You’ve probably heard the phrase “trust your gut”—and it turns out, there’s real science behind it. Your gut is home to trillions of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms that form what’s known as the gut microbiome. This internal ecosystem plays a crucial role not just in digestion, but also in immunity, mood, inflammation, and overall wellness.
Let’s explore how the gut microbiome affects your health—and what you can do to keep it thriving.
Understanding the Gut Microbiome
Your microbiome is a complex community of microorganisms living primarily in your intestines. These beneficial bacteria perform countless vital functions, including:
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Breaking down food so your body can absorb essential nutrients
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Producing important vitamins
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Supporting the immune system by fending off harmful bacteria
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Communicating with your brain through the gut-brain connection, influencing mood and stress levels
When this system is balanced, everything works in harmony. But when the microbiome becomes disrupted—often due to diet, stress, antibiotics, or toxins—it can trigger inflammation, fatigue, mood changes, and chronic health concerns.
At the Colbert Institute of Anti-Aging, serving Southlake, Texas, and Lake Mary, Florida, Dr. Don Colbert and his experienced team focus on restoring balance from the inside out. By optimizing your gut health, you can strengthen your body’s natural defenses, boost energy, and support longevity.
Signs Your Gut Might Be Out of Balance
Gut issues don’t always look the same from person to person. Some common warning signs include:
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Bloating, constipation, or diarrhea
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Food sensitivities or frequent indigestion
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Low energy or brain fog
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Skin issues such as acne or eczema
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Weakened immunity or frequent illness
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Mood swings, anxiety, or depression
If these symptoms sound familiar, it could mean your microbiome needs support. Dr. Colbert approach is to identify the root causes of imbalance and develope natural solutions to restore digestive and immune harmony.
How Gut Health Impacts Whole-Body Wellness
Your gut doesn’t just affect digestion—it’s connected to nearly every system in the body.
Immune Health:
A healthy gut helps your immune system respond appropriately to harmful bacteria without triggering unnecessary inflammation.
Mental Health:
The gut plays a key role in producing mood-regulating chemicals. When gut bacteria are imbalanced, you may experience irritability, anxiety, or trouble sleeping.
Hormone Balance:
Gut bacteria help process and detoxify hormones such as estrogen. Disruption in gut flora can lead to hormonal imbalances that affect weight, mood, and energy levels.
Inflammation and Aging:
An unhealthy gut contributes to ongoing inflammation, which can accelerate the aging process and impact overall wellness. Supporting gut health is one of the most effective ways to promote vitality and resilience.
At The Colbert Institute, Dr. Colbert and his team take a comprehensive, science-based approach to gut health. They identify imbalances, address root causes, and create personalized nutrition and lifestyle plans that restore harmony, reduce inflammation, and enhance whole-body wellness.
Simple Ways to Support a Healthy Gut
You don’t have to overhaul your lifestyle overnight to see results. Small, consistent changes can make a big impact:
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Eat more fiber-rich foods like vegetables, fruits, beans, and whole grains
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Incorporate fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi
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Add prebiotics—found in foods like garlic, onions, and bananas—to nourish healthy bacteria
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Take a high-quality probiotic supplement if recommended by your provider
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Stay hydrated to keep digestion moving smoothly
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Manage stress with practices like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing
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Limit processed foods and sugar, which can feed harmful bacteria
Dr. Colbert often combines nutrition, testing, and targeted supplements to create personalized gut restoration plans that boost digestion, mood, and energy.
Reclaim Your Gut Health
Your gut is the foundation of your well-being—and with the right care, you can transform your energy, immunity, and vitality.
Your gut microbiome is critical to digestion, immunity, mental health, and overall wellness. Supporting your microbiome with fiber-rich foods, fermented products, prebiotics, and probiotics helps maintain balance, reduce inflammation, and optimize nutrient absorption. Small lifestyle changes can make a big impact on your gut and overall health.
Dr. Don Colbert and his team offers personalized gut health evaluations and treatment plans designed to restore balance, improve digestion, and support total-body wellness.
Want a personalized plan to optimize your microbiome?
Schedule a consultation at our Lake Mary or Southlake Texas location today and take control of your gut health with Dr. Colbert and his team at the Colbert Institute of Anti-Aging.