acid creeping upwards → more meds → even lower acid…

…and round we go.

Now — this is NOT to say antacids don’t have a place.
Used occasionally? Totally fine.
Used regularly? That’s where things can unravel.

Prolonged low stomach acid has been associated with:

• Nutrient deficiencies

• Blood sugar dysregulation

• Fatigue

• More frequent digestive infections

• And a whole host of other issues linked to stomach acid imbalance

Antacids and their side effects

Before we go any deeper, remember that many antacids come with their own list of common side effects:

• Constipation

• Diarrhoea

• Nausea

• Low appetite

• Headaches

And PPIs (proton pump inhibitors) take things a step further by blocking the production of both stomach acid and pepsin — the enzyme that helps you break down protein.

No pepsin = poorly digested protein = bloating.
Bloating = pressure.
Pressure = reflux.

See how this ties together?

So what’s actually causing the symptoms?

Reflux happens when the valve (LES) between your oesophagus and stomach becomes leaky, usually because of pressure.

Why might that pressure happen?

If you’re serious about supporting your gut health, my online course, The Ultimate Gut Health Programme, is the perfect next step. It’s designed to help you calm your digestive system, avoid common triggers, and still enjoy delicious, satisfying meals.

This blog is just the tip of the iceberg — the course goes much deeper, giving you everything you need to truly soothe your gut, feel lighter, and reclaim your digestive comfort.

👉 Click here to get instant access and start feeling the difference today!

1. Hiatal hernia

Where the top of the stomach pushes upwards into the diaphragm.

2. Eating large meals

A very full stomach can push acid upwards.

3. Eating foods that don’t agree with you

Not “bad” foods — just “bad for you right now.”
Your carb tolerance may have changed. Your gut bacteria may have changed. You may be reacting to foods that were once fine.

4. Dysbiosis or SIBO

More gas → more pressure → more reflux.

5. Food intolerances

A sneaky and VERY common trigger.

So what can you actually do?

This is where detective work comes in. You need to understand the root of your stomach acid imbalance.

Start with simple nutritional shifts:

✔️ Reduce refined carbs and white grains
✔️ Increase fibre (fruit, veg, nuts, seeds)
✔️ Cut back on added sugars
✔️ Try probiotic-rich foods — but gently, especially if SIBO is a possibility

Want to get to the bottom of it?

If you’re nodding along and thinking, “This is literally me,” then let’s chat.

You can book a FREE 30-minute call with me so I can get a clear picture of what’s going on and give you personalised guidance that actually works for your digestive system.

If you’d like to find out which approach would work best for your digestive health, you can book a FREE 30-minute call with me here. We’ll chat about what’s really going on in your gut and whether I’m the right person to help you get it back on track.

If you’ve ever stood in the supermarket aisle wondering whether to grab the butter or the margarine, you’re not alone. The butter vs. margarine debate has been going on for decades — and it’s easy to see why!

We’ve been told that saturated fat is the enemy, yet newer research keeps challenging that idea. So what’s the truth? Is butter really bad for you? Is margarine actually the healthier choice? Let’s dive into the butter vs. margarine debate once and for all.

🥑 First things first – your body needs fat!

Fat is essential — for hormone production, brain function, cell health, energy, and absorbing key vitamins (A, D, E & K). The problem isn’t fat itself… it’s the type and quality of fat we eat.

That’s why the butter vs. margarine question is such an important one — both contain very different kinds of fats, and your body reacts to them in very different ways.

🌻 The Pros and Cons of Margarine

Margarine starts out as vegetable oil, which then goes through a heavy-duty industrial process (called hydrogenation) to make it solid and spreadable.

💛 The pros:

• It’s made from polyunsaturated fats, which can be heart-healthy.

• Some newer, vegan margarines use lovely oils like olive, coconut, or shea — and these are far better choices.

💔 The cons:

• Processing can damage those “healthy” fats and even create trans fats — the ones you definitely want to avoid.

• Many margarines are packed with additives to improve taste and texture.

• Most are very high in omega-6, which we already get far too much of. Too much omega-6 tips the balance and fuels inflammation, which sits at the root of most chronic health conditions.

👉 Bottom line:
If you’re vegan or avoiding dairy, choose a margarine that’s trans fat–free and ideally made with olive or coconut oil. Your local health food shop is a great place to look.

When it comes to butter vs. margarine, margarine can work in moderation — just choose wisely and avoid the ultra-processed ones.

If you’re serious about supporting your gut health, my online course, The Ultimate Gut Health Programme, is the perfect next step. It’s designed to help you calm your digestive system, avoid common triggers, and still enjoy delicious, satisfying meals.

This blog is just the tip of the iceberg — the course goes much deeper, giving you everything you need to truly soothe your gut, feel lighter, and reclaim your digestive comfort.

👉 Click here to get instant access and start feeling the difference today!

🧈 The Pros and Cons of Butter

Butter has had a bad rap thanks to the saturated fat debate — but the butter vs. margarine story isn’t so black and white. In fact, minimally processed butter from grass-fed cows is a rich source of valuable nutrients.

🌿 The pros:

• Vitamin K2 – essential for bone and heart health, and even linked to cancer prevention.

• Butyrate – a fatty acid that nourishes your gut lining and supports a healthy microbiome.

• Omega-3 fatty acids – for brain and skin health.

• Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) – helps with fat metabolism and lean muscle maintenance.

🥥 So, who wins the butter vs. margarine debate?

In truth, variety is best. Different fats offer different benefits, and your body thrives on a mix. Here are some top options to rotate into your diet:

• 🫒 Extra virgin olive oil

• 🥥 Coconut oil

💬 The takeaway on butter vs. margarine

Both butter and margarine can have a place in your diet, depending on your needs and preferences. The real goal is to minimise ultra-processed options and focus on variety and quality.

If you’d like some guidance on choosing the right fats (and foods) to support your gut and overall health, I’d love to help.  Use the link, below, to book a FREE 30 minute call with me, and we can discuss the best approach for you. 

If you’d like to find out which approach would work best for your digestive health, you can book a FREE 30-minute call with me here. We’ll chat about what’s really going on in your gut and whether I’m the right person to help you get it back on track.

You might think gut health is all about food — but your microbes would disagree!  Here are some big reasons why exercises for gut health are key.

Even if your diet isn’t perfect, regular movement can dramatically improve the balance of your gut bacteria. In fact, research shows that people who exercise regularly can boost the amount of beneficial microbes in their gut by up to 40%.

That’s huge.

When you move, your body produces more of a special compound called butyrate — a short-chain fatty acid made by friendly gut bacteria. Butyrate helps reduce inflammation, strengthens your gut lining, and supports healthy cell renewal in the digestive tract. In short, it’s essential for keeping your gut in great shape.

Exercise has been shown to increase beneficial bacteria such as:

• Lactobacillus

• Akkermansia (a superstar species that’s often lacking)

• Bifidobacterium

These are some of the key players that keep your gut — and your immune system — thriving.

How Movement Keeps Things Flowing

Another big benefit? Exercise helps reduce your gut transit time — the amount of time it takes food to move through your digestive system.

When food lingers for too long, unwanted bacteria can start to multiply and cause bloating, sluggishness, or even constipation. Regular movement keeps everything ticking along smoothly.

If you’re serious about supporting your gut health, my online course, The Ultimate Gut Health Programme, is the perfect next step. It’s designed to help you calm your digestive system, avoid common triggers, and still enjoy delicious, satisfying meals.

This blog is just the tip of the iceberg — the course goes much deeper, giving you everything you need to truly soothe your gut, feel lighter, and reclaim your digestive comfort.

👉 Click here to get instant access and start feeling the difference today!

Can Exercise Ever Be Too Much for Gut Health?

Yes — it’s all about balance.

Going from no movement to overdoing it too quickly, or training at very high intensity without recovery, can actually backfire. It may raise stress hormones and inflammation, which can lead to symptoms like bloating, cramps or even a leaky gut.

The sweet spot? Consistent, moderate activity that gets your body moving but doesn’t leave you drained.

2. Break up your sitting time
If you’re at a desk all day, stand up, stretch, and walk around every hour. Even short breaks help your digestion and circulation.

3. Go for a daily 20-minute walk
Walking is one of the best exercises for gut health — gentle, calming and great for your mood. It also helps your stomach digest protein more efficiently and boosts your absorption of polyphenols (plant nutrients that feed your friendly gut bacteria).

Balance is Everything

When it comes to exercises for gut health, gentle consistency always wins over intensity.

Aim for a mix of movement that you actually enjoy — whether it’s yoga, Pilates, walking, or dancing around your kitchen. These all activate your body’s “rest and digest” mode, which is where true gut healing happens.

If you’d like to find out which approach would work best for your digestive health, you can book a FREE 30-minute call with me here. We’ll chat about what’s really going on in your gut and whether I’m the right person to help you get it back on track.

If your tummy often feels bloated, gurgly, or just “off,” it might be more than occasional indigestion. Many people struggle with recurring digestive symptoms, and one common but often overlooked culprit is small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). In this article, we’ll explore eight key signs that SIBO could be affecting you, what might have caused it, and, most importantly, how you can start to feel better for good.

What is SIBO?

SIBO stands for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. It occurs when the friendly bacteria that usually live in your large intestine start migrating to your small intestine, where they don’t belong. The small intestine should host only a tiny number of bacteria, so when this overgrowth happens, your digestive system can quickly become unhappy. In fact, up to 85% of people with IBS symptoms also have SIBO.

How Does SIBO Happen?

Your gut has several natural defenses to keep bacteria in check:

• Stomach acid – highly acidic to prevent bacterial overgrowth.

• Gut motility – the waves that move food along your digestive tract prevent bacteria from lingering.

• Bile – produced by your gallbladder to keep your gut environment balanced.

But various factors can compromise these defenses:

• Medications like antibiotics, the contraceptive pill, opioids, or acid-lowering drugs.

• Age-related changes that reduce stomach acid.

• Bowel surgery or conditions such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.

• Gallbladder removal.

• Slowed gut motility, which gives bacteria time to colonize the small intestine.

If you’re serious about supporting your gut health, my online course, The Ultimate Gut Health Programme, is the perfect next step. It’s designed to help you calm your digestive system, avoid common triggers, and still enjoy delicious, satisfying meals.

This blog is just the tip of the iceberg — the course goes much deeper, giving you everything you need to truly soothe your gut, feel lighter, and reclaim your digestive comfort.

👉 Click here to get instant access and start feeling the difference today!

Signs You Might Have SIBO

Symptoms can overlap with other digestive issues, making SIBO tricky to detect. Look out for:

• Bloating and gas

• Nausea or vomiting

• Diarrhoea

• Unexplained weight loss

• Fatigue

• Mood changes like depression

• Hormonal imbalances such as PMS or menopause symptoms

A red flag is if probiotics make your digestive symptoms worse—adding more bacteria to an already crowded small intestine can stir things up.

How to Support Healing

SIBO can be challenging to treat because bacteria form a biofilm, a protective layer that shields them from treatment. Effective management usually combines:

1. Targeted treatment – antibiotics or natural antibacterial herbs.

2. Biofilm support – supplements that help break down the protective layer.

If you’re ready to finally take control of your gut health and reduce those frustrating digestive symptoms, my online program offers practical guidance and support every step of the way, The Ultimate Gut Health Programme will show you exactly how to calm your digestion, support your microbiome, and strengthen your gut health — all while eating delicious, satisfying food.

Colds, flu and even Covid seem to be making the rounds again — but before you reach for the vitamin C sachets, it might surprise you to hear that your gut could be your biggest secret weapon this season.

Yes, really. Around 70% of your immune system actually lives in your gut — so if you want to stay fighting fit, that’s where your focus should be.

Why your gut plays such a big role in fighting off bugs

Inside your gut lives a whole ecosystem of bacteria — some good, some not so good. The ‘friendly’ ones, known as lactic-acid producing bacteria, don’t just help with digestion and bloating… they also play a key role in defending you from colds and flu.

In fact, about 80% of your antibody-producing immune cells hang out right there in your gut lining, ready to jump into action when viruses show up. Pretty amazing, right?

When I work with clients on gut health (often for IBS or digestive symptoms), one of the first unexpected benefits they notice is fewer sniffles and bugs. While everyone else is dropping like flies, they’re breezing through the season unscathed.

Your mucosal barrier — your body’s first line of defence

The mucosal barrier is a layer of protective mucus that lines your digestive tract, mouth, lungs and even reproductive system. Think of it as your internal security guard — it traps viruses and bacteria before they can do any damage.

To keep this barrier strong and healthy, your body needs plenty of vitamin A and zinc — both vital for mucosal and immune health.

Feed your gut, feed your immune system

Your friendly gut bacteria need fuel — and that fuel comes from prebiotics. These are types of fibre that help the good bacteria thrive.
Add these prebiotic-rich foods into your diet where you can:

• Leeks

• Onions

• Garlic

• Chicory

• Asparagus

• Boiled and cooled potatoes (a brilliant source of resistant starch)

If you’re serious about supporting your gut health, my online course, The Ultimate Gut Health Programme, is the perfect next step. It’s designed to help you calm your digestive system, avoid common triggers, and still enjoy delicious, satisfying meals.

This blog is just the tip of the iceberg — the course goes much deeper, giving you everything you need to truly soothe your gut, feel lighter, and reclaim your digestive comfort.

👉 Click here to get instant access and start feeling the difference today!

I know this can be tricky if you struggle with IBS or food sensitivities — many of these “healthy” foods can also trigger symptoms. That’s exactly why I created The Ultimate Gut Health Programme — it helps you eat to support your gut and immunity without setting off your symptoms.

And on the flip side, cut back on the things that weaken both gut and immune function — like sugar, ultra-processed foods, and excess alcohol. Reducing sugar is a double-win: it supports your digestion and helps your immune system stay resilient.

The bottom line

If you’re serious about avoiding colds and flu this winter, start with your gut.
Nourish it. Feed it. Support it.

Because when your gut is happy — your immune system will be too.

And if you need a little extra support to get there, The Ultimate Gut Health Programme will show you exactly how to calm your digestion, support your microbiome, and strengthen your immunity — all while eating delicious, satisfying food.

Stay well this winter! 🌿

Do you forget to drink enough water?  You’re not alone. I’m afraid I’m guilty too — hydration never used to make it to the top of my health goals. But the older I get, the more I realise just how much it affects me… and I see the same pattern in my clients too.

It’s such an obvious thing, right? We all know we should drink more water — but are we actually doing it?

Dehydration often shows up in the body as a whole range of symptoms that we might mistake for something else entirely. It is even believed chronic dehydration could be at the root of many long-term health issues.

💧 The health benefits of water

Every single cell in your body relies on hydration to function properly. Water helps to:

• Detoxify waste and toxins

• Support brain function and mood

• Keep your heart and kidneys working efficiently

• Support your digestion and regular bowel movements

• Lubricate skin, joints and internal tissues 

• Help cells repair and regenerate

• Carry oxygen and nutrients around the body

• Curb cravings and reduce hunger

🚨 Signs you might not be fully hydrated

You might be surprised how often dehydration hides behind everyday complaints — especially during menopause, when symptoms can overlap.
Watch for:

• Fatigue and headaches

• Dry mouth, eyes, or skin

• Constipation

• Brain fog, forgetfulness, or low mood

• Heart palpitations

• Muscle cramps, dizziness, or confusion

It is even suggested that proper hydration could help prevent conditions such as allergies, hypertension, diabetes and autoimmune issues.

🚽 What the colour of your urine tells you

Your urine should start darker in the morning and gradually become lighter as the day goes on. Aim for a pale straw colour — it’s a great visual cue that you’re hydrated.

💦 How much should you drink?

Don’t wait until you’re thirsty!
From the age of 20, our thirst perception starts to decline — and by 70, it may disappear entirely. You wouldn’t wait until your car completely runs out of fuel before filling up, would you?

Around 2 litres a day is the minimum most of us need, but you’ll need more if it’s hot, you’re exercising, or you’re experiencing hot flushes.

If you’re serious about supporting your gut health, my online course, The Ultimate Gut Health Programme, is the perfect next step. It’s designed to help you calm your digestive system, avoid common triggers, and still enjoy delicious, satisfying meals.

This blog is just the tip of the iceberg — the course goes much deeper, giving you everything you need to truly soothe your gut, feel lighter, and reclaim your digestive comfort.

👉 Click here to get instant access and start feeling the difference today!

🌿 The hydration–gut connection

Hydration isn’t just about quenching your thirst — it’s essential for gut health.
When you don’t drink enough water:

• Your stomach can’t produce enough acid and digestive enzymes to break down food properly.

• The pancreas struggles to release its digestive juices, slowing down digestion.

• Waste can’t move easily through the colon, leading to bloating, constipation, and discomfort.

In short: dehydration means your gut can’t do its job.

Water also helps balance your gut bacteria, supports detoxification, and keeps the colon lining healthy. Without enough of it, the body reabsorbs water from your stools — leaving them hard and difficult to pass.

💧 Hydration = natural beauty

When your gut is hydrated and happy, it shows — in your skin, your energy, and your mood. Proper hydration supports:

• Clearer skin

• Better sleep

• Stronger immunity

• Sharper focus

• Balanced mood and hormones

No supplement can replace that! In fact, hydration is the foundation of every health goal — before you even think about supplements or fancy powders, get your water sorted.

💡 The Takeaway:

If you recognise any of the deficiency signs above, don’t ignore them. Small, simple dietary changes can have a profound effect — not just on how you feel day to day, but on your long-term health.

If you’d like personalised support on optimising your diet, I offer a FREE 30-minute consultation where we can explore what’s going on for you and how to get your gut health back into balance. Use the link, below, to book.