My name is Sydney and I'm the Brand Marketing & Patient Experience Coordinator at TAC. This year, I’ve been thinking a lot about gut health and what it actually looks like in real practice, every day life— not just in theory. Like many people, I’ve spent years eating well, staying active, and trying to do all the “right” things, yet sometimes still feel off internally. That made me want to dig deeper and find solutions that feel sustainable, supportive, and rooted in how the body actually functions so I went straight to the source: Dr. Blum.
We talked a lot about how to holistically optimize gut health with nutrition (hello fiber!), hydration, system regulation (ie: movement, sleep, etc), but Dr. Blum talked about flexing a support tool to help with the functional tactics: GLP-1 microdosing. You’ve probably heard GLP-1s talked about mostly in a weight-loss context, but microdosing offers benefits that go beyond that. In our practice at TAC, we’ve worked with many patients — including people like Wes Turner, whose microdosing journey was featured in Men’s Health — who aren’t looking to lose weight at all and instead use these their GLP-1 specifically for other aspects of their health, including gut function.
For me, microdosing is a gentle way to support my gut signaling, digestion, and blood sugar balance, while making it easier to keep my focus on the habits that promote good gut health — like getting enough protein and fiber every day. Because GLP-1 receptors are found in both the brain and the gut, microdosing seems to help the body’s natural communication pathways work more efficiently curbing cravings and supporting blood sugar, while also having a positive impact inflammation (which also supports better gut health).
Here’s the breakdown of how GLP-1s can support gut health:
GLP-1 is a hormone naturally produced in response to food, and low doses essentially enhance that existing signal. When supported with a GLP-1, digestion can slow just enough to ease irritation or reflux, improve coordination between the stomach, pancreas, and intestines, and stabilize blood sugar — which in turn can reduce inflammation along the gut lining. For many people, microdosing also helps with visceral hypersensitivity, things like bloating or cramping (especially after eating). This happens a lot with people who experience unexplained IBS, people who have chronic heart burn and people who experience unexplained bloating. That “overreactive gut” feeling and the symtoms that come along with it can be brutal, especially without a causation. Solving with a microdose can be a best case as the side effects that you hear about with the higher doses of GLP-1s (nausea, constipation, aversion to eating) we typically do not see on microdoses.
Of course, as Dr. Blum always points out: medication isn’t the whole story. One of the most foundational ways to support gut health is consistent nourishment, especially prioritizing protein and fiber. Diets high in refined sugars and ultra-processed carbohydrates tend to feed fast-growing, less beneficial bacteria and crowd out the slower-growing, fiber-fermenting microbes that support a diverse microbiome. Over time, that imbalance can contribute to discomfort, inflammation, and even changes in intestinal permeability — sometimes referred to as leaky gut. Honestly, I find that this is why my microdose helps me so much. I only crave veggies and fruits and I make an effort to prioritize protein and I never really crave refined sugar treats and snack at all. It feels very freeing, especially when paired with the feeling of more energy, less brain fog, and a more general feeling of being lighter with minimal bloat. Another thing that I’ve personally noticed — and what Dr. Blum pointed out and said he sees often when I mentioned — is that cravings can be a signal of a reactive gut, not a resilient one. Quieting those cravings over time will build on making it easier to choose foods that truly nourish without the constant distraction of urge-based eating. When cravings decrease, it creates more mental and physical space for meals that actually support digestive health: lean proteins, colorful vegetables, fiber-rich grains, and balanced fats.
For me, improving my gut health this year isn’t about restriction or doing less — it’s about learning what actually supports resilience and consistency and what makes me feel my best. Microdosing has been one piece of that support, helping me stay aligned with the habits that matter most. And because gut health is such a priority for Dr. Blum and the team, we’re currently offering 30% off your initial microdosing appointment and your first 5 weeks of medication when you start your journey with us. Use code GUTHEALTH30 when scheduling to take advantage of this offer. It’s our way of making it easier to explore microdosing as a supportive tool for digestion, metabolic health, and long-term wellness.
If you’d like to learn more about microdosing or how to prioritize gut health in a way that feels supportive and sustainable, reach out to info@theaestheticconcierge.co — we’d be happy to share the information you need to get started.
Each of these meals prioritizes protein, fiber, and digestion-friendly ingredients and I've been loving them.
Why it helps: Simple protein, gentle fiber, anti-inflammatory herbs, steady blood sugar
Ingredients:
Chicken breasts or thighs
Sweet potatoes, cubed
Fresh green beans
Olive oil
Lemon (zest + juice)
Garlic powder or fresh garlic
Thyme or rosemary
Salt and pepper
How to:
Heat oven to 400°F.
Toss sweet potatoes and green beans with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast 20–25 minutes.
Season chicken with olive oil, lemon zest, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper.
Roast or pan-sear until cooked through (165°F).
Finish with fresh lemon juice.
Why it helps: Probiotics, polyphenols, soluble fiber
Ingredients:
Plain full-fat Greek yogurt or coconut yogurt
Blueberries or raspberries
Ground flaxseed
Chia seeds
Cinnamon
How to:
Add berries to yogurt.
Sprinkle with flax, chia, and cinnamon.
Let sit 5–10 minutes so seeds soften.
Why it helps: Fermented foods, omega-3s, fiber
Ingredients:
Salmon fillet
White miso
Honey or maple syrup
Zucchini, carrots, or bok choy
Olive oil
How to:
Mix miso and honey.
Brush onto salmon.
Roast salmon and vegetables at 400°F for 12–15 minutes.
Why it helps: Balanced fiber, protein, easier digestion
Ingredients:
Grilled or roasted chicken breast or thigh
Butter lettuce or romaine
Roasted sweet potato cubes
Roasted red bell peppers
Peeled cucumber
Avocado
Chopped green onions
Optional add-ins:
Rinsed black beans (¼ cup max)
Shredded carrots
Roasted zucchini
Fresh cilantro
Chicken seasoning:
Olive oil
Smoked paprika
Cumin
Garlic powder
Salt and pepper
How to:
Season and cook chicken until just done.
Layer lettuce, warm components, then avocado and cucumber.
Toss lightly just before eating.
Ingredients:
Plain Greek yogurt
Olive oil
Chipotle in adobo
Lime juice
Salt
Optional water to thin
How to: Whisk until smooth.
Chill 10 minutes before serving.
