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

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