Gut, liver, hormones: Find out how No.2 can support hormone balance

This month we hear from degree qualified Naturopath and Pharmacist Zoe Jaques on how supporting your diet with a psyllium fibre supplement, like No.2 Good Gut Fibre, can help support hormone balance.  Keep reading to feel better...

Hormone balance is never just one system – it’s the whole body working in sync. Fibre plays a key role in this network by supporting gut function, nurturing the microbiome and assisting the liver in clearing hormones and metabolic waste efficiently. A simple daily fibre such as psyllium husk can make a meaningful difference in keeping these pathways flowing.  

Fibre and hormonal balance 

Hormones are dynamic messengers constantly being produced, utilised, metabolised and eliminated. For many people the production isn’t the issue – it’s clearance. This is where fibre comes in, especially soluble fibres like psyllium. It assists by binding hormone metabolites, toxins and waste products to be excreted efficiently. 

Reproductive hormones, particularly estrogen, are modulated by fibre intake. Once the liver metabolises estrogen, the conjugated form enters the gut for elimination. Certain gut bacteria produce an enzyme called beta-glucoronidase, that deconjugates estrogen leading to reabsorption. This estrobolome driven recirculation can contribute to higher estrogen levels (1). Fibre – especially prebiotic fibres such as psyllium – encourages a diverse and resilient gut microbiome and helps reduce this recycling process.  

Fibre intake also influences the body’s stress response and overall mood.  Research links higher fibre intake with lower rates of low mood (2). Prebiotic fibres like psyllium help beneficial bacteria produce short chain fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory effects and support a more resilient stress response.   

Elimination channels - Why they matter 

Naturopathically, well functioning eliminations channels reflect a thriving body. The liver, gut, kidney, lungs and skin all play roles in clearing waste.  
Fibre particularly enhances the gastrointestinal and liver pathways. When these are overloaded, secondary elimination channels like the skin may take over, contributing to symptoms such as congestion or breakouts. Incorporating daily psyllium is an easy way to keep these pathways clear and regulate hormone patterns in the process. 

The Gut-Liver-Hormone connection 

Body systems do not work in isolation, they overlap and integrate continuously. The liver metabolises hormones and toxins. The gut handles digestions, bile excretion and final elimination. 

Fibre supports the gut-liver-hormone interplay at multiple points. Soluble, prebiotic fibres such as psyllium husk, feed good bacteria promoting the production of beneficial compounds known as short chain fatty acids (SCFA) which strengthen the gut lining, reduce inflammation and influence hormonal and metabolic pathways throughout the body.    

Benefits of psyllium husk

• Promotes optimal stool form, consistency and reliable elimination
• Feeds the gut microbiome, encouraging diversity and balance  
• Helps bind and remove hormone metabolites, reducing recirculation
• Supports healthy bile flow for the removal of waste, including hormones
• Assists the liver-gut axis in efficient hormone clearance

Daily fibre to support healthy hormone rhythms

Increasing your daily fibre intake can be as easy as adding the following:

• Vegetables
• Fruit
• Legumes
• Ground flaxseeds
• Psyllium husk powder for a gentle, effective daily soluble fibre boost   

Naturopathic perspective 

From a naturopathic perspective enhancing the elimination channels through the addition of fibre strengthens the gut microbiome while allowing the efficient removal of waste. Psyllium husk is a simple, gentle tool that fits seamlessly into a naturopathic approach to whole-body hormone support. 

Hormone balance isn’t just about the endocrine glands it’s about the whole-body ecosystem. Fibre supports digestion, detoxification, microbiome health, and ultimately hormone harmony.

Check out our range of psyllium fibre products.

REFERENCES 

(1). Nannini, G., Cei, F., & Amedei, A. (2025). Unraveling the contribution of estrobolome alterations to endometriosis pathogenesis. Current Issues in Molecular Biology, 47(7), 502. https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb47070502

(2). Saghafian F, Hajishafiee M, Rouhani P, Saneei P. (2023). Dietary fiber intake, depression, and anxiety: A systematic review and meta-analysis of epidemiologic studies. Nutrition Neuroscience. 26(2):108-126. https://doi: 10.1080/1028415X.2021.2020403.