Shayna Terese Taylor’s Gut Health Secrets for Glowing Skin and a Balanced Mind

As a former chef, Florence-based entrepreneur Shayna Taylor was inspired by Italy’s leadership in organic farming and regenerative agriculture. From a small garden in LA to being influenced by Rudolf Steiner’s principles of biodynamic farming, Shayna pursued her dream of having her own farmhouse with a big plot of land, harvesting her own olive oil, fruits, and vegetables. Her journey also led her to explore gut health, driven by her own sensitivities and a passion for healing through food.

Here, she shares her top tips for nurturing your gut and overall well-being.

How did you get into the topic of gut health?

“I’ve struggled with gut health since I was young, dealing with severe acne, bloating, and even an autoimmune condition. Despite following all the ‘right’ health advice, everything seemed to trigger a reaction. Stressful periods, like a major breakup and COVID in 2020, worsened my symptoms, making me realize how vital gut health is. It’s the foundation of overall well-being.

“Moving to Italy transformed my health and inspired me to educate others on how real, nutrient-rich food can heal and empower.”

What do you always have in your pantry and fridge?

“I always keep a variety of essentials in my pantry and fridge that are great for gut health and overall nourishment. Black and wild rice and quinoa, which are technically seeds and rich in fiber — so important for feeding the gut microbiome. Sweet potatoes and other hearty vegetables like purple potatoes are staples as well. In my fridge, I always keep ingredients for smoothies, like leafy greens (spinach, kale, parsley), frozen fruits, and seeds like chia and pumpkin seeds. I also make my own sourdough rye bread, which provides good bacteria through fermentation. Then I make a batch of bone broth weekly. I make it myself using organic, grass-fed bones and kitchen scraps like onion ends and celery. It’s packed with nutrients and collagen, great for repairing the gut lining.”

You have started your own gut health program with Dr. Daryl Gioffre. What are your top takeaways?

“Start small and simple! One easy tip is to have a green smoothie every day, packed with leafy greens, herbs, seeds, and a little fruit. It’s a quick way to get multiple nutrients that support your gut microbiome, especially if you’re busy. Another is to take an olive oil and lemon shot first thing in the morning. High-quality, organic olive oil has antibacterial and antifungal properties, feeds good gut bacteria, and can even help with digestion and regularity. The lemon adds minerals and helps replenish what you lose overnight.

Lastly, prioritize fiber — it’s essential for a healthy gut. Incorporate whole grains, root vegetables, and fermented foods like homemade sourdough bread or kimchi into your meals. These small changes can make a huge difference in your overall gut health and energy levels.”

Is there a mindset shift or habit you’ve learned that has helped create lasting change?

“I’ve learned that you can start anytime — you don’t need to wait for a specific date to make changes. Personally, I feel like winter is a time for hibernation and rest, not for big shifts. In astrology, the new year begins in March with the energy of rebirth, which feels much more natural. The key is to start small. Instead of trying to tackle everything at once, focus on 1% — one small change that you can commit to for three weeks until it becomes a habit.

For example, it could be something as simple as incorporating a green smoothie into your morning routine. Once that’s part of your lifestyle, move on to the next small step, like journaling or meditation. Over time, these little steps build into meaningful, lasting change. It’s not about quick fixes or trends, it’s about building a sustainable lifestyle. In my gut health course, Inner Alchemy, we focus on embodying these changes so they feel natural and aligned with who you are.”

To see more of Shayna’s work, visit her website.