Let's be honest–a lot of us tend to brush off health issues as “just part of getting older”. Whether it’s feeling a little more sluggish, our digestion becomes less predictable or weight begins creeping up despite eating the same way we always have. Sound familiar?
The truth is, after 40 your digestion really does change and if you’ve been feeling more tired than usual, struggling with bloating, or finding it harder to manage your weight, it might be time to take a closer look at what’s happening in your gut.
How digestion changes with age
As we age, several physiological shifts affect how well we digest and absorb nutrients. First, our production of stomach acid (hydrochloric acid) tends to decline. Studies have shown that hypochlorhydria (low stomach acid) becomes more common with age, particularly after 60 but the decline often begins earlier. Stomach acid is essential for breaking down protein and releasing key nutrients like iron, B12, calcium and magnesium. So when levels drop, our digestion suffers as well as nutrient absorption.
Digestive enzyme activity also declines, meaning our body is less efficient at breaking down carbohydrates, fats and proteins. This can lead to bloating, gas and discomfort after meals. On top of that, the composition of our gut microbiota, the trillions of bacteria living in the digestive tract, shifts with age. Research shows that microbial diversity generally decreases over time and this has been linked to increased inflammation, weight gain and even reduced energy levels. In other words, your gut has more work to do, with fewer resources to do it!
Why energy and weight are so tied to gut health
Your gut is central to nearly every process that keeps you feeling energised and balanced. It’s responsible for extracting nutrients from food, regulating blood sugar, producing neurotransmitters like serotonin and managing inflammation. All of these functions play a direct role in your mood, metabolism and weight.
Chronic low-grade inflammation is commonly experienced among older adults without them even knowing. This has been shown to interfere with insulin sensitivity and fat metabolism, meaning your body may be more likely to store fat, particularly around the abdomen and less likely to use it for energy.
It’s also worth noting that the gut microbiome plays a major role in weight regulation. Certain strains of gut bacteria are more efficient at extracting calories from food and storing them as fat. Others are involved in producing short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which support healthy metabolism and energy balance. Your gut is a big deal when it comes to how you feel and how you manage your weight after 40!
Ways to support your gut health over 40
The goal isn’t to overhaul your entire lifestyle overnight–it’s about tuning into your body and making gradual, sustainable shifts that support digestion from the inside out. Here are some science-backed strategies that help to improve your gut microbiome:
1. Eat more fibre slowly
Fibre feeds your beneficial gut bacteria, particularly prebiotic fibres like inulin and resistant starches. These help your microbiome thrive and support regular bowel movements. That said, increasing fibre too quickly can cause bloating—so take it slow and stay hydrated.
2. Incorporate fermented foods
Fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir and miso contain live probiotic cultures that can help rebalance gut flora. Even small daily servings can support microbial diversity and reduce inflammation.
3. Don’t ignore digestion cues
Chewing your food thoroughly, eating without distraction, and pausing between bites may seem simple, but they can significantly improve how well your body breaks down food. Mindful eating enhances enzyme release and supports smoother digestion.
4. Consider targeted supplementation
Sometimes the body needs a little extra support. Don’t shy away from supplements like digestive enzymes, glutamine (which helps maintain the integrity of the gut lining) and specific probiotic strains have been shown to support gut health, particularly in adults over 40.
This is exactly why we created Restore—a thoughtfully formulated blend designed to soothe the gut lining, support microbial balance and ease digestive discomfort. For those looking to reset and clear out what’s no longer serving them, Purify offers a gentle cleanse to help your digestive system start fresh. Both blends are rooted in real science, using ingredients shown to support gut health at a foundational level.
Tune in to what your gut is telling you
If your body feels different after 40, you’re not imagining it. Your gut really is asking for more attention and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. In fact, it’s an opportunity to nourish yourself more deeply and work with your body instead of against it. When your digestion is supported, everything else becomes easier–your energy stabilises, your mood lifts and your body finds its natural rhythm again!
