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Feeling foggy, tired, or bloated, even when you’re doing all the “right things”? I talk with so many women who share the same frustration (that I’ve also felt myself). You’re eating better, moving your body, getting enough sleep (most nights), and doing your best to manage stress… yet you still feel off.

Maybe you’re tired no matter how much coffee you drink. Maybe your mind feels foggy, or your stomach bloats even when you’re eating “healthy.” If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone—and you’re definitely not imagining it.

The Hidden Link Between Your Gut and Your Immune System

Here’s what many health-focused women (and even health care pros!) don’t realize: Your gut and your immune system are in constant conversation. In fact, around 70% of your immune system actually lives in your gut! That means your gut isn’t just about digesting food—it’s playing a huge role in how your body manages stress, energy, and overall resilience.

But here’s the tricky part: when life gets stressful ...

This summer has been full of big transitions in our family. My daughter graduated in June and recently accepted her first job in her field of textile design. It’s such an incredible opportunity for her, and I couldn’t be more proud. At the same time, it comes with some stress—she’ll be moving all the way across the country, which feels a lot more permanent than the four years she spent away at school.

Meanwhile, my son—whose health journey I’ve shared before—is learning firsthand just how much stress and anxiety can impact his well-being.

And here’s the thing that’s really fascinating (and a little frustrating): stress and inflammation feed off each other.

👉 Stress can cause inflammation.

👉 Inflammation can cause stress.

It’s a cycle that can quietly affect everything—your digestion, hormones, recovery, cravings, even your mood. When your nervous system is always “on alert,” your body gets stuck in a constant state of stress, which keeps inflammation simmering in the background.

In my last post, I shared that inflammation isn’t always the enemy—it’s actually a natural part of your body’s healing process. But when inflammation sticks around for too long, it can quietly chip away at your health. And it’s not just about your body—it can also impact your mood, motivation, and overall energy.

Here’s the tricky part:

• It doesn’t always look like inflammation
• It can come on so slowly that it feels normal.
• And it can drag you down without you even realizing it.

That’s why I want to share five subtle signs your body might be dealing with ongoing inflammation.

1. You might feel tired all the time, even when you take the time to rest. Low grade inflammation can interfere with your sleep quality and your recovery, so even when you rest, your body might not bounce back the way it used to.
2. Exercising feels harder than it should. When inflammation is high, everything can feel off.  Your body might feel stiff, heavy, and sluggish. Even your go-to workouts can start...

Right now I’m in the middle of a “cleanse”, though that’s not quite the right word for it. It’s a version of the Ultra Simple Diet by Dr. Mark Hyman, where you simplify your diet to reduce inflammation and negative reactions you may have to foods. You’ve probably heard that inflammation is the source of a lot of health issues, but do you know why? 

What Is Inflammation, Anyway? 

Years ago when I would introduce myself at a business conference, I would say that I helped women reduce chronic inflammation. Back then, hardly anyone would know what I was talking about. Not so much now, though I feel like it gets oversimplified. The truth is that it can have a massive impact on how you feel every single day. 

Inflammation can be the root of joint pain, digestive problems, stubborn weight gain, fatigue, and heart disease. It even plays a role in balancing your hormones. But people don’t always explain what inflammation really means; it’s actually your body’s natural way of protecting you.