Skip to content

I'm a Nutritionist and This is #1 Tip You Need to Know if You are 20s and 30s

Your habits may be impacting your gut health, says an expert. 
FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback

You are what you eat, but also how you sleep. Sam Tahan (@sam.tahan) is a nutritionist and wellness influencer who regularly shares helpful health hacks with her followers. According to the founder of The Well Society, prioritizing your gut health is one of the most critical components of overall health, and it involves more than just eating the right foods. "Girlies in their twenties and thirties, listen," she says at the start of the clip. She goes on to reveal an exciting relationship between sleep and gut health. 

Sleep Hormones and Your Gut Are Connected

@sam.tahan quote me #wellnesslifestyle #wellnesstip #guthealthtiktok ♬ original sound – sam

According to Sam, there is a direct relationship between sleep hormones and digestion. "Melatonin and your gut are like this," she says. 

Lack of Sleep Negatively Impacts Your Gut

Insomnia and social media addiction concept. Young woman uses smartphone while lying in bed at night, toned
Shutterstock

Sam maintains that sleep issues often lead to gut health problems. "If you aren't sleeping enough, you're going to sleep late, not getting enough sleep, not making enough melatonin, you're going to have stomach problems probably," she claims. 

Her Top Tip: Fix Your Sleep

Handsome Happy Young Arab Guy Waking Up In The Morning, Sitting On Bed And Stretching After Good Sleep, Smiling Millennial Middle Eastern Man Having Good Mood, Enjoying Start Of New Day, Copy Space
Shutterstock

This is why you need to focus on your Zs before anything else. "Number one thing that I can tell you is to fix your sleep. Before you do anything else wellness related, fix your sleep," she recommends. 

Related: I'm a Dietitian And Here is How You Can Save Money on Healthy Food at Costco

Sleep Impacts "Every Single Cell in Your Body"

Tired woman lying in bed can't sleep late at night with insomnia. Asian girl with funny face sick or sad depressed sleeping at home.
Shutterstock

The Diet Diva, Tara Collingwood, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD/N, ACSM-CPT, a Board Certified Sports Dietitian, elaborates on the relationship between sleep and gut health. "Sleep affects every single cell in your body. It is just as important as air, food, and water," she says. 

Your Body Produces Melatonin

Man sitting on bed about to take sleeping pill or night medicine. Suffering from insomnia. Holding tablet and bottle in hand. Glass of water on nightstand in bedroom.
Shutterstock

And, you don't have to take a melatonin supplement – your body produces it. "Melatonin is released by the pineal gland in the brain in response to darkness," she explains. 

Related: 15 Proven Ways to Sculpt Your Dream Body by An Expert Coach

Research Backs Up the Claims

Shutterstock

There is some research backing up her claims. One April 2023 study published in BMC Gastroenterology found melatonin effectively treats IBS, improving IBS scores, gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, and quality of life in IBS patients.

💪🔥Body Booster: If you are struggling with your gut health, take a good look at your sleep habits. Try improving them for one week and see if it makes a difference. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss 20 Incredible Ozempic Success Stories of All Time.

Leah Groth
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related. Read more