We’ve all heard the saying “you are what you eat.” But when it comes to real health and lasting change, that phrase is only part of the picture. Because the truth is: you’re not just what you eat—you’re what your body can absorb and use.
This distinction applies to everyone, but it becomes especially important if you're using GLP-1 medications like semaglutide or tirzepatide. These medications can suppress appetite and slow digestion, which may lead to reduced nutrient intake and absorption. That's where GLP-1 Revive comes in—it’s designed to support your body's ability to absorb and utilize nutrients effectively.
Digestion isn’t automatic—it’s a chain reaction
From the moment food enters your mouth, your body starts a complex process of breaking it down into nutrients: proteins into amino acids, fats into fatty acids, and carbohydrates into glucose. But if any part of this digestive process is off—low stomach acid, poor enzyme function, imbalanced gut bacteria—your body can’t absorb nutrients effectively, even if you’re eating all the right things. (That $20 organic salad does not help much if your gut cannot process the spinach.)
This is particularly relevant for individuals on GLP-1 medications, as these drugs can slow digestive function. GLP-1 Revive is formulated with digestive enzymes, probiotics, and herbs to help support digestive comfort and nutrient absorption during your GLP-1 journey.
Common absorption blockers
Several factors can reduce your body’s ability to absorb key nutrients:
- Chronic stress—suppresses digestive function
- Low stomach acid—common with age, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), or stress
- Gut inflammation—from poor diet, food sensitivities, or medications
- Alcohol, smoking, or poor sleep—all affect nutrient uptake
- Imbalanced microbiome—your gut bacteria play a key role in extracting nutrients
Even the most nutrient-dense meals can fall flat if your gut isn’t in a good place to receive them.
Bioavailability: The missing link
Bioavailability refers to how much of a nutrient your body absorbs and puts to use. Some foods and supplements are simply more bioavailable than others:
- Heme iron from animal sources absorbs better than non-heme from plants
- Fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) need dietary fat to be absorbed
- B12 requires intrinsic factor (a protein made in the stomach) and a healthy stomach lining
- Magnesium and zinc often compete for absorption—timing matters
GLP-1 Revive includes methylated B vitamins and CoQ10 to help enhance energy and cellular function, supporting overall nutrient bioavailability.
How to improve nutrient absorption
If you're putting effort into eating better, you want to make sure your body gets the full benefit. Here are a few practical ways to support better absorption:
- Slow down when you eat. Chewing properly and eating in a relaxed state boosts digestion.
- Include fermented foods or a quality probiotic. A healthy gut microbiome is key.
- Avoid drinking too much water with meals. This can dilute stomach acid.
- Add healthy fats to your meals. It helps absorb vitamins like A, D, E, and K.
- Address stress and sleep. Both dramatically affect your digestive health.
- Consider targeted supplementation. Products like GLP-1 Revive are designed to support digestion and nutrient absorption, especially when dietary intake is reduced.
The bottom line
Food quality is important—but it’s not just what goes in your mouth that matters; it’s what your body can break down, absorb, and use. That’s where real transformation happens.
If you’re doing “everything right” and still not seeing results, it may be time to look below the surface—at your gut, your habits, and your stress levels. Because the real goal isn’t just to eat better—it’s to absorb better.
And that’s where we come in. Shed helps you go beyond diet to build a body that’s primed to thrive—inside and out.
Note: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement or treatment.
Written by: Kory Morse, M.S., Head of Member Education at Shed
Kory is a certified holistic health and life coach with a Master of Science in Integrative and Functional Nutrition, specializing in research, biochemistry, and systems biology. As Head of Education at Shed and a member of the supplement research team, she blends scientific expertise with a compassionate, curiosity-driven approach to support lasting, sustainable change. Her mission is to make health feel accessible, empowering, and deeply personal.
Resources:
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6054194
- https://www.nutritionaloutlook.com/view/kerry-s-sporevia-probiotic-reduced-staph-colonization-by-more-than-95-in-new-human-study
- https://www.todaysdietitian.com/newarchives/ND21p50.shtml
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0263931909000623#:~:text=Many%20macronutrients%20are%20structural%20components,tract%20is%20to%20its%20function.
