Gut Cleansing, Rebuilt: Why Foundations Matter More Than “Killing Things”

·

admin

Originally published October 2020 · Fully rebuilt and updated 2026

For years, “gut cleansing” has been framed as a war: kill the bugs, nuke the microbes, power through die-off. I followed that narrative once — out of desperation — and while pieces of it helped, it also taught me an important lesson: you cannot clear what your body is not prepared to move.

This post is not about extreme protocols, parasite panic, or throwing everything at your gut and hoping you survive it. It’s about rebuilding the order of operations — so healing actually sticks.

The real problem with most gut cleanse advice

Most people don’t fail gut cleanses because they didn’t take enough supplements. They fail because the foundations weren’t in place first.

  • Low stomach acid
  • Sluggish bile flow
  • Mineral depletion
  • Blood sugar instability
  • Overloaded liver pathways
  • A nervous system stuck in fight-or-flight

When those pieces are compromised, aggressive antimicrobial protocols don’t heal — they overwhelm. Symptoms get labeled “die-off,” but often it’s simply the body saying: this is too much, too fast.

What gut cleansing actually means (in 2026)

A true gut reset is not about erasing microbes. It’s about restoring terrain.

That means:

  • Supporting digestion so food actually breaks down
  • Restoring bile flow to move waste and toxins out
  • Stabilizing blood sugar so the gut can repair
  • Replenishing minerals depleted by stress and illness
  • Reducing inflammatory inputs from food, products, and environment

Only once those systems are working does targeted antimicrobial or detox support make sense.

The order matters: a foundations-first approach

Phase 1: Foundations (this is where most people should start)

Before any “cleanse,” I focus on:

  • Nutrient-dense, digestion-friendly food
  • Meal timing and blood sugar regulation
  • Stomach acid and enzyme support (when indicated)
  • Bile flow and gentle liver support
  • Mineral repletion and hydration

This phase alone resolves symptoms for many people. No kill protocols required.

This is the phase I teach inside my upcoming Foundations course (available to my Substack founders group).

Phase 2: Targeted support (only when needed)

If symptoms persist after foundations are solid, we may layer in:

  • Targeted antimicrobial or botanical support
  • Binders to support toxin clearance
  • Structured liver and drainage support

This is where professional tools matter. Not because they’re stronger — but because they’re designed to work with the body instead of against it.

When I use practitioner-grade products, I do so thoughtfully and minimally.

These tools are not for self-experimenting. They are for structured, supported protocols.

Phase 3: Repair and reinoculation

This is the phase most people skip — and why symptoms return.

After clearing stressors, the gut needs:

  • Barrier repair
  • Targeted probiotic reinoculation
  • Mucosal and immune support
  • Time

I address this inside my Leaky Gut Repair and Reinoculation protocols — not as a product stack, but as a process.

Who this approach is for

  • Autoimmune or chronic inflammatory conditions
  • Long-term digestive symptoms
  • People who have “done all the cleanses” and still feel stuck
  • Those who cannot tolerate aggressive protocols

If you’re looking for a quick fix or an extreme cleanse, this won’t be your jam. If you want something sustainable, grounded, and physiologically respectful — you’re in the right place.

Where to start

If you’re unsure what your next step should be:

  • Start with foundations
  • Stabilize digestion and blood sugar
  • Reduce toxic environmental and dietary inputs
  • Layer support slowly

More is not better. The right order is better.

What’s coming next

  • Foundations Course (Substack founders)
  • Leaky Gut Repair framework
  • Reinoculation & long-term gut resilience

This is the work I wish I had access to years ago. I’m building it now — carefully.

This post is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice.

— Brenna May, NTP
Holistic Nutritional Therapy Practitioner

If this kind of clarity feels supportive, you can subscribe here.

Comments

3 responses to “Gut Cleansing, Rebuilt: Why Foundations Matter More Than “Killing Things””