Did your great-grandparents have chronic gut issues?
Mine sure didn’t. It’s a stark contrast to the growing epidemic of digestive problems we see today—getting worse with every generation.
So why didn’t your great-grandparents have gut issues? It’s really quite simple…
1) They ate seasonal, chemical-free food that was rich in fiber
Food came fresh from farms without preservatives, additives, or synthetic chemicals. Without processed foods, their diets were naturally higher in fiber, which fed beneficial gut bacteria and supported liver detox by binding toxin-rich bile.
Babies were often breastfed, receiving prebiotics and probiotics that helped build a healthy gut microbiome from birth.
They also weren’t exposed to GMOs, pesticides, or food thickeners—common gut disruptors in today’s industrial food supply.
2) They weren’t chronically constipated from liver and gallbladder issues
Your great-grandparents didn’t overload on processed foods and dairy products that can congest the liver-gallbladder axis over time, so they experienced less bloating and constipation. Bile acids—produced by the liver and released by the gallbladder during meals—play a key role in regulating gut health. That’s why many gut issues are actually rooted in liver and gallbladder dysfunction.
When transit time slows down, bacteria have more time to overgrow and toxins are more likely to be reabsorbed and recirculated.
3) They took fewer supplements and prescription drugs
Your great-grandparents didn’t rely on daily supplements or medications, and their gut-liver axis was healthier for it. Overuse of things like herbs, vitamin A, copper, and iron can burden the liver and even cause damage.
They also didn’t run to the doctor for antibiotics and heartburn meds that can harm the liver. When they got sick, they waited it out, ate soups and broths, and got plenty of rest. They didn’t have their doctor or nurse on speed dial—they trusted the body’s natural healing process far more than we do today.
4) They didn’t “eat the rainbow” or obsess over wellness
The wellness industry wasn’t yet in full swing, so your great-grandparents weren’t influenced by trendy diets that can actually backfire. Overloading on plant toxins or fat-soluble vitamins—enough to burden the liver and disrupt the gut—just wasn’t mainstream.
5) They cooked at home using traditional methods
Buying processed food wasn’t an option, and eating out was a rare luxury. Fortunately for your great-grandparents, these home-cooked habits actually supported better health.
6) They got dirty outside
Your great-grandparents didn’t wash their hands constantly or use hand sanitizer every time they changed tasks.
They also didn’t have screens to keep them indoors. Instead, they played outside—on bikes, swing sets, and in good ol’ Mother Nature.
What do you think? Please share in the comments!
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