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. 3D AGO

    E94: Why You Don’t Need Expensive Wellness Trends to Improve Your Gut Health & Beat Bloating

    Send me a text! If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed scrolling through “perfect morning routines,” wondered if you’re failing because you can’t afford red-light therapy or hot yoga, or felt paralyzed by all the wellness hype… this episode is for you. In this episode, Certified Gut Health Coach Karlee Close breaks down why gut health doesn’t have to be complicated or costly, and why the foundations you really need are simple, practical, and mostly free. You’ll learn: Why 3-hour morning routines and expensive wellness gadgets aren’t required for better digestionHow simplifying your daily habits can reduce bloating faster than any trendThe key “foundations” that actually support your gut and your energyHow to stop comparing yourself to influencer wellness routines and start feeling good in your own bodySimple, realistic habits that anyone can implement, regardless of time or budgetIf you’ve ever felt discouraged thinking you don’t have the time, money, or energy to improve your gut health, this episode will give you relief, clarity, and permission to focus on what actually works. This is your reminder: you don’t need fancy routines or expensive tools to feel better in your gut. You just need the basics done consistently. Related Episodes: E90: Stop Wasting Money on Gut Tests: What to Do Before the GI-MAP or Food Sensitivity Panels E89: How to Eat for Energy (Without Spending a Fortune): Budget-Friendly Wellness E86: What We’re Leaving Behind in 2025 If You Want Less Bloating in 2026 E73: My Daily Anti-Bloat Routine: What I Eat & Do to Stay Consistent 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.

    25 min
  2. E93: Chronic Bloating in High-Achieving Women: The Stress Patterns Keeping Your Digestion Stuck

    MAR 3

    E93: Chronic Bloating in High-Achieving Women: The Stress Patterns Keeping Your Digestion Stuck

    Send me a text! You’re eating healthy. You’re trying to “do all the right things.” So why are you still bloated by 3pm? In this episode, we’re diving into one of the most overlooked causes of chronic bloating in women: stress and nervous system dysregulation. I’m joined by Jodell Jordan and Heather Bull, authors of Run It Like You Own It, to talk about what really happens in the body when you’re constantly rushing, overcommitted, making a million decisions a day, and putting everyone else first. We discuss: Why being late and constantly rushing keeps your body in fight-or-flightHow decision fatigue increases stress (and digestive symptoms)The hidden connection between people-pleasing and gut issuesWhy high-achieving women often struggle with bloatingHow sleep, boundaries, and prioritizing yourself calm your nervous systemThe truth about “balance” and why there is no finish lineIf you’re a busy woman who feels like you’re doing everything “right” but still dealing with bloating, anxiety, or digestive discomfort, this episode will help you understand why food isn’t always the root cause. Connect with Jodell & Heather: Website: runitlikeyouownit.com IG: @runitlikeyouownit Grab their book + companion workbook HERE Related Episodes: E75: Gut Health After Burnout: My Journey From Stress, Restrictive Diets, and Confusion to Bloat-Free Living E54: Bloating, Brain Fog & Anxiety? The Surprising Link Between Gut Health & Mental 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.

    38 min
  3. FEB 24

    E92: Why Bloating Feels Worse After 40 (And What To Do About It)

    Send me a text! Why does bloating feel worse after 40... even when you’re eating “healthy”? If you’ve ever felt 6-months-pregnant by the end of the day, been asked if you’re expecting (when you’re not), or found yourself living in flowy tops and stretchy waistbands… this episode is for you. In this episode, Certified Gut Health Coach Karlee Close breaks down why bloating often becomes more noticeable in your 40s and beyond, and why it’s rarely just about gluten, dairy, carbs, or eating the “wrong” foods. You’ll learn: Why stress impacts digestion more than food ever willHow skipping meals and blood sugar swings lead to chronic bloatingWhy decades of dieting, low-fat trends, and restrictive protocols can weaken digestionThe connection between cortisol, metabolism, and gut functionSimple, sustainable habits that support digestion naturallyIf you’ve tried cutting gluten, dairy, sugar, FODMAPs, or entire food groups and you’re still bloated, this episode will help you understand what’s really going on inside your body. This is your reminder that bloating after 40 is not a personal failure... it’s feedback. And when you learn how digestion actually works, you can finally start supporting your gut instead of fighting it. Download the Bloat-Free Day Checklist mentioned in this episode to start implementing the exact habits Karlee uses with her clients to reduce bloating without restriction. Related Episodes E91: I Can Eat Gluten & Dairy Again: Why Food Was Never the Problem E79: Bloating Myths Busted: Why You Can Safely Enjoy Oats Every Day E71: Are Carbs Causing Your Bloating? The Truth About Low-Carb Diets & Gut Health E53: Balancing Hormones Starts in the Gut: How Blood Sugar Impacts Your Energy, Sleep & Stress 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.

    32 min
  4. FEB 17

    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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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
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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