The Nutrient Dense Podcast

Hannah Aylward
  • 5.0 (76)
  • ALTERNATIVE HEALTH
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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. Ep 72: The Migrating Motor Complex (MMC) — Your Gut's Natural Cleaning Cycle

    2D AGO

    Ep 72: The Migrating Motor Complex (MMC) — Your Gut's Natural Cleaning Cycle

    In this episode of the Nutrient Dense Podcast, Hannah Aylward breaks down one of the most overlooked systems in gut health: the Migrating Motor Complex (MMC). If you struggle with chronic bloating, constipation, gas, reflux, recurring SIBO, or food sensitivities, this episode explains why your gut's natural "self-cleaning mechanism" may not be functioning properly — and how that can contribute to bacterial overgrowth and digestive dysfunction.   Hannah dives into how the MMC works, why meal spacing and circadian rhythm matter, how chronic stress impacts gut motility, and the hidden reasons many people relapse after SIBO treatment. She also shares practical strategies to naturally support your gut motility, reduce bloating, improve bowel movements, and optimize digestion without falling into restrictive diet culture.   WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT IN THIS EPISODE: What the Migrating Motor Complex (MMC) actually is and why it acts like your gut's internal "cleaning wave" How impaired MMC function contributes to SIBO, bloating, constipation, reflux, and food sensitivities Why chronic grazing and constant snacking can disrupt gut motility The connection between stress, nervous system dysregulation, and slowed digestion Why recurring SIBO often comes back if underlying motility issues are never addressed The role circadian rhythm plays in digestive health and bacterial balance Why shift workers and nurses often struggle with gut dysfunction How under-eating and poor meal timing negatively impact gut health Hannah's recommendations for meal spacing and overnight fasting Simple strategies to naturally support gut motility The connection between hypothyroidism and constipation Why gut healing requires both deeper interventions AND supporting the body's natural self-cleaning mechanisms     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 15 - Bloating, Food Sensitivities, and Fatigue: Is SIBO the Culprit? 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 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 ✨

    38 min
  2. Ep 71: Q&A with Hannah: SIBO, GLP-1s, Low Progesterone, Histamine Issues, and More!

    MAY 7

    Ep 71: Q&A with Hannah: SIBO, GLP-1s, Low Progesterone, Histamine Issues, and More!

    In this Q&A-style episode of the Nutrient Dense Podcast, I answer listener-submitted questions on some of the most common (and misunderstood) gut and hormone concerns I see in practice. Hannah dives into what to actually eat while treating SIBO, why food alone won't fix bacterial overgrowth, and the deeper root causes behind chronic bloating, IBS, low stomach acid, histamine flares, and low progesterone.   She also shares her perspective on GLP-1 medications and gut health, explains why chronic stress and nervous system dysregulation are often at the root of hormone imbalance and digestive dysfunction, and gives practical strategies to support better sleep, cortisol regulation, gut motility, and detoxification. If you've been feeling reactive to foods, chronically stressed, exhausted, bloated, inflamed, or like your body just isn't functioning the way it should — this episode is packed with foundational education and actionable takeaways.                 WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT IN THIS EPISODE: SIBO is not just a food issue — it's often rooted in impaired gut motility and digestive dysfunction. Constant snacking and grazing can disrupt the migrating motor complex (MMC), increasing susceptibility to bacterial overgrowth. Ginger, bitter foods, and proper meal spacing can naturally support gut motility. The low FODMAP diet may provide temporary relief, but it does not address root causes. GLP-1 medications may negatively impact gut motility, gastric emptying, bile flow, and digestive function in some individuals. Mold illness can contribute to histamine issues, facial puffiness, inflammation, high cortisol, and gut dysfunction. Lymphatic drainage support is critical during mold detoxification. Chronic stress and HPA axis dysregulation are major contributors to low progesterone and hormone imbalance. Morning sunlight exposure and reducing blue light at night can significantly improve cortisol rhythm and sleep quality. There is no "one supplement" for IBS — the root cause must be identified and addressed individually. Magnesium glycinate is one of the most broadly supportive nutrients for stress, digestion, nervous system health, and constipation support. Low stomach acid often signals deeper dysfunction like infections, mold exposure, or chronic stress.   LINKS: Book a strategy call with Hannah HERE Join us in my gut healing group program, Healin' Guts + Shakin' Butts before doors close on 5/7! 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 24 - Low Stomach Acid: A Hidden Cause of Chronic Bloating & Digestive Issues Listen to Episode 62 - The Hidden Gut Disruptor: How Mold Exposure Impacts Your Digestion, Gut Microbiome & Histamine Listen to Episode 20 - How to Overcome IBS - A Functional Approach           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 ✨

    48 min
  3. Ep 70: Are You Addicted to Stress Hormones?

    MAY 4

    Ep 70: Are You Addicted to Stress Hormones?

    You're not addicted to stress. You're addicted to how it makes you feel.   In this episode, I break down one of the most overlooked patterns keeping women stuck in burnout, gut issues, and hormonal chaos: the addiction to stress hormones.   If you feel like you:   Thrive under pressure Can't relax even when you're exhausted Crash the second life slows down Or feel anxious when things are calm… This isn't a personality trait. It's a conditioned nervous system response.   Inside this episode, I walk you through:   What's actually happening in your body when you're "running on cortisol" Why your nervous system starts to feel safe in chaos How this pattern directly impacts your gut, hormones, and energy And the exact steps to start rewiring your body out of survival mode Because healing your gut isn't just about food and supplements…It's about teaching your body that it's finally safe to slow down.   WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT IN THIS EPISODE: You're not addicted to stress—you're addicted to the chemical state it creates The nervous system will always choose what feels familiar—even if it's harmful Many high-performing women are conditioned to feel safe in chaos Chronic stress rewires your body at a physiological level (HPA axis dysregulation) "Tired but wired" is one of the clearest signs of cortisol imbalance Gut issues are often downstream of chronic stress patterns Burnout is not random—it's the result of long-term stress hormone dependency Healing requires both: Physical support (nutrition, minerals, sleep) Nervous system rewiring  You don't need to eliminate stress—you need to build safety in your body Small, consistent regulation practices are what actually create change     LINKS: Book a strategy call with Hannah HERE Join us in my gut healing group program, Healin' Guts + Shakin' Butts before doors close on 5/7! Take the Gut Health Root Cause Quiz for free! Listen to Episode 6 - Q&A with Team HAN: SIBO, mold toxicity, histamine overload & more Listen to Episode 37 - Client Case Study: From IBS, Bloating + Food Sensitivities to Pain-free Digestion & Tolerating More Foods Listen to Episode 66 - The Most Overlooked Causes of Chronic 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 ✨

    1h 24m
  4. Ep 69: How She Went From IBS, Bloating, Constipation, and Elevated Thyroid Antibodies to Bloat-Free, Regular BMs and Dropping Thyroid Antibodies 500 Points

    APR 24

    Ep 69: How She Went From IBS, Bloating, Constipation, and Elevated Thyroid Antibodies to Bloat-Free, Regular BMs and Dropping Thyroid Antibodies 500 Points

    If you've been told "it's just IBS"… but you're still dealing with bloating, constipation, diarrhea, food sensitivities, fatigue, and Hashimoto's symptoms — this episode is for you. In this client case study episode, I'm breaking down exactly how we helped one of our clients go from 10 years of chronic digestive issues to feeling like a completely different person in just four months.   She came to us with:  → constipation + overflow diarrhea  → reacting to almost every food  → chronic bloating  → low iron + low vitamin D  → elevated thyroid antibodies  → fatigue, weight gain, and constant frustration   By the end of working together:  - daily bowel movements  - no more bloating  - food freedom  - significantly more energy  - thyroid antibodies dropped by over 500 points   This is what happens when you stop treating symptoms… and start addressing the true root cause.   WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT IN THIS EPISODE: Why IBS is often just a label — not a real root cause answer How Hashimoto's and hypothyroidism are deeply connected to gut health Why low stomach acid can lead to bloating, constipation, and nutrient deficiencies The connection between bile flow, liver health, and thyroid function Why food sensitivities are often a digestive function issue — not a food issue How chronic stress and cortisol dysregulation suppress digestion Why random supplements and elimination diets often fail The 4-phase process we use to restore gut health at the root cause level     LINKS: Save your seat for my FREE 3 Phase Good Gut Formula Masterclass on 4/29! 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 6 - Q&A with Team HAN: SIBO, mold toxicity, histamine overload & more Listen to Episode 37 - Client Case Study: From IBS, Bloating + Food Sensitivities to Pain-free Digestion & Tolerating More Foods Listen to Episode 66 - The Most Overlooked Causes of Chronic 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 ✨

    41 min

  5. APR 16

    Ep 68: The 9 Hidden Causes of Chronic Constipation (& why more fiber hasn't worked)

    Constipated regardless of how healthy you eat? Staying hydrated, eating fiber, but still struggling to have regular bowel movements? You don't have a laxative deficiency. It's time to dig deeper. Constipation is NOT just a fiber issue. In this training-style episode, I'm walking you through the true root causes of chronic constipation - the ones that most conventional approaches completely miss. We're diving into digestion, gut microbiome imbalances, nervous system regulation, thyroid health, and more so you can finally understand why your body isn't moving the way it should.   WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT IN THIS EPISODE: What a healthy bowel movement actually looks like Why fiber, laxatives, and hydration often don't fix the issue The connection between constipation, hormones, acne, and toxin buildup Why you may feel worse adding more fiber The role of digestion, gut bacteria, and motility in regularity Why traveling can trigger constipation (and how to fix it) How multiple root causes often overlap (it's rarely just one thing)   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 24 - Low Stomach Acid: A Hidden Cause of Chronic Bloating & Digestive Issues Listen to Episode 25 - Is Nervous System Dysregulation Causing Chronic Gut Issues w/ Jessica Maguire Listen to Episode 7 - Common Gut Imbalances: SIBO, Candida Overgrowth, Dysbiosis, IBS & More             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 ✨

    47 min
  6. Ep 67: Why Cutting Out Gluten, Dairy, and Sugar Didn't Heal Your Gut

    APR 13

    Ep 67: Why Cutting Out Gluten, Dairy, and Sugar Didn't Heal Your Gut

    If you've cut out gluten, dairy, sugar, and still feel bloated, constipated, or reactive to foods… this episode is going to change how you think about gut healing.   In this training-style episode, I'm breaking down why removing foods alone won't fix your gut — and what's actually going on underneath your symptoms.   Because the truth is, it's not just about the food. It's about your ability to digest and tolerate that food. We're diving into the real root causes of chronic gut issues so you can stop restricting and start actually healing.   WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT IN THIS EPISODE: Why elimination diets only provide temporary relief (if any) The real reason you're reacting to healthy foods Why food sensitivities are a symptom, not the root cause How restrictive diets can actually lead to more food fear + worse symptoms The difference between removing foods vs. restoring function Why "eating clean" isn't enough to heal your gut The role of digestive capacity in long-term healing The deeper root causes behind bloating, constipation, and IBS     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 2 - The Difference Between Food Sensitivities vs Intolerances vs Allergies Listen to Episode 33 -Main Root Causes of Chronic Gut & 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 ✨

    54 min
  7. Ep 66: The Most Overlooked Causes of Chronic Digestive Issues

    APR 2

    Ep 66: The Most Overlooked Causes of Chronic Digestive Issues

    In this solo episode, I'm breaking down the most overlooked root causes of chronic gut and digestive issues — the ones that conventional testing often misses.   Because here's the truth, it's not just about the food you're eating. It's about your ability to actually digest and process that food. We're diving into the real reasons your symptoms keep coming back, and why focusing only on elimination diets and symptom management is keeping you stuck.   WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT IN THIS EPISODE: Why an IBS diagnosis doesn't actually explain your symptoms The difference between symptom management vs. root cause healing Why food sensitivities are often a result, not the problem How digestion works as a system (north → south) Why removing more foods is NOT the solution The connection between gut health, hormones, skin, energy & thyroid health Why your labs can look "normal" while your gut is not The biggest breakdowns in digestive function that lead to bloating, gas & constipation     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 64 - The Hidden Signs of Gut Imbalance You're Probably Ignoring Listen to Episode 52 - 5 Main Causes of Non-stop Bloating (that aren't food related)               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 ✨

    44 min
  8. Ep 65: An Open Conversation on Vaccines, Medical Distrust & Informed Consent with Dr. Joel Warsh

    MAR 26

    Ep 65: An Open Conversation on Vaccines, Medical Distrust & Informed Consent with Dr. Joel Warsh

    In this episode of the Nutrient Dense Podcast, I sit down with board-certified pediatrician and integrative medicine expert Dr. Joel Warsh to have a nuanced, grounded conversation about one of the most polarized topics in health right now: vaccines. We dive into the growing distrust in the medical system and why so many parents are starting to ask deeper questions about their healthcare decisions.   This is not a black-and-white conversation. It's about informed consent, better research, and deepening an important conversation in the public health space.    These conversations are uncomfortable to have and often polarizing. It's not about being "pro-vaccine" or "anti-vaccine". My hope is that you walk away from listening to this episode feeling grounded and clearer on the science and research that we do have on this topic.   WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT IN THIS EPISODE: Why trust in the medical system is at an all-time low How pandemic messaging accelerated medical distrust The difference between efficacy vs. safety in research Why informed consent is missing from modern healthcare The nuance between pro-vaccine vs. pro-safe vaccines What we actually know (and don't know) about vaccine risks Why vaccine conversations have become so polarized The truth about measles risk vs. fear-based messaging Why better research could actually increase trust in vaccines How functional medicine fills gaps left by conventional care   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 59 - How to Support Your Nervous System in Times of Chaos Listen to Episode 27 -  Make Your Life Your Medicine - A TCM Approach to Gut Health with Dr. Alex Heyne                     CONNECT WITH HANNAH: Instagram  |   Website               CONNECT WITH DR. JOEL: Instagram  |  Linktree  | Book: Between a Shot and a Hard Place   If you found this episode valuable, share it with a friend and leave us a rating/review! Thank you for listening ✨

    1h 8m
See All (73)

Trailer

5
out of 5
76 Ratings

About

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

Information

You Might Also Like