Gut reset
If your digestion has been feeling off — whether it’s bloating, irregularity, or general discomfort — it’s easy to feel frustrated and unsure where to start. The good news? Your gut responds quickly to the right changes. In just 7 days, you can take meaningful steps to restore balance, support healthy digestion, and feel lighter and more comfortable.
In this guide, we’ll walk through a simple, actionable 7-day plan to reset your gut, including dietary adjustments, gut-friendly foods, hydration tips, optional supplements, and habits to maintain long-term gut health. Think of it as a mini spring cleaning for your digestive system — and it’s easier than you might think.
Why a Gut Reset Matters?
Your gut is home to trillions of bacteria, collectively called the microbiome. These microscopic organisms play a critical role in digestion, nutrient absorption, immune function, and even mental health. When your gut bacteria are out of balance — a condition called dysbiosis — it can lead to a range of unpleasant symptoms, including bloating, gas, constipation, diarrhea, fatigue, and even skin issues like acne or eczema.
A gut reset helps reboot your digestive system, giving your microbiome the environment it needs to thrive. By temporarily removing stressors (like processed foods and sugar) and introducing beneficial foods and habits, you can:
- Restore balance between “good” and “bad” bacteria
Imbalanced gut bacteria can overgrow and create inflammation, affecting digestion and overall health. A reset encourages beneficial bacteria to flourish, improving digestion and immunity. - Support regular digestion and stool consistency
Fiber-rich foods, probiotics, and proper hydration help regulate bowel movements, reducing constipation, bloating, and discomfort. - Boost nutrient absorption
A healthy gut lining allows your body to absorb vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients more effectively, which can improve energy, skin health, and overall vitality. - Reduce inflammation and digestive discomfort
Chronic low-grade inflammation in the gut can contribute to bloating, gas, and discomfort. A gut reset can calm the gut lining and reduce inflammation naturally. - Support mental clarity and mood
Your gut and brain are connected through the gut-brain axis. A healthy gut can help improve mood, focus, and energy levels, while an imbalanced gut may contribute to brain fog, anxiety, or stress. 
Did you know? Studies have shown that even small dietary and lifestyle changes can shift the gut microbiome within just a few days, making a 7-day gut reset a surprisingly effective approach for many people.
By understanding why a gut reset matters, you’ll see that it’s not just about temporary relief — it’s about creating the foundation for long-term digestive health, energy, and wellness.
Day 1–2: Clean Up Your Diet for Gut Reset

The first step is to eliminate foods that stress your gut. This helps create an environment for good bacteria to thrive.
Foods to Limit or Avoid:
- Processed foods: sugars, refined carbs, and fried foods can feed harmful bacteria.
 - Alcohol and excessive caffeine: these irritate the gut lining and can worsen bloating.
 - Highly processed snacks and artificial sweeteners: often cause digestive discomfort.
 
Foods to Focus On:
- Whole fruits and vegetables — rich in fiber and antioxidants
 - Whole grains — oatmeal, quinoa, brown rice
 - Lean proteins — chicken, fish, tofu, and legumes
 
Tip: Keep a small food journal to track how your gut reacts. Note when you feel bloated or sluggish — you’ll start noticing patterns quickly.
Meal Ideas:
- Breakfast: Greek yogurt with berries and chia seeds
 - Lunch: Quinoa salad with roasted vegetables and olive oil
 - Dinner: Baked salmon with steamed broccoli and sweet potato
 
Day 3–4: Add Gut-Friendly Foods for Gut Reset
Now it’s time to feed your good bacteria with prebiotics and probiotics. These foods help strengthen your gut microbiome and support digestion.
Prebiotic Foods (feed good bacteria):
- Garlic, onions, leeks
 - Asparagus and artichokes
 - Bananas and apples
 
Fermented Foods (introduce beneficial bacteria):
- Yogurt or kefir
 - Sauerkraut and kimchi
 - Miso soup or kombucha
 
High-Fiber Foods (support regularity):
- Berries, leafy greens, legumes, oats
 
Serving Tips:
- Add sauerkraut to eggs or sandwiches for breakfast/lunch
 - Blend a banana + oats + kefir smoothie for an easy snack
 - Sprinkle chia seeds over salads or yogurt for extra fiber
 
Pro tip: Variety matters — aim to include a mix of prebiotic, probiotic, and fiber-rich foods each day.
Day 5: Hydrate & Move for to Help Gut Reset
Your gut loves water and gentle movement. Fiber needs water to work properly, and physical activity helps stimulate digestion.
Hydration Tips:
- Drink at least 8 glasses of water daily
 - Herbal teas (peppermint, ginger) can soothe digestion
 - Avoid carbonated drinks that can cause bloating
 
Movement Tips:
- Take a 10–15 minute walk after meals
 - Gentle yoga or stretching in the morning can help stimulate your digestive system
 - Light cardio (cycling, swimming) improves overall gut motility
 
Fun fact: Even just a few minutes of post-meal movement can reduce bloating and promote regularity.
Day 6: Introduce Supplements (Optional)
Sometimes diet alone isn’t enough to restore balance. The right supplements can support your 7-day gut reset.
Probiotics:
- Help restore healthy gut bacteria
 - Trusted options: Culturelle Digestive Daily Probiotic, Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Probiotics
 
Fiber Supplements:
- Support regularity and overall gut function
 - Options: Metamucil Psyllium Fiber Powder, NOW Foods Inulin Prebiotic Fiber
 
Digestive Enzymes:
- Assist in breaking down food and reducing bloating
 - Look for blends that include amylase, protease, and lipase
 
Tip: Start with small doses and follow the package directions. Introduce supplements one at a time to see how your body reacts.
Day 7: Reflect & Maintain
By day 7, you should feel lighter and more comfortable. But maintaining a healthy gut is a long-term game:
- Continue eating a fiber-rich, plant-based diet
 - Include fermented and prebiotic foods regularly
 - Stay hydrated and active
 - Limit processed foods and added sugars
 
Consistency is key. Even after this reset, small daily habits make a huge difference.
Check our supplement reviews here
Quick Tips to Keep Your Gut Happy – At a Glance
| Tip | Why It Matters | How to Do It | 
|---|---|---|
| Chew Slowly & Mindfully | Starts digestion in your mouth and prevents overeating | Take smaller bites, chew 20–30 times per bite | 
| Manage Stress | Reduces bloating, supports healthy gut bacteria | Try deep breathing, meditation, or a short walk | 
| Prioritize Quality Sleep | Maintains gut bacteria balance and reduces inflammation | Aim for 7–9 hours; keep a consistent sleep schedule | 
| Stay Hydrated | Helps fiber move through your gut efficiently | Drink 8–10 glasses of water; try herbal teas like peppermint or ginger | 
| Move Your Body Regularly | Stimulates digestion and prevents constipation | 10-min post-meal walks, light yoga, or stretching | 
| Listen to Your Body | Identifies foods that may cause discomfort | Track reactions to foods; adjust your diet as needed | 
| Include Fiber & Fermented Foods | Supports a diverse, healthy gut microbiome | Rotate fruits, veggies, whole grains, yogurt, kefir, kimchi | 
By consistently applying these habits, you’ll not only maintain the benefits of your 7-day reset but also enjoy long-term digestive comfort, improved energy, and better overall wellness.
FAQ: Common Gut Reset Questions
Q: Can I reset my gut if I have IBS?
A: Yes! Focus on gentle fiber, probiotics, and avoiding triggers. Introduce changes gradually and track reactions.
Q: What if I can’t eat fermented foods?
A: Probiotic supplements are a great alternative to get beneficial bacteria without fermented foods.
Q: How long until I notice a difference?
A: Many people feel improvement in digestion and bloating within 3–5 days, but full benefits often appear by day 7.
Q: Does quit smoking help gut reset?
A: Yes — quitting smoking can definitely support a gut reset. Smoking disrupts gut bacteria and increases inflammation, so stopping allows your microbiome to rebalance and your digestive system to heal over time. Check this study.
Wrapping It Up (Gut Reset)
Resetting your gut in just 7 days might sound ambitious, but as you’ve seen, it’s really about small, consistent changesthat add up. By focusing on clean eating, hydration, movement, and gut-friendly foods — and adding supplements like probiotics or fiber when needed — you can help your digestion feel lighter, more regular, and more comfortable.
Remember, your gut is unique. Pay attention to how your body responds, adjust habits as needed, and celebrate the little improvements along the way. Over time, these simple steps can lead to long-term gut health, better energy, and overall wellness.
So, take this 7-day reset as a starting point — a chance to give your digestive system the care it deserves. Your body (and your gut!) will thank you for it.
Tip: If you want to make your reset even easier, consider trying a trusted fiber supplement like Metamucil Psyllium Fiber Powder or a probiotic such as Culturelle Digestive Daily Probiotic to support long-term digestive comfort.
Want to learn more about taking care of your body after pregnancy? Check out our full guide on women’s health and recovery

This article was written and reviewed by the Info2Health Editorial Team. Our writers are passionate about health, wellness, and natural living. All content is fact-checked with reputable sources to ensure accuracy and clarity.
					
		




