Elizabeth recently sat down with Shayna Taylor, holistic chef and wellness entrepreneur, on the Live Purely podcast to chat about her gut health journey. She candidly opens up about her years-long struggle with bloating, inflammation, and skin issues and how making small, daily shifts really does move the needle.

PURELY ELIZABETH: Why is gut health so important?

SHAYNA TAYLOR: Gut health is at the core of everything—our energy, digestion, skin, immune system, and even our mood. Most people don’t realize that their bloating, brain fog, acne, or even anxiety can be traced back to their gut. If your gut isn’t functioning properly, your body can’t absorb nutrients, detox effectively, or regulate inflammation. When you heal your gut, everything changes—you start to feel lighter, clearer, and more in tune with your body.

PURELY ELIZABETH: What are some of your non-negotiables when it comes to taking care of your own gut health?

SHAYNA TAYLOR: 

1.Daily movement – Moving my body every day, whether it’s Pilates, strength training, or a long walk, is key for digestion and lymphatic flow.

2.Hydration + minerals – I start my day with structured water, minerals, and an olive oil lemon shot to wake up my digestion and support detox.

3. Whole, organic foods – No ultra-processed, inflammatory foods. My meals are always built around quality proteins, healthy fats, fiber, and gut-nourishing herbs.

4. Stress management – Your gut and nervous system are deeply connected. Chronic stress can cause gut inflammation, hormone imbalances, and poor digestion. That’s why I prioritize:

• • Daily breathwork & meditation to regulate my nervous system
  • Full-spectrum CBD to support my body’s stress response and inflammation levels
  • Adaptogens like ashwagandha to help balance cortisol
  • Gua sha & lymphatic drainage to move stagnant energy and reduce tension

PURELY ELIZABETH: What is one thing people could do to reduce stress and inflammation in their gut?

SHAYNA TAYLOR: Slow down before you eat. So many people eat in a rushed, stressed-out state, which shuts down digestion. Taking three deep breaths before meals activates your parasympathetic nervous system, helping your body absorb nutrients properly instead of storing food as inflammation.

If you struggle with chronic stress, daily full-spectrum CBD can also help regulate cortisol and reduce gut inflammation, making it easier for your body to heal.

PURELY ELIZABETH: What does your morning routine look like?

SHAYNA TAYLOR: Mornings are sacred for me. I start with hydration, minerals, and my olive oil lemon shot. Then, I do some movement—Pilates, light stretching, or a walk outside to wake up my body.

Next comes my matcha ritual. I make my Shayna’s Kitchen Organic Matcha and blend it with coconut oil, vanilla, and ashwagandha for extra stress support. This ritual helps me slow down and set my energy for the day.

After that, I focus on deep work—whether it’s writing, creating, or planning my next project. Having this structure keeps me feeling clear and balanced all day long.

PURELY ELIZABETH: What is your philosophy around beauty and wellness products?

SHAYNA TAYLOR: I believe that beauty starts from within—when your gut is healthy, your skin reflects it. But I also believe in nourishing the skin with real, bioavailable ingredients—not harsh chemicals or trendy products that disrupt the skin barrier. Just like with food, I focus on quality, simplicity, and alignment with nature. If I wouldn’t put it in my body, I won’t put it on my skin.

PURELY ELIZABETH: What are your three go-to beauty products right now?

SHAYNA TAYLOR: 

Gua Sha – I use my Shayna’s Kitchen Amethyst or Jade Gua Sha daily for lymphatic drainage, sculpting, and circulation. It’s such a simple but powerful ritual.

Shayna’s Kitchen Ancient Italian Olive Oil – I not only use it for cooking and drinking my shot, but also as a moisturizer for my skin and hair. It’s deeply hydrating and packed with antioxidants. I love doing an overnight scalp and hair oil treatment with it once a week.

Beef Tallow Skincare – It’s rich in fat-soluble vitamins and deeply nourishes my skin without clogging pores. I love using it for hydration and skin barrier repair.

PURELY ELIZABETH: What inspired you to start Inner Alchemy?

SHAYNA TAYLOR: Inner Alchemy was born out of my own struggles. For years, I suffered from gut issues, cystic acne, hormonal imbalances, and severe inflammation. I went to 11 different doctors, searching for answers, but I kept getting temporary fixes—prescriptions, restrictive diets, or just being told "everything looks normal." I knew something wasn’t right, but no one could give me the full picture.

It wasn’t until I met Dr. Daryl Gioffre that I truly started to understand what was happening in my body. With his help, I discovered a formula for real healing, and it wasn’t about eliminating everything or following another trendy diet—it was about rebuilding my gut, balancing my minerals, and supporting my body’s natural detox pathways.

Inner Alchemy is the program I wish I had back then—a step-by-step path to true healing, without the overwhelm, frustration, and wasted years. I created it to help others finally get the answers and transformation they’ve been searching for.