Gut Cleansing

Over the past few weeks I’ve been giving my gut a little reset, focusing on SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) and trialling a low FODMAP approach. It’s been both eye-opening and humbling, and I wanted to share what it’s really felt like.

I’ve treated SIBO many times in clinic with great success, but treating yourself is always a little tougher. And, after getting engaged, let’s just say I haven’t exactly been alcohol-free — which definitely flared up my pre-existing gut issues.

When bacteria in the small intestine grow out of balance, symptoms like bloating, discomfort, brain fog, and unpredictable digestion are common. For me, this reset hasn’t been about a quick “detox” but about gently clearing out what isn’t serving me and slowly rebuilding balance.

Starting low FODMAP meant pulling back on certain fermentable foods like onion, garlic, and apples (stewed apples have always been a trigger for me). Almost immediately I noticed less evening bloating and discomfort. Alongside diet, I’ve been using specific antimicrobial herbs (Berberine and Black Walnut) to target SIBO, and then layering in nutrients to repair and strengthen the gut lining — things like glutamine, zinc, and soothing herbs. This process will continue until all symptoms associated are gone. This is a slow an steady process, realistically most gut health protocols will not be successfully completed in under 6 weeks.

Here’s what you can realistically expect when going through a gut cleanse (and please note — I strongly advise doing this only with guidance from a degree-qualified Naturopath. Herbs can powerfully alter the gut microbiome, and the wrong approach can do more harm than good):

Day 1–7: hunger, sugar cravings, brain fog, and increased thirst.
Day 7–14: continued thirst, possible skin breakouts, even painful periods as the body shifts.
Day 14–30: more regular stools, a significant reduction in bloating, clearer skin, more stable blood sugar, and a noticeable drop in inflammation.

If there’s one takeaway, it’s that gut cleansing isn’t about perfection or harsh restriction. It’s about listening to the body, being patient, and remembering that the goal isn’t simply to get rid of bacteria but to restore harmony and resilience.

Thanks for being here and following along with my journey. I’ll keep sharing more of the little lessons, recipes, and herbal support that are helping me along the way in my weekly newsletter.

✿ Fleur