Written by certified Naturopath Suzanne Shares
- 15 years of experience with over 1600 clients in the Netherlands and Europe.

Do you recognize this?

Last week I spoke to a 48-year-old man who had been suffering from bowel problems for years. Bloated, daily pain, an unsettled stomach, low energy. He was dreading all sorts of examinations and tests.

His question was simple: "Can't I try something myself first?"

That's exactly where many of the women I speak to are at too. You feel that something isn't right, but you don't want to immediately embark on a full medical process.

And the great thing is: often you don't have to take that as a first step.

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What I often see

Bowel complaints rarely start "suddenly".<!--en-->They build up slowly, often for years.

Why bowel complaints often persist longer than necessary

What strikes me in my practice is that many people learn to live with complaints. Bloating after eating, fatigue in the afternoon, skin that doesn't clear up.

You start avoiding things, adjust your diet, try everything — but without truly understanding where it comes from.

It was exactly the same with this man. He was functioning, but didn't feel truly well. And most importantly: he had somewhat lost faith in his body.

That is often the moment when your body is already sending very clear signals. We just never learned how to listen to them. Did you know that 90% of all chronic complaints start in the gut?

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More than just your belly

Your gut does much more than just digest your food.<!--en-->It constantly sends signals to the rest of your body.

The link between your gut, energy, and mental peace

Your gut and your brain work closely together. We also call this the gut-brain axis.
This means that gut discomfort can manifest as:

  • being overstimulated more quickly
  • poorer sleep
  • more worrying
  • less energy

And the opposite is also true: if your gut flora calms down, you often notice this surprisingly quickly in your mind and your energy levels.

This was also what this man reported after just one week. Less bloated, more calm in his stomach — but most importantly: more energy.

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Small step, big difference

You don't have to change everything at once.<!--en-->Often, the first gains are in simplicity. Did you know that 99% of the stool samples examined contain no healthy bacterial strains?

What you can do yourself to restore your gut flora

We started with a simple basis: supporting his gut flora with targeted supplementation.

No complicated schemes. No strict diets.

Within a week he already noticed a difference. Less bloated, a calmer stomach and more energy throughout the day.

That's precisely why I work this way. First, support the body so it can recover itself. Life 9 is the broadest probiotic I recommend.

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If you really want to understand

Sometimes you want to look beyond just symptom relief.
Then insight is the next step.

Why Understanding Your Body Makes a Difference

What I often hear is: "I've tried so much already."

And that's often true. But without knowing what your body specifically needs, you'll keep searching.

With a biomarker scan, we can see within a few minutes where your body is out of balance. Think of deficiencies, stress load, or disturbances in your system.

That suddenly makes it very concrete. No more guessing, but targeted support.

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Support from within

Besides gut balance, your overall immunity also plays a role. Especially if you've been experiencing symptoms for a while.

Why your energy and resilience change with it

Your gut is closely connected to your immune system. Approximately 70% of your immunity resides there.

This means that when you support your gut, you often also notice that you:

  • are less easily tired
  • recover better
  • have more stable energy levels

A simple addition like a daily nutritional boost can make a difference, especially if your body has been out of balance for a long time.

Frequently asked questions about bowel complaints

How do I know if my bowel complaints are serious?

If complaints such as bloating, fatigue, or irregular bowel movements persist for a longer period, it's a sign that your gut is out of balance. It doesn't necessarily have to be serious, but it does warrant attention.

Can I restore my gut flora without medical tests?

Yes, often as a first step. Through targeted nutrition and supplementation, you can support your gut flora. For in-depth insight, a scan or consultation can help.

How quickly do you notice a difference with gut repair?

That varies from person to person, but many people notice changes within one to two weeks, such as reduced bloating, improved bowel movements, less pain, and more energy.

What is the relationship between the gut and energy?

Your intestines play a major role in nutrient absorption and your immune system. If your gut balance improves, you often see improvements in energy and recovery as well.

When is a personal consultation useful?

If you have been experiencing symptoms for a longer period or find that you keep searching without results, a personal consultation helps to work purposefully on your specific situation.

Bowel problems are no coincidence — they are a signal

Do you want to know what your body needs to get back in balance?

What became clear again in my practice this week is that your body often already knows exactly what it needs.

Gut complaints are rarely just an abdominal problem. They are connected to your energy, your skin, and how you feel mentally.

The good news? You don't always have to jump straight into intensive treatments. By supporting your body in the right way, you can often quickly notice a difference.

And from there, you can continue to build — step by step, in a way that suits you.

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Why a healthy gut ensures a clear mind and radiant skin

 

Why your gut is the key to a calm mind and radiant skin

Do you sometimes feel tired, irritable, or bloated – even though you seem to be doing "everything right"? Chances are your gut is trying to tell you something. Did you know that your gut flora directly influences your skin, your mind, and your mood?

The gut-brain axis: Your internal communication highway

In your belly resides a complex ecosystem of bacteria that not only helps digest your food but also works closely with your brain. Through the so-called gut-brain axis, your gut continuously communicates with your brain. The result? Healthy gut flora can contribute to:

Your skin starts in your gut

Suffering from blemishes, eczema, or a dull complexion? Research shows that balanced gut flora also contributes to healthy skin. By supporting your gut barrier and reducing inflammation, probiotics can help your skin glow from within.

Extra bonus: Your resistance gets a boost

But there's more. About 70% of your immune cells are located in your gut. A good balance of bacterial strains like Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium lactis not only helps with your digestion but also strengthens your natural immunity. Especially in times of stress or seasonal changes, this is not an unnecessary luxury.

Small step, big difference

The beauty of it? With just one daily capsule of a high-quality probiotic, you can already start to feel a difference. Not just in your gut, but also in your mind and your skin.


Want to know more about how your gut influences your well-being?
Book a biomarker scan and receive a personalized gut recovery plan

✨ Give your body what it needs – from within.

Read more: What the biomarker scan reveals in just a few minutes.

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