Melanie Nomura’s journey to better health began when she started to navigate the challenges associated with an autoimmune condition. Diagnosed in her late teens, she faced years of severe psoriasis that covered much of her body. She steered the minefields of misinformation, failed ‘quick fixes’ and false promises, before discovering the transformative power of gut health. Now, as a nutritionist and health coach, Melanie combines her expertise with firsthand experience to empower others to embrace sustainable wellness.
Here she shares her story and practical tips to empower you with insights into the gut’s pivotal role, and encourage you to take small but transformative steps toward a thriving body and mind.
My Journey
My passion for nutrition was born out of necessity. Diagnosed with an autoimmune condition in my late teens, I struggled to find relief from symptoms that disrupted my daily life. Like many, I turned to social media and the internet, desperate for answers. What I found was a minefield of ‘miracle cures’ and ‘quick fixes’ that promised to reverse my condition or eliminate symptoms entirely.
Early in my journey, I tried restrictive diets promoted by influencers who claimed they cured their psoriasis. These diets left me with severe nutrient deficiencies, hair loss, massive weight loss, and no improvement or even a worsening in my condition.
What I didn’t realise at the time was that I was falling victim to a growing trend of health misinformation – one that exploits the vulnerable by offering false hope in exchange for clicks, likes, or sales.
Each failed attempt left me feeling defeated. I couldn’t understand why these methods, so enthusiastically endorsed by others, didn’t work for me. What I didn’t realise at the time was that I was falling victim to a growing trend of health misinformation – one that exploits the vulnerable by offering false hope in exchange for clicks, likes, or sales.
It wasn’t until I began to focus on the science of gut health that I experienced a real turning point in my journey. Understanding the role of the gut microbiome in autoimmune conditions and overall well-being shifted my perspective entirely. It wasn’t about a ‘cure’ anymore but about management, resilience, and sustainable habits.
For those living with autoimmunity, gut health is more than a buzzword – it’s a game changer. Research shows that many autoimmune conditions are linked to dysbiosis – an imbalance in the gut microbiome. In some cases, dysbiosis may act as a trigger for autoimmune diseases, while in others, it’s a consequence of the condition itself.
Trust Your Gut – Hacking Your Way To Better Health A thriving gut microbiome doesn’t just support digestion; it plays a critical role in modulating the immune system, reducing inflammation, and even improving mental health. Since 70 per cent of the immune system resides in the gut, prioritising its health can profoundly impact your body’s ability to manage autoimmune symptoms.
As someone who has walked the road of chronic illness, I know how overwhelming the journey to better health can feel. But I also know the power of small, consistent steps. Progress doesn’t happen overnight, and it doesn’t need to. This year is your opportunity to rewrite your story—one step, one habit, one meal at a time.
Actionable Steps to Improve Your Gut Health
The path to sustainable wellness is not about overnight transformations or extreme diets. It’s about integrating habits into your daily life in a way that feels achievable and rewarding. Focus on what you can add to your routine rather than what you should eliminate. By embracing a positive, inclusive approach, you’ll find joy in nourishing your body while creating lasting change.
While a personalised health plan is ideal, there are evidence-based steps anyone can take to support gut health and overall well-being:
Diversify Your Diet: Aim for 30 different plant-based foods each week. This might sound daunting, but it’s as simple as including 4–5 different fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, or herbs daily. Each new addition feeds your gut microbiome with the prebiotics it needs to thrive.
Incorporate Fermented Foods: Add two servings of fermented foods to your diet daily. These could include yogurt, kefir, kimchi, sauerkraut, or miso soup. Fermented foods are rich in probiotics that help balance your gut bacteria.
Think of Your Microbiome as a Garden: Treat your gut like a garden that needs care and nourishment. Prebiotics (fibers) are the fertiliser, while probiotics (fermented foods) are the seeds that help it grow.
Manage Stress: Stress directly impacts gut health. Try breath work, yoga, or even a simple daily walk. Establish a bedtime routine to improve sleep, which is vital for both mental and gut health.
Stay Active: Movement supports gut health and reduces stress. Choose activities you enjoy, whether it’s swimming, cycling, walking, or home workouts.
Focus on Fiber: Gradually increase fibre intake to stabilise blood sugar levels and support weight management. Fiber-rich foods also help manage conditions like prediabetes or type 2 diabetes.
Choosing a diverse, plant-rich diet isn’t just good for your body—it’s good for the planet. By focusing on local, minimally processed produce, you’re reducing your environmental footprint and contributing to a healthier planet.
When you nurture your gut, you’re nurturing your whole self. Improved digestion, better immunity, more energy, balanced moods, and even glowing skin await you. Embrace the journey, celebrate the wins, and trust that every step forward is a step toward the life you deserve.
Melanie Nomura is a Nutritionist, Health Coach, and Microbiome Specialist. Find out more here
