Gut Health: What If Better Energy Starts in Your Gut? | Emily Paulsen & Dr. Mindy Patterson
Most of us were taught that bloating, fatigue, and brain fog are just part of life, or worse, that they’re personal failures. We’re told to eat better, try harder, buy the next buzzy supplement, drink the probiotic soda. But what if your symptoms weren’t a sign of doing something wrong… but a message from your gut that something deeper is going on?
In this week’s episode of Curious Life of a Childfree Woman, I spoke with Dr. Mindy Patterson, a registered dietitian, researcher, and founder of Renutrin, about what gut health actually means. And no, this wasn’t a conversation about cleanses or fads. It was a grounded, science-backed exploration of how the trillions of microbes in our bodies affect not just digestion, but energy, mood, hormones, inflammation, and even long-term disease risk. What I took away is simple, but powerful: the way we feel every day might not be a mystery. It might just be misunderstood.
You Don’t Need More Hype, You Need Better Information
One of the most refreshing parts of this conversation was how clearly Dr. Mindy separated fact from fluff. We talked about how most people don’t actually understand the difference between probiotics, prebiotics, and dietary fiber, and how not all “gut health” products are created equal. Some fibers ferment so quickly they cause more gas, bloating, and discomfort than relief. And some of the most popular drinks on the shelf can actually make you feel worse if your gut is sensitive.
But there’s hope. Dr. Mindy explained how resistant starch, found in certain foods and in her own supplement, Renutrin, ferments slowly, feeds good bacteria, and supports blood sugar regulation without the digestive distress. That matters. Because for women, especially during perimenopause or hormone shifts, the gut isn’t just a digestive center, it’s an emotional and energetic one, too. And when we stop following the trends and start listening to our bodies, everything starts to shift.
You Can’t Heal What You Don’t Understand
What struck me most was how often we dismiss symptoms that are actually trying to help us. A foggy head? Probably not just a “bad day.” Crashing after lunch? Not just poor sleep. These might be signs of a microbiome that needs support, and a body that’s begging for consistency, nourishment, and clarity.
Dr. Mindy reminded me that you can start reshaping your microbiome in just a few days. But the real power comes from building small, sustainable habits. Things like adding the right kind of fiber, paying attention to how food makes you feel, and refusing to accept “fine” as your baseline. This isn’t about obsessing over every bite. It’s about partnering with your body instead of constantly overriding it.
Curious About Supporting Your Gut Without the Overwhelm? Start Here.
If you’ve been struggling with low energy, digestive issues, or just feel off and don’t know why, try one or two of these small shifts this week:
Pay attention to how you feel after eating different kinds of fiber. Does it leave you feeling lighter, or more bloated?
Try chilling your starches. Cooked and cooled potatoes, rice, or oats increase resistant starch, making them more gut-friendly.
Swap one wellness product for a whole-food option. A probiotic soda might sound great, but plain kefir or fermented veggies might work better for your system.
Check your labels. Look for “prebiotic fiber” and avoid ingredients like inulin or chicory root if you’re sensitive.
Pause before adding another supplement to your shelf. Ask: Do I understand what this is doing, or am I just hoping it helps?
Let’s Stay Curious Together
This isn’t about restriction or reinvention. It’s about tuning in. Supporting your gut is one of the most powerful ways to support your life, from your energy to your mood to your long-term health.
You can listen to the full conversation with Dr. Mindy Patterson on Curious Life of a Childfree Woman wherever you get your podcasts. And if this sparked something for you, I’d love to hear about it.
Come join me on Instagram @curiouslifeofachildfreewoman and let’s talk about what your body might be asking for.
