The Beyond Bloated Podcast

Karlee Close

Join me, Certified Health Coach - Karlee Close, as we explore gut health for women. As someone who struggled with digestive issues for over 5 years, I know how important it is to improve your symptoms and regain confidence in your body. Discover expert insights, practical tips, and real stories on how to eliminate bloat without having to follow strict protocols. Let's go beyond bloated together!

  1. 2D AGO

    E91: I Can Eat Gluten & Dairy Again: Why Food Was Never the Problem

    Send me a text! I avoided gluten and dairy for nearly seven years after being told I had food sensitivities. I believed those foods were the problem, and that avoiding them was the only way to keep my symptoms under control. Then something unexpected happened. After eating gluten and dairy without issue while traveling in Europe, I came home curious. Was it just a “Europe thing”… or had something actually changed in my body? In this episode, I share what happened when I started testing gluten and dairy again at home, and why being able to eat them without bloating, pain, or IBS symptoms completely changed how I view food sensitivities. We’ll talk about: Why food sensitivities aren’t always permanentHow digestion, stress, and your nervous system impact food toleranceWhy eliminating foods doesn’t automatically solve bloatingWhat actually helped my body tolerate more foods againHow to think about reintroducing foods without fear or pressureIf you’ve been avoiding gluten, dairy, or other foods out of fear, and wondering if your body will ever be able to handle them again, this episode will give you a whole new perspective.  👉 Want support reducing bloating without restriction? The Bloat-Free Method Group Program is opening again soon. If this episode resonated and you want guidance on improving digestion, rebuilding food tolerance, and feeling more confident around food, you can join the waitlist HERE! Because food isn’t the problem. Related Episodes: E84: I Ate Gluten & Dairy in Europe After 7 Years... and Had Zero IBS Symptoms E90: Stop Wasting Money on Gut Tests: What to Do Before the GI-MAP or Food Sensitivity Panels E70: Why Gut Issues Aren’t Fixed by Restrictive Diets: Microbiome Myths, Probiotics & What Actually Works Find out what’s really behind your bloating with my free, freakishly accurate Bloat Personality Quiz! It takes just two minutes and gives you personalized tips based on your unique habits and patterns. Tap HERE to take the quiz and discover your bloat personality! Work With Me 1:1: Program Application: Apply Now! Contact Info: Website: www.beyondbloated.com IG: @beyond.bloated Email: karleeclose@beyondbloated.com Remember to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast if you enjoyed this episode! Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any medical conditions. I am not a medical professional. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any changes to your health routine.

    33 min
  2. FEB 10

    E90: Stop Wasting Money on Gut Tests: What to Do Before the GI-MAP or Food Sensitivity Panels

    Send me a text! Are gut tests worth the hype, or just an expensive distraction? In today’s episode, I’m breaking down why most women don’t need a GI-MAP or food sensitivity panel at the start of their gut health journey, even if their bloating, diarrhea, fatigue, or skin issues are out of control. As someone with a math degree who loves data, I jumped headfirst into testing when my gut was a mess. I ran multiple food sensitivity tests (more than once… oops) and later, a GI-MAP, and instead of clarity, I wound up with fear of food, restriction, and years of misery. It wasn’t until I stopped obsessing over numbers and focused on the unsexy basics that everything finally shifted. In this episode, you’ll learn: ✨ When gut testing can be helpful, and when it’s totally unnecessary ✨ Why symptoms like bloating, diarrhea, and food reactions rarely require testing to get started ✨ How stress, under-eating, and inconsistent habits shape your gut more than a lab report ✨ The real reasons food sensitivities change... sometimes in just weeks ✨ Why my clients see a 65% improvement without a single expensive test If you're feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, or convinced you need just one more test to “finally figure it out,” this episode will show you exactly where to focus first, and how to save hundreds of dollars along the way. Related Episodes: E19: Worth the Hype? My Honest Take on Popular Gut Health Tests E24: A Deep Dive into the GI Map Test with Maryanne E87: How Long It Really Takes to Reduce Bloating: Real Client Data from My Gut Health Program Find out what’s really behind your bloating with my free, freakishly accurate Bloat Personality Quiz! It takes just two minutes and gives you personalized tips based on your unique habits and patterns. Tap HERE to take the quiz and discover your bloat personality! Work With Me 1:1: Program Application: Apply Now! Contact Info: Website: www.beyondbloated.com IG: @beyond.bloated Email: karleeclose@beyondbloated.com Remember to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast if you enjoyed this episode! Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any medical conditions. I am not a medical professional. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any changes to your health routine.

    30 min
  3. E89: How to Eat for Energy (Without Spending a Fortune): Budget-Friendly Wellness

    FEB 3

    E89: How to Eat for Energy (Without Spending a Fortune): Budget-Friendly Wellness

    Send me a text! If you’ve ever felt like eating healthy is too expensive, too time-consuming, or way too complicated, this episode will feel like a breath of fresh air. Today, I’m joined by Margo Flanagan, one half of the powerhouse duo behind Two Raw Sisters. The internationally recognized wellness brand, bestselling cookbook authors, and creators of the Two Raw Sisters App. Margo shares her and Rosa’s deeply personal health journeys, from burnout and chronic fatigue to creating a simple, accessible approach to nourishing your body with real food. We talk about: How to eat for energy without spending a fortuneWhy nourishing whole foods are more powerful than any $80 supplementHow to use the ingredients you already have to make delicious meals (thanks to their app!)Smart grocery tips that save money and reduce stressHow to prep breakfast for the entire week in 10 minutesHer love for Manuka honey, and why it’s worth the hypeThis conversation is full of practical, down-to-earth tips that make wellness feel doable, flexible, and actually enjoyable. If you’re craving simpler routines, more energy, and a better relationship with food… you’re going to love this one. Connect with Two Raw Sisters IG: @tworawsisters Two Raw Sisters App Manuka Collective Discount Code: TRSAMAZON10 Related Episodes: E79: Bloating Myths Busted: Why You Can Safely Enjoy Oats Every Day E16: Banish Boring Meals and Boost Your Digestion with Andrea’s Healthy Recipes E7: Meal Prep for Gut Health: Quick Tips to Boost Digestion and Energy Find out what’s really behind your bloating with my free, freakishly accurate Bloat Personality Quiz! It takes just two minutes and gives you personalized tips based on your unique habits and patterns. Tap HERE to take the quiz and discover your bloat personality! Work With Me 1:1: Program Application: Apply Now! Contact Info: Website: www.beyondbloated.com IG: @beyond.bloated Email: karleeclose@beyondbloated.com Remember to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast if you enjoyed this episode! Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any medical conditions. I am not a medical professional. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any changes to your health routine.

    35 min
  4. E88: Eczema Explained: The 3 Types, Root Causes, and How Your Gut Plays a Role

    JAN 27

    E88: Eczema Explained: The 3 Types, Root Causes, and How Your Gut Plays a Role

    Send me a text! If you’ve ever wondered why your eczema keeps flaring no matter how many lotions, diets, or supplements you try, this episode is a must-listen. This week, I’m joined by Christa Biegler, award-winning dietitian nutritionist, host of the Less Stressed Life Podcast, and author of The Eczema Relief Diet & Cookbook. Christa shares her own journey with skin and gut issues, including dry skin, rashes, and food sensitivities, and how those experiences shaped the way she helps clients today. Christa breaks down the 3 types of eczema she sees most often in her practice (inflammatory, environmental, and stress-mediated) and explains what each one looks like, why they develop, and how understanding your type can completely change your healing approach. We also get into:  ✨ Why the labels “rosacea,” “psoriasis,” and “eczema” matter less than you think  ✨ What drainage has to do with skin symptoms  ✨ The specific pathogenic bacteria she always sees on stool tests from her eczema clients ✨ The often-overlooked role of nutrient deficiencies ✨ The surprising way skincare products impact the gut-skin connection ✨ Whether testing is helpful or just overwhelming We wrap up with simple, actionable first steps you can take if you’re struggling with eczema and want real, lasting relief. Whether you’re dealing with chronic flares or want to better understand the gut-skin connection, this episode is packed with clarity, nuance, and strategies you can start using today. Connect with Christa IG: @anti.inflammatory.nutritionist Podcast: The Less Stressed Life The 4-Step Blueprint to Clear Skin & Food Sensitivities Related Episodes: E82: Acne, Missing Periods, and PCOS: What Your Cycle Is Trying to Tell You E80: Clear Skin from the Inside Out: The Gut–Skin Connection + HTMA Testing Explained E22: How Diet & Gut Health Helped Chloe Overcome PCOS, Eczema & Fatigue Find out what’s really behind your bloating with my free, freakishly accurate Bloat Personality Quiz! It takes just two minutes and gives you personalized tips based on your unique habits and patterns. Tap HERE to take the quiz and discover your bloat personality! Work With Me 1:1: Program Application: Apply Now! Contact Info: Website: www.beyondbloated.com IG: @beyond.bloated Email: karleeclose@beyondbloated.com Remember to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast if you enjoyed this episode! Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any medical conditions. I am not a medical professional. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any changes to your health routine.

    44 min
  5. JAN 20

    E87: How Long It Really Takes to Reduce Bloating: Real Client Data from My Gut Health Program

    Send me a text! If you’ve ever wondered how long it actually takes to reduce bloating, this episode is for you. In today’s episode, I’m breaking down real symptom-tracking data from women who completed my 6-month gut health coaching program in 2025. These aren’t guesses or before-and-after hype. This is monthly, measurable data showing how symptoms changed over time. We’re talking: How quickly bloating, gas, constipation, and abdominal pain typically improveWhat happens in the first 4–6 weeks vs. 3–6 monthsWhy many women see faster results once they stop focusing only on food eliminationImprovements in energy, brain fog, skin, mood, and immune healthThe common patterns I see across clients, and what that means for your gutIf you’ve tried cutting gluten, dairy, FODMAPs, or “doing everything right” and still feel stuck, this episode will help you understand why, and what actually creates lasting change. ✨ Plus: I’m sharing details about my brand-new 6-week group gut health program launching this February, designed to help you experience the early wins many of my clients see in the first month. 👉 Join the waitlist to get early access and the best rate (spots are limited). Your body isn’t broken. It just needs the right support. Find out what’s really behind your bloating with my free, freakishly accurate Bloat Personality Quiz! It takes just two minutes and gives you personalized tips based on your unique habits and patterns. Tap HERE to take the quiz and discover your bloat personality! Work With Me 1:1: Program Application: Apply Now! Contact Info: Website: www.beyondbloated.com IG: @beyond.bloated Email: karleeclose@beyondbloated.com Remember to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast if you enjoyed this episode! Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any medical conditions. I am not a medical professional. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any changes to your health routine.

    37 min
  6. JAN 13

    E86: What We’re Leaving Behind in 2025 If You Want Less Bloating in 2026

    Send me a text! If you’re going into 2026 still dealing with daily bloating, this episode is for you. In today’s episode, I’m sharing the habits, trends, and “gut health rules” we’re officially leaving behind in 2025, because doing more hasn’t led to less bloating. We’ll talk about why things like extreme diets, intermittent fasting, and even scrolling on your phone until midnight can quietly sabotage digestion… even when they’re marketed as healthy or helpful. You’ll learn: Why restriction often leads to more bloating, not lessHow fasting and under-eating can slow digestion and increase distentionThe overlooked connection between sleep, stress, and gut motilityWhy waiting for the “perfect time” keeps you stuckWhat to focus on instead if you want a calmer, more predictable gut in 2026This episode is especially for women who feel like they’ve tried everything (diets, supplements, food rules...) and are ready for a more realistic, supportive approach to gut health. ✨ Ready to stop guessing and start feeling better? My group coaching program starts February 9, and spots are limited. If you want structure, support, and a plan that works in real life (without restriction), join the waitlist HERE. Related Episodes: E41: Ditch the Diets: Realistic Gut Health Goals That Actually Last E45: How She Eliminated Chronic Diarrhea, Bloating, and Stomach Pain Without Strict Diets E65: Should Women with Bloating Fast? Why Skipping Meals Might Be Making Things Worse E71: Are Carbs Causing Your Bloating? The Truth About Low-Carb Diets & Gut Health Find out what’s really behind your bloating with my free, freakishly accurate Bloat Personality Quiz! It takes just two minutes and gives you personalized tips based on your unique habits and patterns. Tap HERE to take the quiz and discover your bloat personality! Work With Me 1:1: Program Application: Apply Now! Contact Info: Website: www.beyondbloated.com IG: @beyond.bloated Email: karleeclose@beyondbloated.com Remember to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast if you enjoyed this episode! Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any medical conditions. I am not a medical professional. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any changes to your health routine.

    28 min
  7. JAN 6

    E85: Why Your Bloating Isn’t Random: The 5 Bloat Personalities Every Woman Should Know

    Send me a text! If you feel like your bloating is totally random (fine one day, six-months-pregnant the next), you’re not alone… and it’s not actually random at all. After working with dozens of women struggling with chronic bloating, I’ve discovered five surprisingly common patterns that quietly drive digestive issues. I call them the Bloat Personalities, and today, I’m breaking each one down so you can finally understand why your belly behaves the way it does. In this episode, we explore:  ✨ Why bloating feels unpredictable (and the real reason it’s not) ✨ The 5 Bloat Personalities I see over and over in my clients ✨ How habits, stress, meal timing, and “healthy eating” patterns impact digestion ✨ The mistakes that keep women bloated even when they’re “doing everything right” ✨ How identifying your pattern is the first step to feeling lighter and more in control If you want instant clarity on your digestive patterns, take my free What’s Your Bloat Personality? quiz. It’s just 2 minutes and you’ll get personalized results + simple action steps delivered straight to your inbox. 🎧 Press play to finally make sense of your bloating, and discover the habits that could be standing between you and a calm, comfortable belly. Related Episodes: E84: I Ate Gluten & Dairy in Europe After 7 Years... and Had Zero IBS Symptoms E21: Your Blueprint for a Bloat-Free Day: Simple Habits, Big Results E11: Five Everyday Habits That Cause Bloating (And How to Change Them) Find out what’s really behind your bloating with my free, freakishly accurate Bloat Personality Quiz! It takes just two minutes and gives you personalized tips based on your unique habits and patterns. Tap HERE to take the quiz and discover your bloat personality! Work With Me 1:1: Program Application: Apply Now! Contact Info: Website: www.beyondbloated.com IG: @beyond.bloated Email: karleeclose@beyondbloated.com Remember to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast if you enjoyed this episode! Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any medical conditions. I am not a medical professional. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any changes to your health routine.

    24 min
  8. 10/28/2025

    E84: I Ate Gluten & Dairy in Europe After 7 Years... and Had Zero IBS Symptoms

    Send me a text! After 7 years of avoiding gluten and dairy, I went to Europe and decided to full send it — pizza in Italy, gelato in Greece, pastries every night… and to my surprise, my gut handled it all like a champ. In this episode, I’m sharing: 🍝 Why I could eat gluten and dairy abroad with zero IBS symptoms 🥐 The surprising differences in food quality between Europe and North America 🍷 How stress, sleep, and environment impact digestion more than we realize 😷 Why I ended up getting sick near the end of my trip — and what I’d do differently next time Whether you’ve been told you have “IBS,” struggle with bloating no matter what you eat, or just want to enjoy travel without digestive drama, this episode will help you see your gut in a totally new light. Related Episodes: E13: Is Gluten Causing Your Bloating? What Every Woman Should Know E47: Is Dairy Causing Your Bloating? What Most Women Don’t Know About Gut Health & Milk E56: Bloat-Free Travel: How to Stay Comfortable, Regular, and Energized on the Go E20: Boost Your Immunity Naturally: Gut Health Tips for Back-to-School Season Find out what’s really behind your bloating with my free, freakishly accurate Bloat Personality Quiz! It takes just two minutes and gives you personalized tips based on your unique habits and patterns. Tap HERE to take the quiz and discover your bloat personality! Work With Me 1:1: Program Application: Apply Now! Contact Info: Website: www.beyondbloated.com IG: @beyond.bloated Email: karleeclose@beyondbloated.com Remember to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast if you enjoyed this episode! Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any medical conditions. I am not a medical professional. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any changes to your health routine.

    28 min
4.2
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Join me, Certified Health Coach - Karlee Close, as we explore gut health for women. As someone who struggled with digestive issues for over 5 years, I know how important it is to improve your symptoms and regain confidence in your body. Discover expert insights, practical tips, and real stories on how to eliminate bloat without having to follow strict protocols. Let's go beyond bloated together!

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