Episode #100
Ep. 100 Gut & Sleep: Why Serotonin Starts in the Stomach
In this special 100th episode of The GoodLife in Health and Wellness, Dr. Kate Duncan kicks off a month focused on Sleep and Fatigue Solutions by exploring the powerful connection between gut health, serotonin, melatonin, and restorative sleep. Most people think of serotonin as a "brain chemical," but much of the body's serotonin is produced in the gut. In this episode, Dr. Kate explains what that really means, why gut serotonin does not directly become brain serotonin, and how the gut still plays an important role in mood, energy, digestion, inflammation, circadian rhythm, and sleep quality. You'll learn how the gut-brain axis, tryptophan, melatonin pathways, blood sugar stability, fiber, the microbiome, meal timing, caffeine, alcohol, stress, and hormone changes can all influence whether your body feels calm enough to rest and recover. Dr. Kate also explains why fatigue is often more than "not enough sleep" and why chronic tiredness may be a sign that the body is managing inflammation, stress, poor digestion, blood sugar swings, or hormone changes behind the scenes. This episode also includes practical takeaways to support better sleep, including morning light, protein at breakfast, fiber-rich foods, balanced meals, post-meal walks, caffeine boundaries, evening light reduction, and tracking digestion alongside sleep patterns. To celebrate the 100th episode, Dr. Kate is giving away 100 free registrations to her 5-week Perimenopause Reset Bootcamp, available through the end of 2026. The next bootcamp begins September 8 and is designed for women navigating weight changes, fatigue, disrupted sleep, mood shifts, cravings, brain fog, and the frustration of feeling like the old strategies no longer work. To claim one of the 100 free registrations, text 100 to 402-721-6372 or click the bootcamp link below. When you fill out the bootcamp form, type 100 into the discount code area to receive your free registration. Bootcamp link: https://5weekperimenopausebootcamp.carrd.co/ Next week's episode: Cortisol Curve Control.
