867. Why You’re Bloated, Tired + Craving Sugar
Almost 30
Fiber's impact on brain chemistry
Colleen links fiber-fed microbes to neurotransmitter production and the gut-brain vagus connection affecting mood and anxiety.
What if the real reason you feel bloated, exhausted, and stuck in a cycle of cravings… isn’t your willpower—but your gut? In this episode, Colleen Cutcliffe joins Lindsey to break down the hidden power of your gut microbiome—and why 95% of us are missing one critical nutrient: fiber.
From metabolism + energy to mood, cravings, and even longevity, your gut is running the show behind the scenes. Colleen reveals how your microbiome directly impacts GLP-1, your brain chemistry, and your body’s ability to function at its highest level—naturally.
If you’re navigating stress, burnout, hormone shifts, or simply trying to feel better in your body, this episode is your blueprint. You’ll walk away with simple, realistic “life hacks” to optimize your gut health, boost your energy, and finally break the cycle of inflammation, cravings, and fatigue.
We also talk about:
- Why only 5% of Americans get enough fiber (and how it’s impacting your health)
- How your gut microbiome affects mood, anxiety, and brain chemistry
- The truth about fiber supplements vs. whole foods
- Why processed foods + alcohol quietly damage your gut
- The surprising link between fiber, gut health, and colon health
- How stress destroys your microbiome (and how to fix it)
- Easy daily “gut health hacks” for busy women in their 30s
- What to do after antibiotics to rebuild your gut properly
Resources:
- https://www.instagram.com/drcolleencutcliffe/
- https://www.instagram.com/pendulumlifeco/
- https://pendulumlife.com/collections/almost30
- https://pendulumlife.com/products/gut-fuel-pouch
- https://pendulumlife.com/products/gut-fuel-packets
- Use Code ALMOST30 for 20% off Gut Fuel and your first subscription order
- Order our book, Almost 30: A Definitive Guide To A Life You Love For The Next Decade and Beyond, here: https://bit.ly/Almost30Book.
Sponsors:
Ka’Chava | Go to https://www.kachava.com and use code ALMOST30 for 15% off your first order.
Cozy Earth | Head to https://cozyearth.com and use code ALMOST30 for up to 20% off! And if you get a Post-Purchase Survey, make sure to let them know you heard about Cozy Earth right here!
Ritual | Don’t settle for less than evidence-based support. Save 25% on your first month at https://www.Ritual.com/ALMOST30.
BetterHelp | This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at https://www.betterhelp.com/almost30 and get on your way to being your best self with 10% off your first month.
Chime | It just takes a few minutes to sign up. Head to https://www.Chime.com/ALMOST30.
To advertise on this podcast please email: partnerships@almost30.com.
Learn More:
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Podcast disclaimer can be found by visiting: almost30.com/disclaimer.
Almost 30 is edited by Garett Symes and Isabella Vaccaro.
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