Feel Like Nothing’s Working for Your Gut Issues?
Here’s what could be going on?
Have you cut out gluten? Ditched dairy? Taken probiotics? Tried the low FODMAP plan (twice)?
And yet – here you are.
Still bloated. Still battling unpredictable bowels. Still planning your life around where the nearest toilet is. Still wondering why, after everything you’ve tried, nothing seems to work?
I’ve been helping clients with IBS for over 20 years. Back in the early days, I ran a Thursday afternoon clinic for patients who’d already seen our gastroenterologist. The department got the funding. I got the waiting list.
In the early 2000’s, we put nearly everyone on a wheat-free diet. Some came back a month later much improved. Others, not so much.
Even then, I wasn’t convinced food was the whole story.
I had this niggling feeling there was something else at play, something about going back to a “meat and two veg” style of eating, but still… something was missing.
Fast forward we now understand the gut-brain connection far better. For me, it’s been the missing piece of the puzzle.
What Is the Gut-Brain Connection?
Your gut and brain talk to each other constantly. Not just metaphorically. Biologically.
This happens via the vagus nerve, through neurotransmitters like serotonin, and through your gut microbiome.
The vagus nerve runs from your brain, down through your body, right into your digestive system. It’s responsible for the “rest and digest” part of your nervous system. That’s why your stomach flips when you’re anxious. Why you get cramps before a big event. Why stress hits your digestion first.
Your gut isn’t just a tube for food, it’s your second brain, with its own nervous system and chemical messengers.
And when your brain is under stress (even quiet, long-term stress), your gut gets the memo, loud and clear. Resulting in bloating, constipation, diarrhoea, pain.
Want to learn more? Here’s a great explainer from BBC Science Focus.
Why It Matters More As You Get Older
By your 50s, 60s, or 70s, you’ve lived a life.
Which means your body (and nervous system) has been through a lot.
- Hormones have shifted
- Medications may have crept in
- Life stressors; grief, retirement, caregiving, health concerns have built up
Maybe your GP told you, “It’s just your age.” But that doesn’t explain why you’re bloated after eating, why your waistband feels tighter by 3pm. Or why the idea of going out for dinner fills you with dread.
This isn’t just ageing. This is dysregulation.
When your gut and brain fall out of sync, symptoms show up. But when you reconnect them relief often follows.
The Vicious Cycle You Might Be Caught In
It usually looks something like this:
- You eat something “safe” but still get bloated
- You start avoiding more foods
- You feel anxious before meals
- That anxiety triggers your gut even more
- You cut more foods, lose confidence and feel even worse
And round you go. In this state, your gut can’t reset because what it really needs is nervous system safety.
How I Help Clients Rebuild Their Gut-Brain Connection
Inside my 12-week 1:1 gut R.E.S.E.T. Method, we don’t just log food diaries and tweak fibre.
We look at the whole picture, including:
- Nervous system care: gentle, realistic ways to down-regulate stress
- Tailored food support: no fads, no unnecessary restriction
- Mindset work: especially if food fear, guilt or overwhelm is creeping in
- Routine & rhythm: simple but powerful habits that bring long-term relief
This isn’t about being perfect. It’s about understanding your body, restoring your confidence and reclaiming your life from your symptoms.
What Clients Say
“I had cut out lots of foods. I’d stopped going out. The mental load of having to think about everything I ate was too much. It was a relief when you said we weren’t going to talk about food. After starting the gut hypnotherapy I felt better within the first week.”
— Client, age 67
“I didn’t realise how much stress was playing into my gut issues. In fact, I didn’t even think I was stressed. I’m retired now, life should be easier. This approach was different. It looked at the full picture, not just what I was eating.”
— Male client, age 72
Final Thoughts: You’re Not Broken
If your symptoms haven’t budged, it’s not because you’re doing it wrong, or that you’re being dramatic. The doctors are unlikely to have missed something.
It’s because you’ve been sold a narrow view, one that ignores how connected your gut and brain really are.
You deserve answers. And more than that, you deserve to feel normal again.
Ready to Fix the Root Cause?
If this sounds like you, let’s talk. My signature Gut R.E.S.E.T Method delivers results in just 4 weeks for most people.
If you have enjoyed this blog post then you may also enjoy how to relieve your IBS symptoms fast without changing your diet
Fiona Brannigan, BSc (Hons) Human Nutrition & Dietetics, HCPC-Registered Dietitian, Full member of the British Dietetic Association.
Fiona Brannigan is a UK-registered dietitian and founder of Inspirit Nutrition & Dietetic Consultancy, based in Ayrshire and working with clients across the UK. With over 25 years of experience, including more than two decades in the NHS, Fiona has supported thousands of people to improve their health through nutrition.
Her expertise spans gut health, menopause nutrition, digestive disorders, neurological conditions, and rehabilitation following illness. Fiona is particularly passionate about helping adults aged 50+ regain confidence and control over their gut health, manage symptoms such as bloating, constipation, and diarrhoea, and enjoy food without fear or discomfort.
Fiona is regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and is a member of the British Dietetic Association (BDA). She offers one-to-one consultations online and in person, using evidence-based nutrition and personalised support to help people feel their best at every stage of life.
Book a free discovery call to discuss your gut health goals or learn more about Fiona’s work
