The Nutrient Dense Podcast

Hannah Aylward

The go-to podcast for women who want to overcome their chronic digestive issues at the root cause level. Do you want to get rid of your chronic bloating and digestive issues? Are you sick of feeling exhausted, bloated, constipated and completely overwhelmed with what to do next with your health? Do you wish you had more time to really LIVE, without worrying about how your stomach is going to feel or if you'll spend the next hours spiraling about your health? There's a way to dig deeper and no longer live a life of managing your chronic health symptoms. Your body is always communicating with you. Your symptoms make sense. You just have to dig deeper than the traditional western approach. Hey, I'm Hannah Aylward, certified holistic health coach, functional gut health practitioner, and the Founder of HAN. Wanna learn how I did it? In this podcast, I will teach you how to: - Repair your gut & transform your digestion without living on restrictive diets - How to nourish your gut microbiome & support hormonal balance naturally - How to dig deeper & take a functional medicine approach to your health - How to say goodbye to the chronic bloating, constipation, reflux, low energy & IBS symptoms that rule your life I can't wait to help you feel at home in your body again. Pop in your headphones and lace up your sneakers. I'm about to show you how to take control of your health again and live the energy-filled, confident life that you deserve. Let's dive in! Next Steps: Connect with me on Instagram: www.instagram.com/hannahaylwardhhc Take the Gut Health Root Cause Quiz: https://go.hannahaylward.com/gut-health-root-cause-quiz Visit the Website: www.hannahaylward.com Email Us: support@hannahaylward.com

  1. vor 1 Tag

    Ep 84: Why Most SIBO Protocols Fail

    Feel like you've tried to get over SIBO multiple times with no luck? The antibiotics, herbals, the diets...but it keeps coming back. In this episode, I'm breaking down one of the biggest misconceptions about SIBO: it's not simply a bacterial overgrowth problem.    We'll cover what SIBO actually is, why it develops in the first place, and why so many conventional protocols fail to create lasting results. I'll explain the critical role of gut motility, the migrating motor complex (MMC), stomach acid, bile flow, thyroid function, chronic stress, mold exposure, H. pylori, food poisoning, and even abdominal adhesions in creating an environment where bacterial overgrowth can thrive.   We'll also discuss why simply killing bacteria isn't enough, why rebuilding your gut microbiome matters just as much as reducing bacterial overgrowth, and how shifting your focus from "killing bugs" to restoring digestive function can completely change your healing journey.             WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT IN THIS EPISODE: SIBO is an overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine, where bacteria normally exist in much lower amounts than in the large intestine. SIBO is often a downstream consequence of impaired digestive function—not the primary root cause itself. Antibiotics and herbal antimicrobials may temporarily reduce bacterial overgrowth, but they don't address why the overgrowth developed in the first place. The low FODMAP diet can reduce symptoms but isn't designed to eradicate SIBO or prevent recurrence. Healthy gut motility is one of the most important factors in preventing recurring SIBO. Chronic stress, hypothyroidism, low stomach acid, poor bile flow, food poisoning, mold exposure, H. pylori, adhesions, and diabetes can all contribute to impaired gut motility and recurring SIBO. Low stomach acid and poor bile flow create an environment where bacterial overgrowth is more likely to occur. Rebuilding the gut microbiome after antimicrobial treatment is essential for maintaining long-term microbial balance. SIBO has a high relapse rate because many treatment approaches focus only on reducing bacteria rather than restoring digestive function. Long-term healing comes from creating a resilient digestive system—not simply eliminating bacteria.             LINKS: Book a strategy call with Hannah HERE Join the waitlist for Healin' Guts + Shakin' Butts, starting in September! Take the Gut Health Root Cause Quiz for free! Equip Protein: use the code hannahaylwardhhc for 15% off Listen to Episode 72 - The Migrating Motor Complex (MMC) — Your Gut's Natural Cleaning Cycle Listen to Episode 24 - Low Stomach Acid: A Hidden Cause of Chronic Bloating & Digestive Issues Listen to Episode 80 - Bile Flow 101: The Overlooked Key to Better Digestion, Bowel Movements & Histamine Listen to Episode 79 - 5 Signs Your Gut Issues are Actually H. Pylori Listen to Episode 62 - The Hidden Gut Disruptor: How Mold Exposure Impacts Your Digestion, Gut Microbiome & Histamine                 CONNECT WITH HANNAH: Instagram  |   Website             If you found this episode valuable, share it with a friend and leave us a rating/review! Thank you for listening ✨

    Ep 84: Why Most SIBO Protocols Fail
  2. 31. Juli

    Ep 83: Histamine Isn't the Problem — Here's What Actually Is

    If you've suddenly become sensitive to foods you used to tolerate—like avocado, spinach, leftovers, fermented foods, bone broth, or even a glass of wine—you may be dealing with histamine intolerance. But what if histamine isn't actually the problem?   In this episode, I'm breaking down why histamine intolerance is often a capacity problem, not simply a food problem. Histamine is a normal and necessary molecule in the body. The real question isn't "How do I avoid histamine forever?", it's why has my body lost its ability to process it?   I'll explain how your gut microbiome, gut barrier, hormones, liver, mold exposure, chronic stress, and nervous system all influence your ability to break down histamine. We'll also cover why a low histamine diet may provide temporary relief but isn't a long-term solution, how histamine overload differs from Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), and the functional approach I use to help clients tolerate foods again by addressing the root causes underneath the surface.             WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT IN THIS EPISODE: Histamine overload is often a capacity problem, not simply a problem of eating high-histamine foods. Histamine intolerance and MCAS overlap but are not the same condition; MCAS involves broader mast cell dysregulation and additional inflammatory mediators. The "histamine bucket" concept explains why symptoms occur when histamine production exceeds your body's ability to break it down. DAO helps break down histamine in the gut, while HNMT helps metabolize histamine throughout the body, including in the liver and nervous system. Damage to the gut lining can reduce DAO activity, making histamine intolerance more likely. Gut dysbiosis, H. pylori, SIBO, intestinal inflammation, and histamine-producing bacteria can all increase the body's histamine burden. A low histamine diet can reduce symptoms temporarily, but it doesn't address why histamine is accumulating. Mold exposure and mycotoxins can activate mast cells and significantly contribute to histamine overload. Estrogen increases histamine release, while progesterone helps stabilize mast cells and supports histamine breakdown. Chronic stress and elevated cortisol can destabilize mast cells, increase histamine release, and contribute to hormone imbalances that worsen symptoms. Supporting gut health, liver function, hormones, nervous system regulation, and mineral status is essential for long-term improvement—not simply eliminating more foods.                       LINKS: Book a strategy call with Hannah HERE Join the waitlist for Healin' Guts + Shakin' Butts, starting in September! Take the Gut Health Root Cause Quiz for free! Equip Protein: use the code hannahaylwardhhc for 15% off Listen to Episode 12 - Is Histamine Overload Causing Your Unexplained Symptoms? Listen to Episode 35 - The Gut x Histamine Connection Listen to Episode 62 - The Hidden Gut Disruptor: How Mold Exposure Impacts Your Digestion, Gut Microbiome & Histamine             CONNECT WITH HANNAH: Instagram  |   Website               If you found this episode valuable, share it with a friend and leave us a rating/review! Thank you for listening ✨

    Ep 83: Histamine Isn't the Problem — Here's What Actually Is
  3. 24. Juli

    Ep 82: Why Your Iron Levels Won't Budge: The Deeper Root Causes of Low Iron

    If your iron or ferritin levels are chronically low, even though you're taking iron supplements, eating red meat, and doing everything you've been told to do, it's time to dig deeper.   In this episode, I'm breaking down why low iron isn't always an iron problem. Your body has to be able to digest, absorb, transport, recycle, store, and actually use the iron you're consuming. I'm walking you through the four major categories I look at when someone has chronically low iron: losing too much iron, not absorbing enough, inflammation restricting access to stored iron, and difficulty transporting or utilizing iron properly.   I'm also sharing why ferritin alone doesn't give us the whole picture and which labs can provide a much more comprehensive look at what's actually happening. If you've been supplementing with iron for months without your levels ever budging, this episode will help get you the answers you've been looking for.                 WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT IN THIS EPISODE: Most of the iron your body uses each day comes from internal recycling, not directly from dietary iron. Ferritin is an important marker of iron storage, but ferritin alone cannot tell you the full story of your iron status. There are four major areas to investigate when iron won't improve: loss, absorption, inflammation, and transport/utilization. Low stomach acid, H. pylori, celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, restrictive diets, and certain medications can interfere with iron absorption. H. pylori is particularly important because it can alter the stomach environment, impair iron absorption, and contribute to inflammation. Chronic inflammation can increase hepcidin, which restricts the release and absorption of iron and can contribute to functional iron deficiency. Normal or elevated ferritin doesn't necessarily mean iron is readily available for your body to use, particularly when inflammation is present. Copper, vitamin A, B12, and folate are among the nutrients involved in healthy iron transport, red blood cell production, and iron metabolism. Gut dysfunction can create multiple problems simultaneously: poor absorption, inflammation, nutrient deficiencies, and potentially altered iron utilization. Iron and thyroid health have a bidirectional relationship: iron is important for normal thyroid function, while thyroid dysfunction can contribute to patterns that increase iron-deficiency risk. Instead of endlessly supplementing iron, the goal should be to determine where the breakdown in the chain is occurring.                            LINKS: Book a strategy call with Hannah HERE Apply for HAN's 1:1 Coaching Program! Take the Gut Health Root Cause Quiz for free! Equip Protein: use the code hannahaylwardhhc for 15% off Listen to Episode 79 - 5 Signs Your Gut Issues are Actually H. Pylori Listen to Episode 24 - Low Stomach Acid: A Hidden Cause of Chronic Bloating & Digestive Issues Listen to Episode 28 - How Your Gut Is Messing With Your Hormones: The Estrogen & Thyroid Connection Listen to Episode 38 - Diving into Hashimoto's & Hypothyroidism with Board-Certified ENT and Thyroid Specialist Dr. Dana Gibbs           CONNECT WITH HANNAH: Instagram  |   Website                 If you found this episode valuable, share it with a friend and leave us a rating/review! Thank you for listening ✨

    Ep 82: Why Your Iron Levels Won't Budge: The Deeper Root Causes of Low Iron
  4. 16. Juli

    Ep 81: When You're Doing "Everything Right" But Still Don't Feel Better…Do This.

    Have you ever felt like you're doing everything for your health... eating clean, taking the supplements, listening to all the podcasts, buying the gadgets—and yet you still don't feel better? If so, this episode is for you.   Today, I'm stripping away the noise and bringing you back to the foundations that actually move the needle when it comes to healing. After nearly a decade of helping women overcome chronic digestive issues, I've learned that while functional testing, supplements, and personalized protocols absolutely have their place, no one gets to skip the basics. Your body can't heal when it doesn't feel safe, nourished, or supported.   In this episode, I walk you through the eight foundational pillars I come back to with every client. These aren't flashy wellness trends—they're the daily habits that create the environment your body needs to repair itself. If you've been feeling overwhelmed by conflicting health advice or like you're constantly searching for the "missing piece," I hope this episode reminds you that healing doesn't always require doing more. Sometimes, it requires doing less—but doing the right things consistently.             WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT IN THIS EPISODE: Your body will always prioritize survival before healing or optimization. More information doesn't create better health—consistent implementation does. Blood sugar balance is one of the fastest ways to reduce stress on the body and support hormones, digestion, and energy. Hydration and mineral status are foundational for healthy digestion, energy production, and nervous system function. Daily movement supports blood sugar, lymphatic drainage, mitochondrial health, detoxification, and bowel regularity. Sleep is one of the most powerful tools for gut repair, hormone production, immune health, and blood sugar regulation. Morning sunlight helps regulate your circadian rhythm, cortisol, metabolism, thyroid function, and sleep quality. A dysregulated nervous system can impair stomach acid, digestive enzymes, bile flow, gut motility, and nutrient absorption. Joy, play, and meaningful connection aren't luxuries—they're powerful regulators of your physiology. Healing isn't about finding one magical supplement. It's about consistently creating an environment where your body feels safe enough to heal.           LINKS: Book a strategy call with Hannah HERE Join our Fullscript dispensary to gain access to practitioner-grade supplements at a discount, and check out our "HAN Favorites" List for the supplements mentioned in the episode! Take the Gut Health Root Cause Quiz for free! Equip Protein: use the code hannahaylwardhhc for 15% off Listen to Episode 11 - Top 5 Tips for Balancing Your Blood Sugar Listen to Episode 21 - Is Sunlight An Overlooked Piece of Gut Healing? A Dive Into Circadian Rhythm for Healing Listen to Episode 59 - How to Support Your Nervous System in Times of Chaos Listen to Episode 41 - Before You Invest In Functional Testing, Make Sure You're Doing These Things           CONNECT WITH HANNAH: Instagram  |   Website               If you found this episode valuable, share it with a friend and leave us a rating/review! Thank you for listening ✨

    Ep 81: When You're Doing "Everything Right" But Still Don't Feel Better…Do This.
  5. 9. Juli

    Ep 80: Bile Flow 101: The Overlooked Key to Better Digestion, Bowel Movements & Histamine

    If you're dealing with chronic bloating, constipation, recurring SIBO, food sensitivities, hormonal acne, or even histamine issues, there may be one overlooked piece of the puzzle: your bile flow.   In this episode, I break down why proper bile flow is one of the most important pieces of healthy digestion. While it's best known for helping you digest fats, healthy bile flow also supports your gut microbiome, bowel movements, detoxification, hormone balance, nutrient absorption, and even histamine clearance. I'll explain why sluggish bile flow can create a domino effect throughout the body, how chronic stress and low stomach acid contribute to poor bile production, the signs of bile issues I look for in practice, and simple ways to begin supporting healthy bile flow naturally.             WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT IN THIS EPISODE: What bile is, how it's made, and why it's essential for far more than fat digestion. How sluggish bile flow contributes to bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and food sensitivities. Why poor bile flow increases the risk of recurring SIBO and gut dysbiosis. The surprising relationship between bile flow, histamine intolerance, and estrogen dominance. How chronic stress disrupts CCK signaling and reduces bile release during meals. Why low stomach acid and H. pylori can contribute to sluggish bile flow. Common signs of impaired fat digestion, including nausea after fatty meals, floating stools, and burping after fish oil. Functional lab markers and imaging that can help evaluate bile and gallbladder function. Practical nutrition and lifestyle strategies to naturally support healthy bile flow.             LINKS: Book a strategy call with Hannah HERE Apply for HAN's 1:1 Coaching Program! Take the Gut Health Root Cause Quiz for free! Equip Protein: use the code hannahaylwardhhc for 15% off Listen to Episode 15 - Bloating, Food Sensitivities, and Fatigue: Is SIBO the Culprit? Listen to Episode 12 - Is Histamine Overload Causing Your Unexplained Symptoms? Listen to Episode 35 - The Gut x Histamine Connection Listen to Episode 68 - The 9 Hidden Causes of Chronic Constipation (& why more fiber hasn't worked) Listen to Episode 24 - Low Stomach Acid: A Hidden Cause of Chronic Bloating & Digestive Issues             CONNECT WITH HANNAH: Instagram  |   Website             If you found this episode valuable, share it with a friend and leave us a rating/review! Thank you for listening ✨

    Ep 80: Bile Flow 101: The Overlooked Key to Better Digestion, Bowel Movements & Histamine
  6. 2. Juli

    Ep 79: 5 Signs Your Gut Issues are Actually H. Pylori

    Today, I'm breaking down one of the most common gut infections we see in practice: H. pylori. H. pylori is one of the most overlooked root causes of chronic digestive issues, yet it can impact everything from stomach acid production and nutrient absorption to your gut microbiome, thyroid, skin, and energy levels. In this episode, I'm sharing the five biggest signs your gut issues may actually be pointing to an H. pylori infection, why this bacteria is so commonly missed, how it contributes to digestive dysfunction, and what testing and treatment options I recommend from a functional perspective.             WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT IN THIS EPISODE: H. pylori is a common stomach bacteria that can significantly reduce stomach acid production and impair digestion. Low stomach acid can contribute to bloating, reflux, food sensitivities, nutrient deficiencies, and bacterial overgrowth further down the digestive tract. Constant burping, upper abdominal bloating, nausea, and feeling overly full after meals are classic signs of H. pylori. Chronic low iron, ferritin, or vitamin B12 despite supplementation may point to impaired nutrient absorption from H. pylori. Many people diagnosed with IBS may actually have an underlying gut infection that hasn't been investigated. H. pylori is associated with gastritis, stomach ulcers, and may contribute to leaky gut and systemic inflammation. Research suggests H. pylori may play a role in Hashimoto's thyroiditis through immune cross-reactivity. H. pylori can coexist with dysbiosis, Candida overgrowth, SIBO, and other gut imbalances, making comprehensive testing important. A functional stool test provides a more complete picture than testing for H. pylori alone. Supporting the gut, immune system, stomach lining, and digestive function before eradication is an important part of a successful healing strategy.           LINKS: Book a strategy call with Hannah HERE Apply for HAN's 1:1 Coaching Program! Take the Gut Health Root Cause Quiz for free! Equip Protein: use the code hannahaylwardhhc for 15% off Join our Fullscript dispensary to gain access to practitioner-grade supplements at a discount! Listen to Episode 24 - Low Stomach Acid: A Hidden Cause of Chronic Bloating & Digestive Issues Listen to Episode 20 - How to Overcome IBS - A Functional Approach Listen to Episode 45 - How Gut Imbalances Drive Hormonal Acne               CONNECT WITH HANNAH: Instagram  |   Website                If you found this episode valuable, share it with a friend and leave us a rating/review! Thank you for listening ✨

    Ep 79: 5 Signs Your Gut Issues are Actually H. Pylori
  7. 25. Juni

    Ep 78: The Truth About "Unexplained" Infertility with Dr. Marc Sklar

    It can be so devastating and frustrating to hear from your doctor that you have "unexplained infertility"... but what if it isn't actually "unexplained"?   In this episode, I sit down with natural fertility specialist Dr. Mark Sklar to discuss why so many couples are given this diagnosis, why conventional fertility testing often misses important root causes, and the functional medicine approach to optimizing fertility before jumping straight to IVF.   We dive into the critical role of gut health, inflammation, thyroid function, blood sugar regulation, environmental toxins, stress, sleep, and nutrition in reproductive health—and why supporting the whole body can dramatically improve fertility outcomes for both women and men.   Whether you're currently trying to conceive, planning for pregnancy in the future, or simply want to better understand your reproductive health, this conversation is full of practical insights and hope for your journey.         WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT IN THIS EPISODE: Why "unexplained infertility" often means more investigation is needed—not that there's no cause. How functional medicine looks beyond conventional fertility testing. The surprising connection between your gut health and fertility outcomes. Why blood sugar, thyroid health, inflammation, and adrenal function are foundational for conception. The overlooked role that male fertility plays in conception. How environmental toxins, mold, pesticides, plastics, and heavy metals may impact fertility. Why endometriosis is often missed—and what new testing options are becoming available. The fertility labs Dr. Sklar recommends beyond standard testing. Supplements that may support fertility, including CoQ10, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids.           LINKS: Book a strategy call with Hannah HERE Take the Gut Health Root Cause Quiz for free! Equip Protein: use the code hannahaylwardhhc for 15% off Listen to Episode 39 - How to Eat for Optimal Fertility with Lily Nichols RDN Listen to Episode 42 - Gut Health x Fertility: What Every Woman Should Know Listen to Episode 48 - Your Period is Your Fifth Vital Sign with Lisa Hendrickson-Jack             CONNECT WITH HANNAH: Instagram  |   Website               CONNECT WITH DR. MARC: Instagram  |  Linktree  |  Youtube                   If you found this episode valuable, share it with a friend and leave us a rating/review! Thank you for listening ✨

    Ep 78: The Truth About "Unexplained" Infertility with Dr. Marc Sklar
  8. 18. Juni

    Ep 77: How To Order At a Restaurant When Traveling to Support Your Gut

    Travel can be one of the biggest triggers for digestive symptoms.   Between disrupted routines, less sleep, dehydration, eating out more often, time zone changes, alcohol, and increased stress, it's no surprise that so many people experience bloating, constipation, reflux, or stomach discomfort while traveling.   In this episode, I'm sharing exactly how I approach eating at restaurants while traveling to support my digestion without becoming restrictive or obsessive.   You'll learn how I choose meals, what I prioritize on a menu, the supplements I travel with, how I support my nervous system while away from home, and the mindset shifts that have helped me enjoy travel without constantly worrying about my gut.   Because the goal isn't perfection — the goal is supporting your body while still enjoying the experience!                 WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT IN THIS EPISODE: Travel stress, disrupted routines, dehydration, and sleep changes can all impact digestion. Packing your own snacks can help prevent blood sugar crashes and poor food choices while traveling. Constant snacking can disrupt the migrating motor complex (MMC) and contribute to bloating and constipation. Prioritizing protein at every meal is one of the simplest ways to support blood sugar, digestion, and energy levels. Nervous system regulation is just as important as food choices when it comes to digestion. Breathwork, journaling, gut-directed hypnosis, and mindfulness can improve digestive function while traveling. Digestive enzymes, bitters, electrolytes, and herbal teas can provide additional support on the road. Trusting your body and releasing food fear often improves digestion more than chasing perfection.            LINKS: Book a strategy call with Hannah HERE Take the Gut Health Root Cause Quiz for free! Equip Protein: use the code hannahaylwardhhc for 15% off Join our Fullscript dispensary to gain access to practitioner-grade supplements at a discount! Listen to Episode 72 - The Migrating Motor Complex (MMC) — Your Gut's Natural Cleaning Cycle Listen to Episode 49 - Gut Health Hacks for Healthy Holiday Travel Listen to Episode 10 - My Go-To Travel Hacks for Gut Health & Better Digestion                 CONNECT WITH HANNAH: Instagram  |   Website           If you found this episode valuable, share it with a friend and leave us a rating/review! Thank you for listening ✨

    Ep 77: How To Order At a Restaurant When Traveling to Support Your Gut

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The go-to podcast for women who want to overcome their chronic digestive issues at the root cause level. Do you want to get rid of your chronic bloating and digestive issues? Are you sick of feeling exhausted, bloated, constipated and completely overwhelmed with what to do next with your health? Do you wish you had more time to really LIVE, without worrying about how your stomach is going to feel or if you'll spend the next hours spiraling about your health? There's a way to dig deeper and no longer live a life of managing your chronic health symptoms. Your body is always communicating with you. Your symptoms make sense. You just have to dig deeper than the traditional western approach. Hey, I'm Hannah Aylward, certified holistic health coach, functional gut health practitioner, and the Founder of HAN. Wanna learn how I did it? In this podcast, I will teach you how to: - Repair your gut & transform your digestion without living on restrictive diets - How to nourish your gut microbiome & support hormonal balance naturally - How to dig deeper & take a functional medicine approach to your health - How to say goodbye to the chronic bloating, constipation, reflux, low energy & IBS symptoms that rule your life I can't wait to help you feel at home in your body again. Pop in your headphones and lace up your sneakers. I'm about to show you how to take control of your health again and live the energy-filled, confident life that you deserve. Let's dive in! Next Steps: Connect with me on Instagram: www.instagram.com/hannahaylwardhhc Take the Gut Health Root Cause Quiz: https://go.hannahaylward.com/gut-health-root-cause-quiz Visit the Website: www.hannahaylward.com Email Us: support@hannahaylward.com

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