In Chapter Ten of Journey Back to Health, we begin focusing on one of the most important places to start a healing journey: the gut.

The digestive system is responsible for breaking down the food we eat and extracting the nutrients that fuel the entire body. Every organ system depends on this process. If nutrients aren’t absorbed properly, the body cannot perform its basic functions at full capacity.

Inside the digestive system, many different processes are working together. Microorganisms, enzymes, acids, and organs collaborate to break food down into usable pieces. These nutrients are then distributed throughout the body to support organs, energy levels, immune function, and brain health.

But when there are problems in the digestive system, the entire body feels the impact.

Inflammation, blockages, pain, gas, or bloating are signs that something isn’t functioning properly. When digestion struggles, nutrients are not absorbed effectively. Instead of being used to support the body, food can essentially become waste.

This is something I experienced firsthand after being diagnosed with celiac disease. My digestive system had developed inflammation and damage within the intestines due to an autoimmune response. As a result, my body could not absorb nutrients properly.

The symptoms were dramatic.

I experienced extreme fatigue and intense brain fog. At one point, I could look directly at my children and struggle to remember their names. My brain simply wasn’t receiving the nutrients it needed to function properly.

This is why gut health matters so much. When digestion is impaired, the effects ripple through the entire body.

The digestive system itself includes several organs working together: the esophagus, stomach, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, small intestine, large intestine, and colon. Each one plays a role in the process of breaking down food and eliminating waste.

For example, stomach acid begins the breakdown process. Digestive enzymes from the pancreas continue breaking food into usable components. Bile from the gallbladder helps process fats. The intestines absorb nutrients and move waste through the body.

If any part of this system is not working well, the process can break down.

This is why many healing protocols begin by addressing the digestive system. When the gut begins to function properly again, it creates a domino effect that supports other organ systems.

In some cases, healing the digestive system may involve reducing inflammatory foods. In other cases, it may include supporting the gut with probiotics, prebiotics, or soothing substances that help the digestive lining recover.

Gut health can also affect mental health. A large percentage of serotonin, one of the body’s important mood-regulating chemicals, is produced in the digestive system. When the gut is inflamed or imbalanced, it can influence mood, anxiety levels, and emotional wellbeing.

Additionally, imbalances in gut bacteria — sometimes called dysbiosis — can lead to digestive discomfort and other symptoms. Certain bacterial overgrowth conditions may require targeted support to restore balance.

But before making any changes, the first step is awareness.

This week’s action step is simple: pay attention to how your body feels after meals. Notice if certain foods lead to discomfort, bloating, fatigue, or other symptoms.

Keeping a food diary can also be incredibly helpful. Write down what you eat and how you feel afterward. Patterns may begin to emerge over time.

You may also notice symptoms that appear at the same time each day — headaches, fatigue, or stomach discomfort. These patterns can offer important clues about what is happening inside your body.

The goal right now isn’t to overhaul your entire diet. It’s simply to observe.

By becoming aware of your body’s signals, you create a baseline understanding of your health. From there, you can begin making informed decisions about the next steps in your healing journey.

Next week, we’ll begin discussing elimination diets and how they can help identify foods that may be contributing to inflammation or digestive distress.

For now, start with awareness. Your body is already communicating with you — the first step is learning how to listen.