The health of our digestive system can influence far more than simply what happens after a meal.
This week on Wednesday Wellness, I was joined by Wendy Hill, award-winning Nutritional Therapist and founder of HillStart Nutrition, to discuss a topic that has become increasingly recognised as being central to our health and wellbeing: gut health.
Many people think about their gut only when they experience digestive symptoms, but as Wendy explained, the health of our digestive system can influence far more than simply what happens after a meal.
Research continues to show links between gut health and many aspects of our overall wellbeing, including energy levels, sleep quality, hormone balance, skin health, inflammation and even how we feel day to day.
One of the key themes of our conversation was inflammation. While inflammation is an important part of the body’s natural healing process, ongoing low-grade inflammation has been associated with a wide range of health concerns. Wendy explained how supporting the health of the gut microbiome – the trillions of bacteria and other microorganisms that live within our digestive system – may play an important role in helping the body maintain balance and function effectively.
We also discussed some of the signs that poor gut health can present with. While digestive symptoms such as bloating, discomfort or altered bowel habits are often the obvious clues, gut health issues can sometimes show up in less obvious ways. Low energy, skin concerns, joint aches, poor sleep and hormonal imbalances may all have connections to what’s happening within the gut.
A particularly interesting part of the discussion focused on probiotics. A few years ago, it felt as though everyone was being encouraged to take a probiotic supplement, but Wendy explained that the conversation has evolved. Rather than relying solely on supplements, many practitioners now place greater emphasis on supporting the microbiome through dietary and lifestyle changes that help beneficial bacteria thrive naturally.
That said, probiotics may still have a place in certain situations. We touched briefly on their potential role following a course of antibiotics, which can disrupt the balance of the gut microbiome by affecting both harmful and beneficial bacteria. Interestingly, Wendy pointed out that while it is commonplace for vets to recommend probiotics for dogs following antibiotic treatment, this is not routinely recommended for humans through mainstream healthcare. It’s certainly an area that continues to generate discussion and research.
Wendy’s approach to gut health is centred around practical, achievable changes rather than quick fixes. Her popular 28-Day Transformation Programme is designed as a structured gut healing protocol, helping participants reset habits, support their microbiome and better understand what their bodies need through simple nutrition and lifestyle strategies. The programme focuses on improving digestion, energy and overall wellbeing in a way that can be maintained long term.
In addition to working with clients on a one-to-one basis, Wendy is also the host of the Fab Female Nutrition podcast and is preparing for the publication of her first book, Nourish to Flourish, due for release in late July 2026.
As always, Wednesday Wellness is about bringing local expertise and practical health information to our listeners, and Wendy’s message was refreshingly straightforward: if we want to improve our overall health, looking after our gut is often one of the best places to start.
My thanks to Wendy Hill from HillStart Nutrition for joining us on the show.
For more information about Wendy and her work, visit HillStart Nutrition.