Unfortunately in America, there are two major factors that prevent many of us from receiving adequate health care - an overburdened medical system and an insurance system that is costly and often exploitative. When faced with these challenges while dealing with a chronic illness it can seem like all hope is lost. However, today's guest is sharing with us everything she knows to help you to practice self-advocacy and how to navigate the insurance system. In today's episode, I am talking to Molly Dunham-Friel, founder of Better Bellies, a company focused on supporting and empowering patients and improving their lives despite having a chronic illness. She is an IBD & IBS patient advocate who is passionate about raising awareness when it comes to gut health and creating a community of IBD & IBS warriors. During our conversation, Molly shares her own experience of being diagnosed with IBD. She talks about the importance of transparency and IBS symptoms, advocating for your own health, and how to navigate insurance plans. In this episode, we cover:

• Molly shares her own experience dealing with a chronic illness [1:51]
• Finding the courage to speak publicly about IBD symptoms [4:18]
• The importance of self-advocacy [13:06]
• Questions to ask your provider [23:42]
• Navigating chronic illness and insurance plans [31:01]
• Issues with insurance and the impact it has on patients [54:03]

This episode is brought to you by Nerva - a non-invasive, evidence-based, at-home IBS management tool. Nerva is an app that provides gut-directed hypnotherapy through a structured six-week program, followed by a maintenance plan. Use this link to try Nerva today at 30% off: https://nerva.app.link/thegutshow About our guest: Molly Dunham-Friel, MPH, is an IBD & IBS Patient Advocate, Advisor, Blogger, and Content Creator living with ulcerative colitis and IBS. Molly Founded Better Bellies by Molly, LLC, a business dedicated to improving quality of life for patients living with IBD and IBS. Molly supports and empowers patients via social media, partners with patient-centered organizations, and advises companies creating products, services, or technology for IBD and IBS patients. Join the community by following along on Instagram. Shout outs: Make sure to follow Molly @betterbelliesbymolly on Instagram! Links: Instagram: @betterbelliesbymolly Facebook: @betterbelliesbymolly YouTube: Better Bellies by Molly Web: www.betterbelliesbymolly.com Join The GUT Community: The Facebook group for those with IBS and digestive health conditions to connect, encourage one another, and dive deeper into the topics we cover on The Gut Show. Join here: facebook.com/groups/thegutcommunity Connect with Erin & the Gutivate team IG: @erinjudge.rd or @gutivate Website: www.gutivate.com Schedule a consult: bit.ly/jnwconsultcall FREE: IBS Fundamentals Mini Course https://www.ibsmastermethod.com/ibs-fundamentals-sign-up Start taking control of your IBS with the MASTER Method Foundations Course bit.ly/mmfoundations Track your symptoms & understand your body better My Gut Journal is a 90 day gut tracker to build awareness in your mind & body. Get yours at www.gutivate.com/store/mygutjournal