The Nutrient Dense Podcast

Today, I'm breaking down one of the most common gut infections we see in practice: H. pylori. H. pylori is one of the most overlooked root causes of chronic digestive issues, yet it can impact everything from stomach acid production and nutrient absorption to your gut microbiome, thyroid, skin, and energy levels. In this episode, I'm sharing the five biggest signs your gut issues may actually be pointing to an H. pylori infection, why this bacteria is so commonly missed, how it contributes to digestive dysfunction, and what testing and treatment options I recommend from a functional perspective.



 
 
 
 
 
 




WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT IN THIS EPISODE:
H. pylori is a common stomach bacteria that can significantly reduce stomach acid production and impair digestion.
Low stomach acid can contribute to bloating, reflux, food sensitivities, nutrient deficiencies, and bacterial overgrowth further down the digestive tract.
Constant burping, upper abdominal bloating, nausea, and feeling overly full after meals are classic signs of H. pylori.
Chronic low iron, ferritin, or vitamin B12 despite supplementation may point to impaired nutrient absorption from H. pylori.
Many people diagnosed with IBS may actually have an underlying gut infection that hasn't been investigated.
H. pylori is associated with gastritis, stomach ulcers, and may contribute to leaky gut and systemic inflammation.
Research suggests H. pylori may play a role in Hashimoto's thyroiditis through immune cross-reactivity.
H. pylori can coexist with dysbiosis, Candida overgrowth, SIBO, and other gut imbalances, making comprehensive testing important.
A functional stool test provides a more complete picture than testing for H. pylori alone.
Supporting the gut, immune system, stomach lining, and digestive function before eradication is an important part of a successful healing strategy.







 






 
 
 
 



LINKS:
Book a strategy call with Hannah HERE
Apply for HAN's 1:1 Coaching Program!

Take the Gut Health Root Cause Quiz for free!
Equip Protein: use the code hannahaylwardhhc for 15% off
Join our Fullscript dispensary to gain access to practitioner-grade supplements at a discount!
Listen to Episode 24 - Low Stomach Acid: A Hidden Cause of Chronic Bloating & Digestive Issues
Listen to Episode 20 - How to Overcome IBS - A Functional Approach
Listen to Episode 45 - How Gut Imbalances Drive Hormonal Acne
 
 
 
 
 
 
 




CONNECT WITH HANNAH:
Instagram  |   Website



 
 
 
 
 
 
  




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It can be so devastating and frustrating to hear from your doctor that you have "unexplained infertility"... but what if it isn't actually "unexplained"?
 
In this episode, I sit down with natural fertility specialist Dr. Mark Sklar to discuss why so many couples are given this diagnosis, why conventional fertility testing often misses important root causes, and the functional medicine approach to optimizing fertility before jumping straight to IVF.
 
We dive into the critical role of gut health, inflammation, thyroid function, blood sugar regulation, environmental toxins, stress, sleep, and nutrition in reproductive health—and why supporting the whole body can dramatically improve fertility outcomes for both women and men.
 
Whether you're currently trying to conceive, planning for pregnancy in the future, or simply want to better understand your reproductive health, this conversation is full of practical insights and hope for your journey.








 
 
 
 




WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT IN THIS EPISODE:
Why "unexplained infertility" often means more investigation is needed—not that there's no cause.
How functional medicine looks beyond conventional fertility testing.
The surprising connection between your gut health and fertility outcomes.
Why blood sugar, thyroid health, inflammation, and adrenal function are foundational for conception.
The overlooked role that male fertility plays in conception.
How environmental toxins, mold, pesticides, plastics, and heavy metals may impact fertility.
Why endometriosis is often missed—and what new testing options are becoming available.
The fertility labs Dr. Sklar recommends beyond standard testing.
Supplements that may support fertility, including CoQ10, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids.







 
 
 
 




 







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
Listen to Episode 39 - How to Eat for Optimal Fertility with Lily Nichols RDN
Listen to Episode 42 - Gut Health x Fertility: What Every Woman Should Know
Listen to Episode 48 - Your Period is Your Fifth Vital Sign with Lisa Hendrickson-Jack



 
 
 
 
 
 




CONNECT WITH HANNAH:
Instagram  |   Website




 
 
 
 
 
 
 




CONNECT WITH DR. MARC:
Instagram  |  Linktree  |  Youtube
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 




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Travel can be one of the biggest triggers for digestive symptoms.
 
Between disrupted routines, less sleep, dehydration, eating out more often, time zone changes, alcohol, and increased stress, it's no surprise that so many people experience bloating, constipation, reflux, or stomach discomfort while traveling.
 
In this episode, I'm sharing exactly how I approach eating at restaurants while traveling to support my digestion without becoming restrictive or obsessive.
 
You'll learn how I choose meals, what I prioritize on a menu, the supplements I travel with, how I support my nervous system while away from home, and the mindset shifts that have helped me enjoy travel without constantly worrying about my gut.
 
Because the goal isn't perfection — the goal is supporting your body while still enjoying the experience!



 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 




WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT IN THIS EPISODE:
Travel stress, disrupted routines, dehydration, and sleep changes can all impact digestion.
Packing your own snacks can help prevent blood sugar crashes and poor food choices while traveling.
Constant snacking can disrupt the migrating motor complex (MMC) and contribute to bloating and constipation.
Prioritizing protein at every meal is one of the simplest ways to support blood sugar, digestion, and energy levels.
Nervous system regulation is just as important as food choices when it comes to digestion.
Breathwork, journaling, gut-directed hypnosis, and mindfulness can improve digestive function while traveling.
Digestive enzymes, bitters, electrolytes, and herbal teas can provide additional support on the road.
Trusting your body and releasing food fear often improves digestion more than chasing perfection.






 
 
 
 
  









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
Join our Fullscript dispensary to gain access to practitioner-grade supplements at a discount!
Listen to Episode 72 - The Migrating Motor Complex (MMC) — Your Gut's Natural Cleaning Cycle
Listen to Episode 49 - Gut Health Hacks for Healthy Holiday Travel
Listen to Episode 10 - My Go-To Travel Hacks for Gut Health & Better Digestion
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 




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 ✨

In this episode, I sit down with Faith Ashenden, nervous system and subconscious reprogramming expert and founder of That Healing Feeling, to explore one of the most overlooked pieces of the healing journey: the subconscious mind.
 
Faith shares her incredible story of recovering from Graves' disease, IBS, POTS, chronic fatigue, chronic UTIs, and a long list of debilitating symptoms that ultimately left her bedridden and unable to work. After years of pursuing both conventional and functional medicine approaches, she discovered that while many of those tools helped her improve, they didn't fully give her freedom back. That realization led her down the path of studying neuroplasticity, nervous system regulation, and subconscious reprogramming.
 
Together, we discuss how chronic illness can become intertwined with identity, why many people unknowingly develop beliefs that keep them stuck, and how the subconscious mind influences everything from stress responses to healing capacity.
 
We also dive into perfectionism, people-pleasing, symptom patterns, trauma responses, nervous system regulation, and how creating safety in the body may be one of the most important components of long-term healing.
 
If you've ever felt like you're doing everything "right" but still aren't seeing the progress you want, this conversation could completely change the way you think about healing.







 
 
 
 
 
 




WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT IN THIS EPISODE:
Chronic illness often becomes part of a person's identity, which can unintentionally make healing more difficult.

The subconscious mind acts as the bridge between conscious thoughts and the nervous system.

Neuroplasticity demonstrates that the brain and nervous system can change throughout life.

Many people improve physically but still don't feel truly free because the fear and symptom monitoring remain.

Perfectionism, hyper-independence, overachievement, and people-pleasing are often nervous system adaptations rather than personality traits.

Creating safety in the body is a foundational component of recovery.

Nervous system regulation can benefit people regardless of diagnosis, whether they are dealing with gut issues, thyroid conditions, MCAS, fatigue, or autoimmune disease.

Healing often requires addressing both physical root causes and subconscious patterns simultaneously.

Recovery is not about finding the perfect protocol—it's about creating an environment where the body believes healing is possible.




 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 










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

Listen to Episode 1 - How Trauma Impacts Gut and Hormone Health

Listen to Episode 25 - Is Nervous System Dysregulation Causing Chronic Gut Issues w/ Jessica Maguire




 
 
 
 
 
 
 





CONNECT WITH HANNAH:
Instagram  |   Website




 
 
 
 
 
 





CONNECT WITH FAITH:
Instagram  |  The Full Breakthrough Healing Experience Live Masterclass
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 




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Low progesterone is one of the most common hormone patterns we see in women struggling with chronic digestive issues, burnout, thyroid dysfunction, inflammation, blood sugar imbalances, and chronic stress. But here's the truth: low progesterone is rarely the root problem.
 
In this episode, I break down why progesterone is often a downstream symptom rather than the true cause. We'll dive into how stress, under-eating, poor gut health, blood sugar dysregulation, thyroid issues, and nervous system dysfunction can all contribute to low progesterone levels and hormone imbalances. You'll learn the key signs of low progesterone, why ovulation matters, how progesterone and estrogen work together, and practical ways to naturally support healthy hormone production from a root-cause perspective.
 
Whether you're dealing with PMS, painful periods, fertility struggles, anxiety before your cycle, insomnia, spotting, or feeling like a completely different person during your luteal phase, this episode will help you understand what's really going on beneath the surface.
 
 
 
 
 
  





WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT IN THIS EPISODE:
Low progesterone is often a symptom of deeper dysfunction rather than the root cause itself.
Progesterone is primarily produced after ovulation, making healthy ovulation essential for healthy progesterone levels.
Chronic stress and nervous system dysregulation are among the most common drivers of low progesterone.
Under-eating, low-calorie diets, inadequate carbohydrates, and nutrient deficiencies can impair ovulation and hormone production.
Blood sugar instability increases cortisol production, which can negatively impact progesterone levels.
Thyroid health and progesterone are deeply connected, and thyroid dysfunction can impair ovulation.
Gut dysfunction and inflammation can contribute to hormone imbalances through poor nutrient absorption and impaired estrogen clearance.
Many cases of "estrogen dominance" are actually low progesterone relative to estrogen.
Supporting progesterone naturally requires addressing stress, nutrition, blood sugar, thyroid function, and gut health simultaneously.





 
 
 
 
 








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
Listen to Episode 11 - Top 5 Tips for Balancing Your Blood Sugar
Listen to Episode 70 - Are You Addicted to Stress Hormones?
Listen to Episode 28 - How Your Gut Is Messing With Your Hormones: The Estrogen & Thyroid Connection
 
 
 
 
 
  





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 ✨