🌿 A Dancer’s Guide to Digestive Health: Bloating, gas, and stomach discomfort can throw off a dancer’s day—and for those recovering from disordered eating, it can feel even more overwhelming. In this episode, Rachel Fine breaks down functional digestive disorders, common misconceptions like “leaky gut,” and how diet culture often hijacks our experience of fullness.

You’ll learn:
✅ How to distinguish normal fullness from digestive discomfort
✅ Why elimination diets can do more harm than good
✅ Practical strategies to support digestion, reduce stress, and nourish your gut
✅ Gentle, food-first interventions to help dancers feel comfortable and energized

📖 Read the full blog: https://dancenutrition.com/bloat-digestive-health/

📲 Follow on Instagram: @ToThePointeNutrition
🔔 Subscribe on YouTube: Nutrition for Dancers
🎙️ Listen on Apple + Spotify: Nutrition for Dancers with The Dance Nutritionist® Podcast

📅 Perfect for: dancers navigating stomach discomfort, those recovering from disordered eating, or anyone struggling with food-related anxiety and bloating. 

Timestamps ⬇️ (skip to the part you need most!)

0:00 – Introduction: Bloating and Dancer Nutrition
Overview of digestive discomfort and common concerns dancers face.

0:12 – Meet Rachel Fine, RDN
Supporting dancers’ performance and mental/emotional well-being through nutrition.

1:00 – What Is Bloat?
Understanding bloating, functional digestive disorders, gas, constipation, and diarrhea.

1:43 – IBS vs. Other Digestive Disorders
Differentiating functional digestive disorders from conditions like celiac or colitis.

2:08 – Causes of Functional Digestive Disorders
Overeating, stress, prolonged antibiotic use, and links to disordered eating.

2:26 – Disordered Eating and Digestive Health
Statistics connecting eating disorders with functional digestive disorders.

4:00 – The Spike in Digestive Discomfort Among Dancers
How restrictive eating behaviors correlate with chronic digestive issues.

4:18 – Elimination Diets: Risks and Considerations
Why eliminating foods without a medical need can be harmful.

5:24 – Stop Confusing Fullness with Bloat
Relearning physical cues of fullness and the normalcy of temporary discomfort.

6:48 – When Is Bloat a Problem?
Seeking support from gastroenterologists and dietitians; knowing when professional help is needed.

8:00 – Red Flags Around Food Avoidance
Avoid blanket restrictions like gluten, dairy, or sugar to prevent disordered eating.

8:35 – Food & Mood Journaling
Tracking patterns, timing, and activities to identify contributors to digestive discomfort.

9:41 – Lifestyle Factors
Stress management, consistent fueling, and avoiding overexercising to support digestion.

10:26 – Nutrient-Rich Foods for Digestive Health
Importance of prebiotics, sprouted grains, cooked fruits/veggies, and warm teas for easier digestion.

12:19 – Professional Support and Next Steps
Working with a dietitian to develop consistent eating patterns and alleviate discomfort.

Rachel Fine, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Certified Sports Nutritionist, Certified Eating Disorder Specialist, and Certified Counselor of Intuitive Eating works with dancers to help them build supportive relationships with both food and body. 

Disclaimer: This is produced for informational purposes only. This information is general, not specific to you. The information in this podcast does not substitute for medical advice. The viewer assumes full responsibility for consulting a qualified health professional regarding health conditions or concerns, and before starting a new diet or health program.