Why Supplements Alone Won’t Heal You: The Real Root Is the Gut

Writer: Julie Smullen | Functional Nutrition Consultant, Certified GAPS Practitioner, Certified GAPS Coach & SmartDNA Practitioner.

 This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.

In today’s wellness world, supplements are everywhere. Powders, capsules, tinctures, sprays, promising more energy, better sleep, clearer skin, balanced hormones, fewer symptoms. And while supplements can be powerful tools in the right context, they’re often treated as magic bullets.

But here’s the reality I’ve come to know, both personally and professionally: you can eat the finest of foods and take the most expensive supplements, and still be nutrient-deficient, exhausted, and inflamed.

Why? Because if your gut isn’t working properly, you’re simply not absorbing what you’re putting in.

Nutrients Are Not Automatically Absorbed

Digestion and absorption are two very different things. Even when we consume high-quality nutrients, they still need to be broken down, absorbed across the intestinal lining, and transported into the bloodstream to be used by the body.

But in a gut, that’s been damaged, whether from stress, medications, processed foods, infections, or environmental toxins, this entire process can be compromised.

A common term for this damage is “leaky gut,” or increased intestinal permeability. It’s not a vague trend, it’s a medically recognized condition where the gut lining becomes porous and inflamed, allowing undigested food particles, toxins, and microbes to pass into the bloodstream. This triggers immune reactions, inflammation, and often a cascade of symptoms that can feel unrelated but are all deeply rooted in gut dysfunction.

“A person with abnormal gut flora is not able to digest and absorb food properly. As a result, many nutrients become unavailable for the body, leading to multiple deficiencies.” Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride, GAPS: Gut and Psychology Syndrome

What Happens When the Gut Is Leaky?

• Nutrients aren’t absorbed efficiently, even from good foods

• Supplement protocols become expensive but ineffective

• The immune system stays in a constant state of activation

• Symptoms persist, shift, or get worse despite best efforts

  
  

So often, I hear from people who feel like they’re doing all the right things: eating clean, taking a long list of supplements, avoiding processed foods, and still not getting better. There’s often confusion, frustration, and burnout, especially when you’re spending money on products that don’t seem to make a difference.

The Foundation Is Always This: Heal and Seal the Gut

One of the most foundational truths I work with is this:

If the gut lining is compromised, nutrients will not be absorbed, no matter how high-quality your food or supplements are.

This is why, in the GAPS approach, we focus on healing and sealing the gut first. It’s not about adding more and more on top, it’s about creating the conditions for your body to actually receive what it’s being given.

Once the gut lining is restored and the digestive system is working properly, real change can begin. Nutrient absorption improves. The immune system calms. Energy comes back. Symptoms begin to fade. And that long list of supplements? It becomes shorter, more targeted, and more effective.

Rebuilding the Gut Takes Time and Care

Gut healing is not a quick fix, but it is absolutely possible. It takes the right support, consistent nourishment, and a deep understanding of what your individual body needs.

Every person is different, and every gut has a story. For some, the damage is mild and recent. For others, it’s lifelong and layered. Either way, you’re not broken, your body just needs the right conditions to heal.

If you’ve been spending money on supplements with little to show for it, it might be time to take a step back and ask: Is my body even ready to receive this support?

Let’s Talk About It

If this resonates with you, I invite you to reach out. I help clients identify what’s getting in the way of healing and create simple, practical, and grounded plans to repair the gut and restore health.

Book a consultation to learn how to heal and seal your gut, once and for all, without wasting money on supplements that aren’t being absorbed. Work With Me | Mysite

Disclaimer: This blog is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Supplements should be used responsibly and under the guidance of a qualified health professional. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement or health program.

References:

• Campbell-McBride, N. (2020). Gut and Psychology Syndrome: Natural Treatment for Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Depression, Schizophrenia. Medinform Publishing.

• Fasano, A. (2012). Leaky Gut and Autoimmune Diseases. Clinical Reviews in Allergy & Immunology, 42(1), 71–78. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12016-011-8291-x

• de Magistris, L., Familiari, V., Pascotto, A., et al. (2010). Alterations of the intestinal barrier in patients with autism spectrum disorders and in their first-degree relatives. Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, 51(4), 418–424.

• Bischoff, S.C., Barbara, G., Buurman, W., et al. (2014). Intestinal permeability – a new target for disease prevention and therapy. BMC Gastroenterology, 14(1), 189. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12876-014-0189-7