If you’re waiting for the universe/your astrologer/Mark from Love Actually to tell you it’s time to cleanse, think again.

Our bodies are hyper-intelligent life forms, responding to the food we eat, the way we think, move and speak. They communicate with us constantly – a little bloated after that cauli rice? A turbulent stomach before an exciting event? This is the language of the gut – a visceral experience, unmistakable to the trained eye/tummy. 

When our sacral centre is under strain, we may feel a range of symptoms – from digestive dysfunction to mental irritability or spiritual uncertainty. Usually, this experience originates in the gut. Here are 5 signs it’s time to cleanse:

There’s nothing we love more than a regular, fully formed bowel movement *chefs kiss*. It’s normal to have one a day, but sadly this kind of regularity is rare. If your bowels are moving less than daily, the experience doesn’t feel completely satisfying or you have to struggle to release, it may be time to consider a gut cleanse. 

A gut that is hyperactive can indicate digestive inflammation or dietary intolerance. Too many movements (more than three daily) or ones that look more like a badly-blended smoothie are evidence of a very busy, malabsorbing or exhausted bowel. A gut cleanse can re-establish a healthy microbiome to slow down and spread out the good moves. 

Glowing skin starts within! Everything from hormonal acne to diagnosable conditions like eczema and dermatitis can be traced back to the gut. By modulating our inner world with probiotics, prebiotics and tonic herbs (ahem Gut Restore Powder), we can improve skin’s resilience, complexion and keratinization. 

Our gut and mood are intrinsically linked. Through a bidirectional communication system, known as the Brain-Gut-Microbiome Axis, signals from the brain influence gut function and neurotransmitters in the gut impact cognitive experience. If we’re consistently run down, anxious, depressed or irritable, it’s likely our gut is feeling it too. Improving the diversity of the microbiome, reducing GI inflammation and enjoying a plant-based diet are bonafide ways to boost and stabilise mood.

‘Being stuck’ is more than a bowel movement pattern. This tangible experience of boredom, apathy or frustration is our highest self asking for a change in gear, a physical shift with spiritual benefits. When you get that GTFO feeling, don’t run off to Burning Man, or suddenly invest in heaps of crypto. Instead, renew from the inside out, clearing the old sh*t (literally) whilst restoring inner chill and inspiration.