The Nutrient Dense Podcast

Hannah Aylward
  • 5.0 (77)
  • 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. 4d ago

    Ep 90: What's REALLY Driving Crohn's & Colitis? with Josh Dech

    Rates of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis have risen dramatically over the last several decades, but why? In today's episode, I'm joined by holistic nutritionist and physician consultant Josh Dech for a conversation about inflammatory bowel disease, the gut microbiome, environmental exposures, and the many factors that may influence why someone develops chronic digestive disease. Josh specializes in Crohn's, colitis, and severe IBS and shares both his personal health journey and the framework he uses when working with complex IBD cases.   If you have Crohn's, colitis, IBS, or simply want to better understand the environmental factors shaping our gut health, this is a conversation you won't want to miss. WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT IN THIS EPISODE: Why Josh believes the dramatic rise in IBD points toward environmental and lifestyle influences, not genetics alone. How antibiotics, ultra-processed foods, birth and feeding history, environmental exposures, and other factors may shape the gut microbiome over time. The concept of "terrain" and why simply adding more probiotics, prebiotics, or fiber may not fix a dysregulated gut. Why mold exposure receives significant attention in Josh's clinical framework and how he believes mycotoxins can affect the microbiome, immune system, gut lining, mitochondria, and detoxification pathways. How early-life factors may influence microbiome development The bidirectional relationship between the gut and brain and why stress and nervous system regulation matter without necessarily being the entire solution. Why Josh believes people with IBD may have more influence over their health trajectory than they have been led to believe.                       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 Create a Fullscript account and get access to 15% off our recommended practitioner-grade supplements here. Listen to Episode 62 - The Hidden Gut Disruptor: How Mold Exposure Impacts Your Digestion, Gut Microbiome & Histamine Listen to Episode 87 - What Came First—Your Anxiety or Your Gut Issues? Understanding the Gut–Brain Connection Listen to Episode 63 - Is IBS an Early Warning Sign for Autoimmunity with Dr. Izabella Wentz               CONNECT WITH HANNAH: Instagram  |   Website             CONNECT WITH JOSH: Instagram  |  Website  |  Podcast                   If you found this episode valuable, share it with a friend and leave us a rating/review! Thank you for listening ✨

    Ep 90: What's REALLY Driving Crohn's & Colitis? with Josh Dech

  2. Sep 17

    Ep 89: Eating Healthier and Feeling MORE bloated? Here's why.

    Have you ever cleaned up your diet only to find yourself more bloated, gassy, constipated, nauseous, or uncomfortable than you were before? You've added in more veggies and gut health foods and instead of feeling amazing, your digestion seems to be getting worse.   In this episode, I'm breaking down three of the biggest reasons I see this happen with our clients. We'll talk about why increasing fiber can sometimes make SIBO, constipation, and slow gut motility feel worse; why nutritious foods like avocado, fermented foods, spinach, and leftovers can trigger symptoms when you're dealing with histamine issues; and why increasing healthy fats can reveal underlying problems with bile flow, pancreatic enzymes, or digestive function.   Most importantly, I want you to understand that the answer isn't to become afraid of healthy foods or restrict them forever. Your reactions can actually give us clues about where your digestive system is struggling—and once we identify and address those deeper issues, the goal is to help you tolerate more foods with fewer reactions.               WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT IN THIS EPISODE: A temporary increase in gas can happen when you rapidly increase fiber—but severe or persistent symptoms warrant a deeper look. Fiber intolerance can point toward bacterial overgrowth and impaired gut motility. Adding more fiber isn't always the answer for constipation and can sometimes worsen symptoms when motility is impaired. Reactions to fermented foods, avocado, leftovers, and other histamine-rich foods may signal histamine overload or impaired clearance. Feeling worse after increasing healthy fats can point toward issues with bile flow, enzymes, or fat digestion. The goal isn't long-term food restriction—it's understanding why your body is reacting in the first place. Your food reactions can provide valuable clues about what may be happening underneath the surface.                     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 Create a Fullscript account and get access to 15% off our recommended practitioner-grade supplements here. Apply for HAN's 1:1 Coaching Program! Listen to Episode 72 - The Migrating Motor Complex (MMC) — Your Gut's Natural Cleaning Cycle Listen to Episode 83 - Histamine Isn't the Problem — Here's What Actually Is Listen to Episode 12 - Is Histamine Overload Causing Your Unexplained Symptoms? Listen to Episode 59 - How to Support Your Nervous System in Times of Chaos Listen to Episode 80 - Bile Flow 101: The Overlooked Key to Better Digestion, Bowel Movements & 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 89: Eating Healthier and Feeling MORE bloated? Here's why.

  3. Sep 4

    Ep 88: Highlights From The Good Gut Formula Masterclass - IBS, Leaky Gut & Food Sensitivities

    In this episode of the Nutrient Dense Podcast, I'm sharing a section of my Good Gut Formula Masterclass where I break down the deeper root causes of food sensitivities, leaky gut, and IBS. I dive into what increased intestinal permeability actually means, how the gut barrier interacts with your immune system, and why food reactions are a clue to something deeper.   We'll also explore factors that may contribute to persistent digestive symptoms, including microbial imbalances, digestive function, and chronic stress, and why feeling better often requires a more comprehensive approach than another supplement or elimination diet.   If your labs look "normal," but you're still bloated, uncomfortable, and unsure what to eat, this episode will help you understand what questions to ask next.   The replay has expired, but you can still listen to the masterclass on Hannah's secret podcast 🤫.   Enrollment is OPEN for Healin' Guts + Shakin' Butts, my 16-week gut health program that utilizes functional testing, targeted nutrition, lifestyle strategies, and coaching support to help you get to the bottom of your chronic digestive issues. This is our final round of 2026, and doors close September 10th at 11:59 p.m. Eastern.   Learn more about HGSB and join us here: https://go.hannahaylward.com/yes                   WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT IN THIS EPISODE: Food sensitivities and leaky gut explained Uncovering the roots of IBS Removing foods alone does not repair your gut                   LINKS: Watch the Good Gut Formula Masterclass replay! Learn more about Healin' Guts + Shakin' Butts HERE. Book a strategy call with Hannah HERE Take the Gut Health Root Cause Quiz for free!               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 88: Highlights From The Good Gut Formula Masterclass - IBS, Leaky Gut & Food Sensitivities

  4. Aug 28

    Ep 87: What Came First—Your Anxiety or Your Gut Issues? Understanding the Gut–Brain Connection

    Have you ever thought, what came first…my anxiety or my gut issues? The answer is probably a little bit of both.   In this re-aired episode of The Nutrient Dense Podcast, I'm diving deep into the gut-brain connection and the bidirectional relationship between your nervous system, digestive function, gut microbiome, and mental health.    The gut and brain are intricately connected via the gut-brain axis. We'll talk about how stress impacts your gut function, and how your gut health can exacerbate anxiety.    The discussion covers the role of neurotransmitters produced in the gut, the influence of histamine on anxiety, and the importance of addressing both gut and mental health conditions for holistic healing.   If you've been told your digestive symptoms are "just anxiety," this conversation will help you understand why the answer is often much more nuanced—and why supporting both your gut and nervous system can be such an important part of truly feeling better.             WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT IN THIS EPISODE: The gut and brain are intricately connected via the gut-brain axis. Certain gut bacteria can increase stress hormone levels. 90% of serotonin is produced in the gut. Over time, stress can contribute to real physiological gut imbalances—not simply temporary digestive symptoms. Gut health is crucial for reducing anxiety levels. Your gut microbes play a role in neurotransmitters involved in mood, motivation, and relaxation. Long-term improvement often means supporting both the nervous system and the gut, rather than asking which one came first.             LINKS: Save your seat for my FREE 3 Phase Good Gut Formula Masterclass! 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 1 - How Trauma Impacts Gut and Hormone Health Listen to Episode 14 - Chronically Stressed & Exhausted? Navigating Burnout & "Adrenal Fatigue" Listen to Episode 30 - Is Your Gut Causing High Cortisol? The Gut x Cortisol Connection Listen to Episode 70 - Are You Addicted to Stress Hormones?                         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 87: What Came First—Your Anxiety or Your Gut Issues? Understanding the Gut–Brain Connection

  5. Aug 20

    Ep 86: Client Case Study: from chronic constipation, bloating & acne to clear skin and daily BMs

    What happens when you're eating a healthy diet, exercising, taking supplements, drinking plenty of water, and doing everything you've been told to do for your gut...but you're still chronically constipated, bloated, burping after meals, struggling with reflux, and dealing with acne?   In this episode, I'm taking you behind the scenes of a real client case from my HGSB program. She had struggled with digestive issues since her early 20s, had seen multiple doctors, was relying on Linzess for constipation, and had previously taken Accutane for acne—but her digestive issues continued.   When we ran testing, we found there was much more happening beneath the surface. I'm walking you through exactly what we found, why we didn't immediately jump into a "kill protocol," how we strategically rebuilt her digestive function, and the order in which we addressed her imbalances.   After four months, she reported going from feeling like a 3/10 to a 9/10, with no more bloating after meals, burping, gas, acne, undigested food in her stool, or afternoon energy crashes—and she was having daily bowel movements!   If you feel like you're doing everything right but your results aren't matching your effort, this episode will show you why a personalized, root-cause strategy can make all the difference.             WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT IN THIS EPISODE: Eating a healthy diet doesn't automatically resolve underlying digestive dysfunction. Chronic constipation, bloating, reflux, acne, and nutrient issues can share overlapping root causes. Supporting the body's foundations before eradication was an important part of her protocol. Gut motility, stomach acid, bile flow, enzyme production, and regular bowel movements all needed attention. The goal wasn't simply to kill bacteria, it was to address why the overgrowth developed in the first place. After four months, she reported major improvements in digestion, bowel regularity, energy, and skin. Personalized protocols can help replace years of guessing with a more targeted strategy.             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 41 - Before You Invest In Functional Testing, Make Sure You're Doing These Things Listen to Episode 17 - Decoding Your Gut: Functional Stool Testing Deep Dive 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 ✨

    Ep 86: Client Case Study: from chronic constipation, bloating & acne to clear skin and daily BMs

  6. Aug 13

    Ep 85: How I Reversed my IBS, Bloating, and Food Sensitivities (6 Key Steps)

    I spent seven years struggling with chronic bloating, IBS symptoms, constipation, food sensitivities, and major food anxiety—even though I felt like I was doing everything right. I ate healthier than almost everyone I knew. I avoided gluten and dairy for nearly a decade. I exercised, bought organic food, used non-toxic products, followed elimination diets, and spent hundreds of dollars on probiotics, digestive enzymes, L-glutamine, and every gut-support supplement I could find. And I still looked six months pregnant with belly bloating after eating an apple.   What I eventually realized was that I didn't need to restrict more foods or find the perfect supplement. I needed a completely different strategy.   In this episode, I'm walking you through the six key steps I personally focused on to repair my gut. I'm breaking down why chronic digestive issues can be about so much more than the foods you're eating, why digestion needs to be addressed before obsessing over probiotics, how functional testing changed my approach, and why my nervous system ended up being one of the most important pieces of my gut-healing journey. If you feel like you're doing all the things but you're still bloated, constipated, reacting to foods, or afraid to eat outside of your normal routine, this episode is for you.             WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT IN THIS EPISODE: Chronic digestive issues are often a gut environment problem, not simply a food problem. Focus on nourishment over restriction to support gut health and function. Functional testing can help uncover imbalances and create a more targeted approach. Healthy detox and drainage pathways support your body's ability to eliminate waste. Digestion comes before the microbiome—stomach acid, enzymes, and bile matter. Rebalancing the gut microbiome can improve food tolerance and digestive symptoms. Chronic stress and nervous system dysregulation can directly impair digestive function. Lasting gut repair requires addressing the whole ecosystem, not chasing one root cause or supplement.           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 11 - Top 5 Tips for Balancing Your Blood Sugar Listen to Episode 17 - Decoding Your Gut: Functional Stool Testing Deep Dive Listen to Episode 72 - The Migrating Motor Complex (MMC) — Your Gut's Natural Cleaning Cycle Listen to Episode 59 - How to Support Your Nervous System in Times of Chaos 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 ✨

    Ep 85: How I Reversed my IBS, Bloating, and Food Sensitivities (6 Key Steps)

  7. Aug 6

    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

  8. Jul 31

    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
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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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