The human body is the ultimate ecosystem.

It’s a living, constantly adapting organism—a network of systems and processes all working together to keep you alive and thriving.

I love this analogy because it makes so much sense: just like in nature, when one part of the ecosystem is off balance, it affects everything else. The body is no different.

You’ll hear me reference this idea a lot because it’s such a simple, powerful way to understand how our health works.

When digestion isn’t running like it should, it often shows up in ways you might not expect. Some of the most common signs of weak digestion include:

• Acid reflux, heartburn, or indigestion

• Burping, nausea, gas, or bloating

• Constipation or diarrhea

• Weight gain, food cravings, or sensitivities

• Acne, skin issues, or allergies

• Weak, brittle, or ridged fingernails

There are also some less obvious signs, like:

• High or low blood pressure

• Low energy or fatigue

• Anxiety, depression, or ADHD

If any of these symptoms sound familiar, they’re often strong indicators that your digestion might need some extra support. Remember, good digestion is the cornerstone of how your body absorbs nutrients and stays balanced—so when it’s not working properly, it can affect everything from your mood to your overall health.could be improved.

And ps. I had every symptom on this list (except one).

There’s a lot more to this in the members section, but here’s the gist:

Digestion is arguably one of the most important (and overlooked) aspects of health. It’s how your body gets the nutrients it needs to thrive, and when it’s not working well, everything else can feel off.

Here’s a quick breakdown of how digestion works:

1. It Starts in Your Mouth
   When you eat, your body starts prepping right away. As you chew, your mouth produces saliva packed with enzymes to start breaking food down.

2. Down to the Stomach
   After swallowing, food travels to your stomach—a pouch where digestive juices (stomach acid) are released to break down the food further and acidify it. This increase in stomach acid signals the LES valve (like a trap door) to close, sealing food inside the stomach so it can get processed properly.

3. On to the Duodenum
   Once the food is ready, it moves into the duodenum (the start of your intestines). Here, the pancreas releases digestive juices, and bile from your liver or gallbladder gets “squirted” onto the food. This creates a reaction—acid from the stomach meets alkaline bile—and you get a chemical “sizzle” that breaks the food down even more.

4. Into the Intestines
   From there, the food moves through your intestines. Enzymes continue breaking it down, and your body extracts all the nutrients it can along the way.

The Basics in a Nutshell
The two major players in digestion are:

• Stomach Acid

• Bile Flow

If one (or both) isn’t working like it should, issues are bound to show up. Spoiler alert: for most people, these systems aren’t running at full capacity!

The idea that you have too much stomach acid is one of the most common misconceptions out there.

The truth? It’s almost always the opposite.

Symptoms like heartburn, acid reflux, and other so-called “overly acidic” issues are typically caused by having too little stomach acid. (There are exceptions, of course, but this is the general rule.)

I used to believe the "too much acid" myth myself for over a decade. I was taking maximum-strength Zantac every single day, thinking I was solving the problem. Turns out, I was just masking the symptoms.

This is a big truth that goes much deeper than I can explain here in this FAQ. But the takeaway is this: stomach acid is crucial for proper digestion, and most people aren’t producing enough.

P.S. If you have low blood pressure, this is especially important to pay attention to.

There’s a lot you can learn from what’s going on with your stool.

Ideally, a healthy bowel movement happens once or twice a day (usually in the morning). It’s typically:

• Full and in one piece

• Dark in color

• Soft yet firm in texture

• Free of undigested food (like nuts, corn, etc.)

• Mild in odor

But let’s be real—these “dream poops” are rare for many people, myself included.

There are lots of factors that can lead to stool being too hard or too soft. Here’s a helpful rule of thumb:

• If stool is very acidic, it moves through the system too quickly (hello, diarrhea).

• If stool is very alkaline, it moves too slowly (cue constipation).

Neither extreme is ideal. Both are symptoms of deeper imbalances in the body, and when left unaddressed, they can create further health challenges.

Let’s get one thing straight—every body is unique. That means the “right” supplements can vary from person to person, and self-tests are your best guide to figuring out what’s right for you.

Now, as a general rule, I’m a big fan of supplements. When you find the good ones, they can work wonders. But not all supplements are created equal, and a lot of the cheap, conventional stuff out there can do more harm than good. The wrong formulas, hidden fillers, or even sugar can make a supplement counterproductive.

That’s why quality matters so much.

I share more details about my favorites in other sections of my site, but if I had to pick two essentials for just about anyone, it’d be these:

1. Full-Form Vitamin C – Did you know most mammals make their own vitamin C? Lucky them! But us humans? Nope. Evolution kinda left us hanging on that one. Vitamin C is a workhorse nutrient used throughout your entire body, so a high-quality version is a no-brainer.

2. Collagen (100% Grass-Fed) – Think of collagen as the glue that holds your body together. It supports everything from skin to joints to gut health. Essential? Absolutely.

And one more superstar: Salt!

Not the processed stuff in most kitchens—I'm talking about unrefined sea salt, packed with minerals your body craves. Salt gets a bad rap, but the right kind is an absolute game-changer for overall health. Remember, not all salt is created equal, so take that advice with… well, you know… a grain of (good) salt.

If you’re struggling with weight issues, there’s a lot to consider. But before we dive into the details, here’s the most important, life-changing thing I’ve learned:

If you’re overweight—especially if you’ve been your whole life—it’s not your fault.

Read that again. It’s not your fault.

If you’re carrying extra weight, it’s likely tied to impaired digestion. Think of it this way: some people have impaired vision, and you might have impaired digestion. Something is off, and maybe it’s been that way your entire life. But that doesn’t mean you’re to blame.

Here’s an example to help explain:

Say your digestion is only functioning at 50% capacity. That means your body is only absorbing half the nutrients it needs from the food you eat. As a result, your body sends signals that you need twice as much food as someone with fully functioning digestion to meet the same nutritional needs.

It’s not fair, but it’s a very real challenge for those with compromised digestion.

The good news? Once you understand what’s going on and start addressing the root cause, things can improve.

Digestion is how your body gets the nutrients it needs to function. If digestion isn’t working well, everything else—your energy, hormones, immune system—can be affected. It’s the root of so many health issues.

Common signs include:

• Fatigue

• Bloating

• Constipation

• Diarrhea

• Brain fog

• Cravings

• Anxiety

• Skin issues

• Blood Pressure Issues

• Sleep Issues

• Stress Issues

Your body has ways of letting you know when something’s off—we just need to listen.

Not necessarily. What works for one person might not work for another. The key is finding the foods that your body thrives on, rather than following rigid rules.