The Nutrient Dense Podcast by Hannah Aylward

January 30, 2026 Ep 57: What to Do When All of Your Labs Come Back "Normal" but You Still Feel Like Shi*t

Have you ever been told "everything looks normal" — after blood work, a colonoscopy, or an endoscopy — yet you're still dealing with chronic bloating, constipation, diarrhea, reflux, or food reactions?

In this episode, Hannah breaks down why conventional testing often misses the root causes of digestive issues, what "normal" actually means in modern medicine, and how a functional approach helps uncover what's really going on beneath the surface.

If you've tried elimination diets, supplements, and been told it's "just stress," this conversation will help you finally connect the dots.

WHAT OUR HGSB STUDENTS HAD TO SAY:

After struggling for years with digestive issues, bloating, irregular bowel movements, etc, I am so relieved that I have finally found the root cause of my problems. After getting labs done from doctors, and being told nothing is wrong with me, this program has stood true and has found the reasons why I am dealing with my problems, AND has given solutions!

I've been on rounds of antibiotics time after time thinking it will "kill off" the problem in my gut. When I realized the real way to fix the problem is to find the source and treat that. I have learned so much from the practitioners, Hannah and the group of individuals in this program. I can say my digestive issues have improved greatly since starting this program. Not to mention how proud I am of myself for putting myself first, for prioritizing my health and my body!

— O.T.

Before this program - even as a nutritionist- I thought I had my digestive issues under control. But that was a fleeting feeling. I quickly exhausted my own knowledge of the digestive tract and felt at my wits end. I wasn't dealing with my daily stressors and my digestive system was adding even more stress. After completing this program, I have a renewed appreciation for how food can properly fuel my body, whereas before when I was trying to fuel my body, I was not truly feeding my gut with proper nutrients and knowing what works for my gut and what doesn't. The knowledge this team has is beneficial and will stick with you, they break it down in easy to learn sections that set you up for success. No one is a lost cause and they make you feel validated and heard every step of the way.

— M.P.

Less stress and anxiety! I feel more chill about everything! Increased ability to handle stress when it comes up. Consistent and easy BMs. Just went on a 10 day trip and had zero constipation! More energy. Before this program, I had to take multiple breaks a day to lay down. I don't need that anymore. Less bloating. I feel much more comfortable in my jeans. I lost 12 lbs. More mild PMS symptoms, less mood swings specifically. Also, found and got rid of mold in my home because of this program. Also, now I know how to address issues I have with my gallbladder. I'm still working through this, but now I know what to do when I have a flare up. Before this program, I could find next to zero information on gallbladder issues, except to eat a low fat diet or take it out completely. Now I have hope and feel empowered to heal my gallbladder. My daily routine has also shifted significantly. I added in so many nourishing habits that have literally changed the way I live my life.

— K.S.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT IN THIS EPISODE:

Why "normal labs" don't always mean optimal health
The difference between conventional ranges vs. functional ranges
Why blood work alone can't assess gut health or digestion
How low vitamin D, iron, or B12 often point to deeper gut issues
Why supplementing nutrients without addressing absorption often fails
The truth about thyroid testing (and why TSH alone isn't enough)
How gut dysfunction can exist long before disease is diagnosable
What colonoscopies and endoscopies are great for — and what they miss
How functional gut testing reveals microbial imbalances, infections, and maldigestion