Gut Feelings: How Your Microbiome Affects Aging and Vitality

Did you know you have more bacterial cells in your body than human ones?

That might sound strange, but it’s true—and it’s actually great news. Why? Because those trillions of tiny organisms living in your gut, known as your microbiome, play a massive role in how you feel, think, move, and even age.

As we step into our encore years, vibrant health becomes less about quick fixes and more about understanding what’s really going on inside our bodies. And in my experience, there’s no better place to start than the gut.

Your Microbiome: The Hidden Powerhouse

Your gut is home to trillions of microbes—bacteria, fungi, and even viruses—that help with everything from digesting food to regulating hormones and boosting immunity. A healthy, balanced microbiome keeps inflammation in check, helps you absorb nutrients, supports your brain, and even affects your mood.

When your gut is out of balance? You might experience fatigue, brain fog, poor digestion, skin issues, weight gain, and a weakened immune system. And unfortunately, aging itself—along with medications, stress, poor diet, and less movement—can throw this delicate ecosystem off track.

The Gut-Aging Connection

The older we get, the more important it becomes to care for our gut. A thriving microbiome can:

1. Strengthen your immune system

2. Help regulate blood sugar and hormones

3. Support better energy and sleep

4. Reduce chronic inflammation (which is the root of most diseases)

5. Even improve the look and feel of your skin

A healthy gut is one of the best anti-aging tools we have. And unlike wrinkle creams or trendy supplements, this is real, inside-out wellness.

My Gut Health Journey

Here’s what I know for sure: I haven’t been sick in the past four years—not even a sniffle. I never got COVID. I believe that’s because I’ve been intentionally taking better care of my gut. Every single day, I include probiotics and mushroom powder in my diet. They’re non-negotiables.

Becoming a certified Gut Health Specialist gave me the knowledge and tools to support my body in ways I never knew I needed. It also helped me understand why gut health is foundational to everything else—whether it’s hormonal balance, energy, mental clarity, or healthy aging.

And recently, I discovered something that took it all a step further.

Meet Injoy: A Gut Health Game-Changer

When I found Injoy, an at-home microbiome testing kit, it was like opening a window into what’s really going on in this beautifully complex body of mine. Think of it like bloodwork for your gut—you get a full readout of your microbial diversity, inflammation levels, and exactly what your body needs more (or less) of to thrive.

It’s been an incredible eye-opener. I thought I was doing everything right, and in many ways, I was. But this test showed me exactly where I could fine-tune my habits for even better results.

If you’ve ever wondered whether your fatigue, brain fog, sugar cravings, or skin issues are “just part of getting older,” let me assure you: they’re not. They’re often signs your gut needs some love.

Simple Ways to Love Your Gut in Your Encore Years

If you’re ready to start improving your gut health today, here are some simple, effective ways:

• Eat more fiber from veggies, fruits, legumes, and whole grains.

• Add fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir, or unsweetened yogurt.

• Include daily probiotics and gut-friendly adaptogens like mushrooms.

• Hydrate and move—your gut loves motion!

• Manage stress with breathwork, prayer, or nature time.

• Consider testing with Injoy to personalize your approach.

Final Thoughts: Your Gut, Your Glow

Vibrant aging doesn’t just happen—it’s created through daily choices. Your microbiome is a powerful ally in that journey. When your gut is healthy, everything else feels more aligned—your energy, your mind, your mood, and your sense of vitality.

I’m here to help you get started if you want to explore your own gut health. Whether it’s adding in daily probiotics or taking the Injoy test to see exactly what’s going on inside, you’re not alone. I believe our encore years are meant to be vibrant, purposeful, and full of life—and it all starts in the gut.

Let’s take care of it.