Goal Getter: Fuel Your Goals Without Burning Out

Ep. 31•August 19, 2025•31 min

031. This Gut Health Fix Might Be Making You Worse: When probiotics and protocols backfire | with Chelsea Haines pt 2

You're doing all the right things… so why do you still feel off? I used to think if I followed every gut health tip, took the best probiotics, and cut all the "bad" foods, I'd feel amazing. Spoiler: I didn't. In this episode, Chelsea Haines and I talk about what really causes gut issues—and it has less to do with food and more to do with stress, trauma, and the pressure to do it all perfectly. If you've ever wondered: Should I even be taking probiotics? Is SIBO the real problem? Am I stressing myself sick? …this episode will make you rethink everything. >>>>>USE THIS LINK Follow on instagram @iamjennahostetler and @sprintnutrition Learn more about The Gut Health Agency at https://theguthealthagency.com

Key Takeaways

1
Gut issues are often a symptom, not a root cause.
Conditions like SIBO and food sensitivities are frequently side effects of deeper imbalances.
Chronic stress is a primary driver that shuts down digestive function by signaling the body to prioritize survival over digestion.
2
Probiotics and supplements are not a cure-all.
Taking probiotics without understanding your specific microbiome needs can lead to 'too much of a good thing,' potentially worsening dysbiosis.
Supplements should be used strategically to support the body, not as a replacement for a healthy diet or a way to ignore symptoms.
3
The 'all-or-nothing' mentality is a major barrier to healing.
Stressing over perfect food quality or strict protocols can be more harmful to your health than the toxins you are trying to avoid.
Adopting an 'I am doing the best I can' mindset reduces the stress response, which is essential for proper digestion and recovery.
4
Healing requires taking personal responsibility for your past and present.
While trauma (big or small) is not your fault, moving forward from it is your responsibility.
True healing involves silencing external 'gurus' and learning to trust your own body's signals.

Intro

In this episode, Jenna Hostetler and Chelsea Haines discuss why common gut health protocols often backfire and how to move past the 'health noise' to find true healing.
Chelsea Haines is a gut health expert and founder of The Gut Health Agency, specializing in merging health coaching with clinical insights.

The Gut Health Agency Instagram

– Antibiotics, Probiotics, and the Root Cause of SIBO

Chelsea explains that antibiotics act like a 'bomb' on the microbiome, necessitating careful support. She emphasizes that SIBO is a side effect of a deeper issue, often rooted in chronic stress.

When we are in a stressed state, the body shuts digestion down, period. According to our body, when we are in a crisis, digestion is not an essential business.
– Chelsea Haines

– Navigating Food Quality and Environmental Toxins

The conversation shifts to how to handle concerns about soil quality and pesticides without falling into a spiral of stress.

Use the Environmental Working Group (EWG) app to check product toxicity.
Focus on the 'Dirty Dozen' and 'Clean 15' lists for produce shopping.
Make non-toxic swaps one at a time rather than replacing everything at once.

– Silencing the Noise and Choosing Joy

Chelsea and Jenna discuss the importance of unsubscribing from fear-based health content and the power of small, consistent habits.

Small hinges swing really big doors. We don't need to go busting in the door to open it up. We can walk through the door with a little bit more grace and a little bit more ease.
– Chelsea Haines

Resources

Environmental Working Group (EWG)tool
Dirty Dozen and Clean 15 Listsarticle

Topics

Gut Health SIBO Stress Management Microbiome Mindset Non-toxic Living Holistic Health