5 Signs Your Gut Could Use Support

We know how discouraging it can feel to be told "everything looks fine" after a colonoscopy or a visit to your doctor when you know, deep down, that something isn't right. Maybe you’ve tried cutting out foods, loading up on probiotics, or following restrictive diets, yet you still feel bloated, sluggish, or uncomfortable in your body.

All of this may be your gut trying to tell you something. Gut health is foundational to overall wellness, impacting everything from immunity and skin clarity to hormone balance and mental focus. When your gut is out of balance, the effects can ripple across your entire body.

At Nova Wellness based in San Francisco, we specialize in naturopathic and functional medicine that gets to the root of gut issues through personalized and compassionate care. We know what it’s like to live with chronic gut issues because we’ve been there ourselves. If you're navigating chronic digestive discomfort or just sensing that something feels "off," it's worth paying attention. If you've been struggling with symptoms and searching for a “gut doctor near me”, here are five signs it's time to take your gut health seriously.

1. You’re Constantly Bloated or Gassy

Occasional bloating is normal, but if it happens regularly after meals, you can’t reliably fit in your clothes, feel self-conscious in a bathing suit, your digestion may need support. Bloating can result from a variety of causes, such as food intolerances, low stomach acid, bacterial overgrowth (like SIBO), or even stress.

Many conventional approaches treat bloating with temporary relief: antacids, or vague dietary advice. At Nova Wellness, we take a deeper look to understand what’s really going on. We go deep to explore your history, review and assess the foods you’re eating, and offer advanced testing to identify the true source of your discomfort. We act as your “health detective”, following the clues to uncover what’s really behind your symptoms.

Next, we craft a treatment plan that brings your digestion back into balance. Our goal is to help you feel comfortable, confident, and attuned to your body again.

2. You Struggle With Irregular Bowel Movements

Constipation, diarrhea, or fluctuating between the two is not normal and not something you should have to accept! In conventional medicine, this is often called “IBS”, and again, you’re left with vague advice, or told to “just live with it”. 

In naturopathic medicine, we know that these symptoms usually point to deeper imbalances in your gut; like food intolerances, leaky gut, lack of digestive enzymes, or deeper imbalances in your gut lining or microbiome. A healthy gut supports regular, comfortable elimination. If your bowel habits are unpredictable or disruptive, that’s a sign your digestive system is under strain.

Our doctors understand that no two cases of IBS or gut dysfunction are the same. We work to uncover what’s really going, and tailor your plan accordingly. The result? Reliable digestion, the ability to eat more freely, without fear, freedom to move well and importantly, to be able to socialize with friends and travel without fear of a digestion flare up.

3. You’re Tired All the Time

Fatigue isn't just about sleep. Many people come to us saying that they sleep well but wake up feeling exhausted and have trouble getting through the day without 3, 4, or 5 coffees. We understand how frustrating that can be. If you feel sluggish despite resting and eating well, your gut might be affecting how your body absorbs and utilizes nutrients. Poor digestion can lead to deficiencies in iron, B12, magnesium, and more, which directly impact energy production.

If your gut is irritated, you may also be producing endotoxins in your gut. These are toxins produced by an imbalanced microbiome. These toxins create fatigue, brain fog and sluggishness.  

At Nova Wellness, we don’t just prescribe supplements indiscriminately, without getting to know you. We start with detailed lab work to understand if you have food intolerances, nutrient deficiencies, or microbiome imbalances. With the right gut support, your energy can come back online naturally and you can finally experience the pleasure of energy that sustains you throughout your day.

4. Your Skin is Breaking Out or Inflamed

Did you know that your gut and skin are closely linked? Acne, rosacea, eczema, and other skin conditions often stem from internal imbalances like leaky gut, histamine intolerance, or food sensitivities. It can be frustrating to have a sudden skin breakout or flare-up despite doing all of the “right things”. Skin conditions can also be a source of great discomfort and insecurity. Know that you are not alone, and that it is incredibly common for people to experience acne, eczema or other skin conditions sometime in their adult life. Treating skin concerns topically can help in the short term, but true resolution usually requires internal healing.

Our San Francisco gut doctors approach skin issues from the inside out. Through microbiome support, detoxification pathways, and anti-inflammatory nutrition, we help calm the root of the issue so your skin can reflect your inner health.

5. You’ve Been Told “It’s Stress”

Being told your symptoms are "just stress" can feel invalidating, especially when you're doing your best to feel well and still not getting answers. While stress does influence digestion, vague advice like “reduce your stress” (easy enough to say, but not helpful without real strategies!) is not helpful.  We provide an actionable plan to help balance your nervous system and address the real physical symptoms that the stress caused, such as microbiome imbalances, slowed motility, low stomach acid.  

At Nova Wellness, we understand the role that your mental and spiritual health has on your physical health, and over time this can take a toll on your body. We understand that your physical, mental and spiritual health are interconnected.  We support you with actionable holistic approaches for stress reduction that can be easily incorporated into your daily life. 

Why Choose Nova Wellness for Gut Health in San Francisco?

If you’re looking for a gut doctor near you who offers more than who offers more than a one-size-fits-all solution, Nova Wellness may be the perfect fit for you. Our approach is relational, thoughtful, and deeply personalized. We know what it feels like to find yourself up late at night searching for a “gut doctor near me”, after dealing with yet another digestion flare-up. If you are in San Francisco and are ready to heal your gut once and for all, we are here to help.

Our process begins with an in-depth intake to hear from you about your health journey. From there we recommend comprehensive lab testing to learn what’s going on beyond just the symptoms. Lab testing provides us with excellent data to begin with and allows us to create a customized plan that may include gut-healing nutrition, targeted supplementation, nervous system support, and other natural therapies. 

Unlike conventional medicine, we also go deep into the mental and spiritual aspects of health to help you rebuild body awareness, so you can recognize and respond to your own needs with greater ease. You’ll walk away feeling more confident, attuned and empowered in your gut and overall health.  

Unlike conventional clinics, we prioritize collaboration and education. You’ll never be rushed, dismissed, or treated like a list of symptoms. Instead, you’ll be met with respect, curiosity, and a care plan that evolves with you.

FAQs About Working With a Gut-Focused Naturopath

What kinds of tests do you use to assess gut health?
We use a range of functional lab tests, including blood work with micronutrient testing, functional stool analysis, SIBO breath tests and more. These help us understand the full picture and personalize your treatment.

Do I have to follow a strict diet?
Not necessarily! At Nova Wellness, we believe food should be nourishing and pleasurable. We work with you to find a sustainable, gut-friendly way of eating that supports healing without adding unnecessary restriction.

How soon will I feel better?
Everyone heals on their own timeline, but many clients report improved digestion, energy, and clarity within the first 4–12 weeks of care. Deeper healing may take longer, depending on the complexity of your symptoms and how long they’ve been present.

Looking for a Gut Doctor Near You?

If you’re in the Bay Area and searching for a gut doctor near me, Nova Wellness offers integrative care grounded in both science and soul. Our naturopathic doctors use advanced diagnostics, holistic tools, and personalized protocols to help you heal your gut and feel well again.

Book a complimentary discovery call today to begin your journey back to health.