Woman reflecting on gut health journey

How I Healed My Gut After Years of Laxatives, Fad Diets, and “Detox” Products


The Wake-Up Call

For years, I chased every quick fix that promised a slimmer body. My poor gut became the test subject.

I tried everything — laxative teas, senna leaves, trendy Japanese “enzyme” powders. Each time I stopped, the constipation came roaring back.

Soon, I was bloated, moody, breaking out, and somehow gaining weight again. When I learned that long-term laxative use could damage the colon — even increase cancer risk — I was terrified.

That moment changed everything. I stopped punishing my gut and started healing it instead. Here’s what I discovered along the way.


Why Gut Health Matters

Why Gut Health Matters

Your gut isn’t just about digestion — it’s a multitasking powerhouse that affects almost every part of your body.

It’s your immune base camp (where most immune cells live), your mood sensor (70% of serotonin is made there), and your metabolism manager (regulating energy and hormones).

This two-way connection between your brain and gut — known as the gut-brain axis — means when your gut is unhappy, you feel it everywhere: in your digestion, your mood, even your skin.


What Damaged My Gut (and Might Be Hurting Yours Too)

Looking back, I can see the perfect storm:

  • Chronic stress and emotional ups and downs
  • Restrictive dieting, followed by binge eating
  • Overusing laxatives and “detox” products

The result? Low-grade inflammation, fewer “good” bacteria, more “bad” ones — and a cascade of symptoms like:

  • Constipation and bloating
  • Skin breakouts and bad breath
  • Fatigue and weak immunity
  • Mood swings, anxiety, and sugar cravings

How I Started Healing My Gut

Fiber-rich foods to feed good gut bacteria

1. Feed the good guys

I began adding more prebiotic and fiber-rich foods to nourish my gut bacteria:

  • Whole grains like oats and brown rice
  • Beans such as lentils and black beans
  • Veggies like broccoli, cabbage, garlic, and onions

These became fuel for my “good bugs” to thrive.

Fermented foods for healthy gut microbiome

2. Bring in the fermented crew

IInstead of relying on probiotic supplements alone, I turned to real, living foods:

  • Unsweetened Greek yogurt
  • Kefir and kombucha
  • Sauerkraut, kimchi, miso — even natto

The more variety, the better. A diverse gut microbiome = a happier gut.

healthy oil food

3. Don’t fear healthy fats

I used to avoid fats completely. Now, one spoonful of coconut oil a day keeps my digestion smooth and my gut lining soothed.

Omega-3s from salmon, walnuts, and flaxseed also helped calm inflammation.

4. Clean up (without extremes)

Instead of rigid “detoxes,” I simply reduced:

  • Processed meats
  • Fried foods
  • Refined sugar

And focused on anti-inflammatory staples — fatty fish, leafy greens, and colorful veggies.


Lifestyle habits like walking and meditation for gut repair

Lifestyle Tweaks That Helped

Better Sleep

Your gut heals while you rest. Skimping on sleep was wrecking my digestion more than I realized.

Toxin Light

I started washing produce with baking soda water, swapping plastic containers for glass, and limiting preservative-heavy snacks. Little shifts, big impact.

Sun + Movement

Walking, light jogging, and getting daily sunshine improved my gut diversity — especially the production of butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid that helps repair the gut lining and supports colon health.

Smart Hydration

Each morning, I drink about 300 ml of warm water with a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. Throughout the day, I aim for roughly 30 ml of water per kilo of body weight. It keeps everything moving — naturally.


The Results (and What I Learned)

Healing my gut wasn’t fast. It took small, consistent changes — and a lot of patience.

But over time, I felt the difference: more energy, calmer moods, clearer skin, fewer cravings, and yes — regular, easy bathroom trips without any “magic” teas.

I realized gut health is the quiet foundation of whole-body wellness. When your gut thrives, everything else starts to fall into place.

So here’s to balance, resilience, and the joy of finally feeling good from the inside out.


**Disclaimer:** I am not a medical professional. This article is based on my personal experience and research. If you are experiencing severe or persistent constipation, please consult with a healthcare provider to rule out any underlying conditions.

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