Digestive health often feels invisible until it goes wrong. Bloating, reflux, constipation, food sensitivities, and fatigue can feel overwhelming, especially in midlife when hormone shifts change how our gut behaves. But God designed your innermost being with wisdom. Healing the gut is about stewardship of the beautiful systems God created.
“I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works” Psalm 139:14
Why the Gut Matters in Midlife
Your gut is not just a funnel for food to pass through the body; it is home to trillions of microbes that influence hormones, immunity, energy, and even mood. When the gut is unhealthy, hormone balance can be thrown off, making hot flashes, mood swings, and weight shifts worse. This also creates the perfect environment for unwanted critters and candida (yeast overgrowth) to flourish.
Sugar and the Microbiome
One of the greatest enemies of gut health is refined sugar. Excess sugar feeds harmful bacteria and yeast, while suppressing beneficial microbes. This imbalance can lead to inflammation, sluggish digestion, and weakened immunity. Sweetness is a gift, but overindulgence brings weakness. For every sweet treat, consider having protein first to minimize the impact.
“It is not good to eat much honey.” Proverbs 25:27
Foods that Heal
God’s created plenty of foods that restore gut balance:
- Fiber-rich foods: leafy greens, fruits, feed the “good bacteria.”
- Fermented foods: Greek yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi introduce beneficial bacteria.
- Bone broth: soothing the gut lining with amino acids and minerals.
- Polyphenol-rich foods: berries, herbs, spices, and teas support microbial diversity.
- Healthy fats: olive oil, avocado, nuts nourish cells and calm inflammation.
Fasting and Eating Windows
Giving your digestive system regular periods of rest allows it to repair and reset. For some women, a 12–14-hour overnight fast (e.g., from 7 PM to 9 AM) can improve digestion and energy. The body can rest better if digestion is complete when you go to bed, typically four hours after a meal. For additional cleansing, take digestive enzymes on an empty stomach.
Essential Oils and Gentle Supports
Essential oils are the liquid version of dried herbs. They retain more potency and last longer compared to the dried aged herb. Some essential oils that are known for comforting digestion:
Peppermint: soothing for occasional indigestion (always dilute).
Ginger: warming and helpful for nausea or sluggish digestion.
Lemon: refreshing and supportive to the liver.
A drop in a diffuser, diluted in a carrier oil and applied to the abdomen, or a toothpick dipped in oils and swirled in a glass of water, can work wonders. *NOTE: I only recommend Young Living oils for health benefits. Please skip this if you don't have them and use the actual herb or fruit.
Before your doctor puts you on a proton pump inhibitor for acid reflux, try taking digestive enzymes and betaine hydrochloride with your meals. Reflux is caused by the gases released from food rotting in the stomach due to inadequate stomach acids and enzymes.
Another helpful tip is to avoid drinking a full glass of drink during the meal. This dilutes your stomach acid. Only sip 30 minutes before, during, and after a meal to allow the enzymes and acid in your mouth and stomach to do their job.
Finally, remember that stress restricts digestion. Digestion begins in a peaceful mind. If you're under heavy stress, you’re better off skipping the meal and working to calm your mind.
“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee.” Isaiah 26:3
The Lord has designed our body with care as we learn to steward our digestion with wisdom by choosing foods that heal, resting when we need, and living in peace. We can restore balance to our body and joy to our heart and home with small daily choices, swapping sugar for protein, adding fermented foods, and practicing mindful eating, bringing long-term renewal.
Are you plagued with digestive issues? Learn more with my Digestion 101 Training and the Do's and Don'ts Guide to Digestion by clicking the button below. Get the Guide
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