Chiropractic and Gut Health: Feeling Good From the Inside Out

Have you ever had that feeling where your stomach is just off? Maybe it’s the bloating after a meal, the sluggish digestion, or the general discomfort that makes you wish you could just hit a ‘reset’ button. It turns out, that button might just be located in your spine!

As a Master-level Zone Technique chiropractor, I’ve seen firsthand how gut health is directly connected to your nervous system. The brain and gut communicate constantly, and when that system is disrupted, digestion suffers. But here’s the good news—chiropractic care can help restore balance, improving gut function in ways that go beyond the usual ‘eat more fiber’ advice.

3 Unexpected Tips to Improve Gut Health with Chiropractic

Most gut health recommendations focus on diet changes, probiotics, and hydration—all great, but let’s take things a step further with these overlooked strategies:

1. Get Adjusted for Zone 2—The Digestive Zone

Your digestive system doesn’t just operate on its own—it’s controlled by your nervous system. Zone 2 of the Zone Technique is specifically responsible for digestive function. If signals between your brain and gut are misfiring due to spinal misalignment, you might experience bloating, irregularity, or even food sensitivities. Regular chiropractic adjustments targeting Zone 2 can help restore proper function, allowing your gut to work with you, not against you.

2. Improve Your Posture—Your Gut Will Thank You

Slouching isn’t just bad for your back; it compresses your abdomen, slowing down digestion and circulation. If you’ve ever felt uncomfortable after a meal while sitting hunched over, you know what I mean! Try this: Sit up tall, roll your shoulders back, and imagine a string pulling the top of your head to the ceiling. Bonus tip—lying flat on the floor for a few minutes post-meal can reset your posture and encourage digestion. Your gut needs space to function!

3. Stimulate Your Vagus Nerve (Yes, Really!)

Your vagus nerve is the superhighway between your brain and gut, helping regulate digestion. When it’s not firing properly, symptoms like heartburn, bloating, and sluggish digestion can creep in. Chiropractic adjustments help stimulate the vagus nerve, but you can also activate it at home with deep breathing, gargling (yes, gargling!), and cold exposure like splashing your face with cold water. Weird? Maybe. Effective? Absolutely.

Gut Health and Pregnancy: Dr. Kayla’s Expertise

This stat is SHOCKING!

Up to 80% of pregnant women experience gastrointestinal discomfort, including acid reflux, bloating, and constipation, due to hormonal shifts and increased pressure on the digestive organs! 80%! Studies suggest that chiropractic care, particularly the Webster Technique, may help alleviate these issues by optimizing nervous system function and pelvic alignment, reducing pressure on the gut.

That’s where Dr. Kayla, our Webster-certified chiropractor, comes in. The Webster Technique focuses on balancing the pelvis and nervous system, creating an optimal environment for both mom and baby.

A well-aligned pelvis allows the digestive organs to function without unnecessary pressure, while chiropractic care helps support hormone balance, reducing nausea and acid reflux. If you’re expecting, Dr. Kayla can help keep your gut (and everything else) feeling as comfortable as possible during this transformative time.

Natural Alternatives to OTC Gut Medications

Over-the-counter digestive aids can provide temporary relief, but many come with unwanted side effects and don’t address the root cause of the issue. Instead, consider these natural alternatives:

• Digestive Enzymes* – These help break down food efficiently, reducing bloating and discomfort.

• Aloe Vera Juice – Soothes the digestive tract and supports regularity without harsh laxatives.

• Slippery Elm – A natural anti-inflammatory that coats and protects the gut lining.

• Ginger & Peppermint – Great for nausea, bloating, and overall digestion support.

• Magnesium Complex* – Helps keep things moving without the cramping effects of traditional laxatives.

The benefit of natural alternatives? They work with your body rather than forcing a short-term fix. Plus, they support overall gut and nervous system health!

*These supplements can be picked up right in our office, so ask us about them next time you come in for an adjustment!

Take Action for a Healthier Gut

Gut health doesn’t start with the next diet trend—it starts with the nervous system. If you’re experiencing digestive issues, it might be time to check in with your spine! Book an appointment with us today to see how chiropractic care, including Zone 2 adjustments and Webster-certified prenatal care, can help you feel better from the inside out. Your gut (and your future self) will thank you!

In Health,

The Staff at PCW: Dr. Shawn, Dr. Kayla, Maddy, Charlene, and Jo