Love Your Gut

Low ferritin and digestive issues like SIBO are often treated as completely separate problems. One is considered a blood lab issue, the other a gut issue. But clinically, these two patterns frequently overlap. Many people struggling with SIBO, bloating, or constipation also find their ferritin stays stubbornly low despite taking iron supplements or increasing iron-rich foods. In this episode, we unpack how digestion, the microbiome, stomach acid, and inflammation can all influence iron absorption and regulation. When you understand that all of your symptoms are connected by shared underlying root causes the path forward becomes clearer! In this episode, we discuss: Why ferritin sometimes stays low even when you are taking iron supplements Where iron absorption actually occurs in the digestive system How bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine can interfere with nutrient absorption The role inflammation and hepcidin play in regulating iron levels Why low stomach acid can contribute to both SIBO and poor iron absorption Emerging research around hydrogen sulfide SIBO and mineral metabolism The clinical patterns we often see in clients with both digestive issues and low ferritin If you’ve ever wondered why your iron levels don’t seem to improve despite doing everything “right,” this episode will help you start connecting the dots. Still dealing with bloating, constipation, or SIBO that keeps coming back? Join my upcoming live training SIBO Unlocked on March 22, where I’ll walk you through why antibiotics, supplements, and elimination diets often fail—and what actually needs to be addressed for lasting gut healing. 👉 Save your spot here (early bird pricing until March 15!) Connect + Next Steps Want daily education, stories, and gut-friendly support? Heather on Instagram Ready for personalized 1:1 support and a clear plan? Apply for gutTogether® Want a chance to win a free HTMA Bundle? Leave a rating & review and email it to happygut@drheatherfinley.co with [PODCAST REVIEW] in the subject line! We choose a new winner every month!

Protein is one of the most talked-about nutrients right now, but the conversation often misses the bigger picture. In this episode, Dr. Heather sits down with registered dietitian, New York Times bestselling author, and founder of Rachael’s Good Eats, Rachael DeVaux, to talk about why protein matters for far more than muscle building. They break down how protein impacts blood sugar, digestion, cravings, and energy throughout the day and why so many women are unintentionally under-eating it. Rachael also shares practical strategies for building satisfying meals, reducing the 3PM crash, and supporting gut health without restrictive dieting or complicated tracking. If you’ve ever felt tired in the afternoon, constantly hungry between meals, or unsure how to actually eat enough protein without feeling overly full, this conversation will give you a simple place to start. In this episode, we cover: • Why many women are unknowingly under-eating protein • The connection between protein, blood sugar stability, and digestion • What the 3PM energy crash may be telling you about your meals • Why eating substantial meals can support gut motility and reduce bloating • How protein and fiber work together to support gut health • Practical ways to increase protein without feeling heavy or overwhelmed • Simple breakfast ideas that can stabilize energy for the entire day • Why reducing food stress can improve digestion and overall health Rachael also shares some of her favorite quick recipes from her new cookbook The High-Protein Plate, along with realistic tips for busy families who want nourishing meals without spending hours in the kitchen. Resources Mentioned: Rachael’s new cookbook: The High-Protein Plate: 100 Satisfying Everyday Recipes Follow Rachael on Instagram Visit her website Find the real root causes of your GI symptoms with our free, 2 minute Quiz! Connect + Next Steps Want daily education, stories, and gut-friendly support? Heather on Instagram Ready for personalized 1:1 support and a clear plan? Apply for gutTogether® Want a chance to win a free HTMA Bundle? Leave a rating & review and email it to happygut@drheatherfinley.co with [PODCAST REVIEW] in the subject line! We choose a new winner every month!

Have you ever said, “My stomach has never been the same since that trip…” or that questionable BBQ, honeymoon, or random meal that left you sick for days? Food poisoning isn’t always something you “just get over.” For many people, it’s the starting point of long-term bloating, urgency, constipation, food sensitivities, and anxiety around eating. In this episode, Dr. Heather breaks down why post-infectious IBS accounts for a significant percentage of IBS cases and how an acute infection can disrupt gut motility, immune signaling, stomach acid, bile flow, and mineral balance long after the initial illness passes. If you’ve been stuck in cycles of low FODMAP, antimicrobials, probiotics, and still feel six months pregnant by 5pm… this conversation will connect the dots. In This Episode, We Cover: The research behind post-infectious IBS and how food poisoning triggers long-term gut dysfunction How bacteria like Campylobacter, Salmonella, E. coli, and Shigella can disrupt motility What happens to the migrating motor complex after infection Why bloating, SIBO, constipation, or diarrhea can linger for years The role of stomach acid, bile flow, minerals, and the nervous system in recovery What to do during acute food poisoning What to evaluate if symptoms are still present months (or years) later If you found this episode helpful, please leave a review and share it with someone whose gut has never quite been the same. Find the real root causes of your GI symptoms with our free, 2 minute Quiz! Connect + Next Steps Want daily education, stories, and gut-friendly support? Heather on Instagram Ready for personalized 1:1 support and a clear plan? Apply for gutTogether® Want a chance to win a free HTMA Bundle? Leave a rating & review and email it to happygut@drheatherfinley.co with [PODCAST REVIEW] in the subject line! We choose a new winner every month!

You started magnesium for constipation. It worked. And then… it didn’t. Now you’re increasing the dose, relying on it nightly, and wondering why your body won’t cooperate. Here’s the truth: if magnesium stopped working, it’s not because you need more of it. Magnesium can support bowel movements. But it doesn’t fix the reason your system slowed down in the first place. In this episode, I break down: • What magnesium actually does (and what it doesn’t) • The mineral patterns I see when it “stops working” • Why potassium, bile flow, and stress matter more than you think • How you can poop daily and still be constipated • What actually restores long-term rhythm instead of relying on stimulation Constipation is rarely just a colon issue. It’s often a top-down digestion issue. If you’re tired of bandaids and want a personalized, step-by-step plan to restore your digestion from the root, this is exactly the work we do inside gutTogether. Find the real root causes of your GI symptoms with our free, 2 minute Quiz! Connect + Next Steps Want daily education, stories, and gut-friendly support? Heather on Instagram Ready for personalized 1:1 support and a clear plan? Apply for gutTogether® Want a chance to win a free HTMA Bundle? Leave a rating & review and email it to happygut@drheatherfinley.co with [PODCAST REVIEW] in the subject line! We choose a new winner every month!

If you’re constipated… and your ferritin won’t improve… this episode is for you. Constipation isn’t just uncomfortable, it's often a sign that your digestive system, minerals, and stress response are all under strain, and when that happens, iron can be one of the first things to stall. In this episode, I connect the dots between: Constipation Fatigue Low ferritin Slow stomach acid Mineral depletion Sluggish bile flow Stress (both internal and external) Because ferritin doesn’t improve just because you take iron. Ferritin improves when the whole system improves. If iron has made you feel worse… If your ferritin only improves while supplementing… If you’re bloated, sluggish, and exhausted despite “normal labs”… This conversation will make things click. In This Episode, We Cover: Why low stomach acid affects both iron and B12 How slow motility disrupts iron recycling Why constipation isn’t a side effect, it’s a signal The connection between bile flow, SIBO, and iron storage How mineral depletion makes iron harder to tolerate Why stress shifts your body out of storage mode 🎁 Giveaway Announcement To celebrate this being the 100th episode and our upcoming live training, I’m doing a giveaway! One listener will win a free Lume Box! This is my favorite red light therapy device I use every day! Here’s how to enter: 1️⃣ Listen to this episode 2️⃣ Leave a rating and review 3️⃣ Screenshot your review and email it to happygut@drheatherfinley.co with [100th giveaway] as the subject line --> Bonus entries for sharing the podcast and tagging @drheatherfinley on Instagram The winner will be announced on next weeks podcast! Find the real root causes of your GI symptoms with our free, 2 minute Quiz! Connect + Next Steps Want daily education, stories, and gut-friendly support? Heather on Instagram Ready for personalized 1:1 support and a clear plan? Apply for gutTogether® Want a chance to win a free HTMA Bundle? Leave a rating & review and email it to happygut@drheatherfinley.co with [PODCAST REVIEW] in the subject line! We choose a new winner every month!

If you’ve been told to “just take iron” for low ferritin and it either didn’t work or made you feel worse, this episode is for you. In this episode, I’m sharing my personal postpartum ferritin story and walking through why iron alone wasn’t the answer for me… or for so many of the clients I work with. Low ferritin is one of the most misunderstood labs I see. And for most people, it’s not about iron intake. It’s about whether the body is actually ready to absorb, use, recycle, and store iron. In this episode, we zoom out and talk about the systems that control ferritin, including digestion, motility, minerals, and liver support. I also cover: Why ferritin often stays low even when you’re taking iron How postpartum depletion changes how the body handles iron Why iron can worsen constipation, bloating, and nausea The role of digestion, motility, and mineral balance in ferritin Why constipation is often a cause, not a side effect How the liver influences iron storage and regulation Why ferritin is usually a signal, not the root problem This episode is especially for you if: You’re postpartum or have a history of heavy periods You struggle with constipation or slow digestion You don’t tolerate iron well Your labs are “normal” but you still feel exhausted Ferritin only improves while you’re actively taking iron I’m hosting a free training called Why Iron Isn’t Enough 👉 Learn more and register here Find the real root causes of your GI symptoms with our free, 2 minute Quiz! Connect + Next Steps Want daily education, stories, and gut-friendly support? Heather on Instagram Ready for personalized 1:1 support and a clear plan? Apply for gutTogether® Want a chance to win a free HTMA Bundle? Leave a rating & review and email it to happygut@drheatherfinley.co with [PODCAST REVIEW] in the subject line! We choose a new winner every month!

If you’re wondering whether food sensitivity testing will finally explain your bloating, constipation, or GI reactions, this episode is for you. We talk through why food sensitivity lists often keep growing, what those results are actually reflecting, and why eliminating more foods doesn’t always lead to lasting relief. You’ll learn how digestion, stress, and immune signaling influence food reactions, why many people feel worse after doing “everything right,” and what question to ask instead if you want real progress. If you have ever been curious about food sensitivity testing and what it actually measures or shows related to your gut health, make sure to listen in! In this episode, Dr. Heather covers: Should you do food sensitivity testing to fix bloating and GI issues? Why “safe food” lists often keep shrinking What food reactions can signal beyond the food itself Why cutting out more foods doesn’t always improve digestion What to focus on if food sensitivity testing hasn’t helped Find the real root causes of your GI symptoms with our free, 2 minute Quiz! Connect + Next Steps Want daily education, stories, and gut-friendly support? Heather on Instagram Ready for personalized 1:1 support and a clear plan? Apply for gutTogether® Want a chance to win a free HTMA Bundle? Leave a rating & review and email it to happygut@drheatherfinley.co with [PODCAST REVIEW] in the subject line! We choose a new winner every month!

Let's be real: eating healthy was the answer, you’d already have relief from your bloating and constipaiton. Most of the women we work with are already doing the “right” things including: eating whole foods, avoiding junk, taking supplements, and yet, they are still dealing with bloating, constipation, and a gut that feels unpredictable. In this episode, I break down why that happens and what’s actually missing. You’ll learn why clean eating alone doesn't fix GI issues, how mineral depletion quietly impacts digestion and stress tolerance, why healthy foods can feel worse when digestion is weak, and how stress, gut bacteria, and infections can all interfere with your ability to absorb and tolerate food. This episode is especially for you if: You feel worse eating “healthy” foods Your symptoms flare on busy or stressful days You’ve been told your labs are normal, but you don’t feel normal You’re tired of guessing and piecing things together Connect + Next Steps Curious what’s actually driving your symptoms? Take the free 2-minute Gut Root Cause Quiz Want daily education, stories, and gut-friendly support? Apply for gutTogether® Find the real root causes of your GI symptoms with our free, 2 minute Quiz! Connect + Next Steps Want daily education, stories, and gut-friendly support? Heather on Instagram Ready for personalized 1:1 support and a clear plan? Apply for gutTogether® Want a chance to win a free HTMA Bundle? Leave a rating & review and email it to happygut@drheatherfinley.co with [PODCAST REVIEW] in the subject line! We choose a new winner every month!

How often do you say no to plans because you don’t know how your stomach will feel? Have you ever checked a menu days in advance, chosen clothes based on bloating, or left an event early just so you could be comfortable? Living with gut symptoms affects so much more than digestion. It quietly shapes your decisions, your energy, and how present you feel in your own life. In this episode of Love Your Gut, I share my own story of navigating bloating and gut issues in my 20s, including how symptoms once dictated what I said yes to and no to. We talk about why gut symptoms steal mental space, why they often keep coming back, and what actually changes when digestion is supported at the root. If your stomach has been running the show lately, this episode will help you understand why and how to take action so you no longer have to let your GI issues run the show! Connect + Next Steps Curious what’s actually driving your symptoms? Take the free 2-minute Gut Root Cause Quiz Want daily education, stories, and gut-friendly support? Apply for gutTogether® Find the real root causes of your GI symptoms with our free, 2 minute Quiz! Connect + Next Steps Want daily education, stories, and gut-friendly support? Heather on Instagram Ready for personalized 1:1 support and a clear plan? Apply for gutTogether® Want a chance to win a free HTMA Bundle? Leave a rating & review and email it to happygut@drheatherfinley.co with [PODCAST REVIEW] in the subject line! We choose a new winner every month!

Do you feel like you’re always starting over when it comes to your gut health? Every January (or month, Monday, etc), you might decide this will be the year you finally fix your digestion. You start strong… and then a few weeks later, everything falls apart. In this episode, Dr. Heather explains why that happens and why it has nothing to do with willpower or discipline (you might be surprised what it is that actually holds you back!) This episode is a conversation about nervous system regulation, realistic expectations, and how to create gut healing that actually lasts. If you’re tired of starting over every January (or every Monday), this episode will change how you think about consistency and gut health. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why consistency is actually a nervous system skill Why gut healing isn’t linear (and why that’s normal) How to interpret symptoms as information Why trying to fix everything at once backfires How a slower, phased approach to your gut health leads to lasting relief Links & Resources Follow Dr. Heather on Instagram Learn more about gutTogether® programs Leave a review + enter our monthly giveaway Leave a 5-star rating and written review of the podcast, take a screenshot, and email it to: 📩 support@guttogetherprogram.com Each month, one reviewer is randomly selected to receive an HTMA test and consult Find the real root causes of your GI symptoms with our free, 2 minute Quiz! Connect + Next Steps Want daily education, stories, and gut-friendly support? Heather on Instagram Ready for personalized 1:1 support and a clear plan? Apply for gutTogether® Want a chance to win a free HTMA Bundle? Leave a rating & review and email it to happygut@drheatherfinley.co with [PODCAST REVIEW] in the subject line! We choose a new winner every month!

I love trying new things and this episode is my annual roundup of the products that actually earned a spot in my real life this year. In this episode, I’m sharing my Favorite Things of 2025, including gut-friendly staples to nervous system supports, mineral must-haves, mom life helpers, and business tools that genuinely make life easier. Here’s the important part: You don’t need gadgets or a ton of products to heal your gut. The foundations matter most: sunlight, nervous system regulation, laughter, and solid routines. These products simply support that work. To keep it simple and not overwhelming, I gave awards in each category: a Gold Medal if you only choose one a Runner-Up and Honorable Mentions for everything else that made the list If you’re someone who loves trying new things (like me), or you just want a short list of what’s actually worth it, this episode is for you. Quick note on links This episode is not sponsored. Some links on the product page are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you choose to purchase through them. Thanks for supporting the podcast and my small business. Links View my Favorite Things of 2025 (all products linked here) Follow me on Instagram Grab a walk, a coffee, or your favorite mineral mocktail and listen in. Find the real root causes of your GI symptoms with our free, 2 minute Quiz! Connect + Next Steps Want daily education, stories, and gut-friendly support? Heather on Instagram Ready for personalized 1:1 support and a clear plan? Apply for gutTogether® Want a chance to win a free HTMA Bundle? Leave a rating & review and email it to happygut@drheatherfinley.co with [PODCAST REVIEW] in the subject line! We choose a new winner every month!

If the holidays always feel like the hardest time of year for your gut with the bloating, the constipation, the fatigue, the heaviness after meals then this episode will feel like a deep breath. The truth is… the holidays aren’t the problem. Restriction, stress, poor digestion, and an unsupported gut foundation are. In today’s episode, Dr. Heather breaks down exactly how to support your gut through the holidays without eliminating foods, micromanaging your plate, or white-knuckling your way to January. You’ll learn what your symptoms are really trying to tell you and the simple things you can do right now to feel more grounded, nourished, and supported. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why minerals are your holiday superpower Digestion habits that actually move the need What your bloating timing reveals Sticky stool and bile support Travel-friendly gut support Why December is actually the best time for testing Ready to stop guessing and start supporting your gut for real? For December only, when you apply to gutTogether® this week, you’ll receive 3 extra weeks inside the program so that you can tart January with answers and not another quick fix that doesn't work Apply for 1:1 support inside gutTogether® Connect with Dr. Heather Find the real root causes of your GI symptoms with our free, 2 minute Quiz! Connect + Next Steps Want daily education, stories, and gut-friendly support? Heather on Instagram Ready for personalized 1:1 support and a clear plan? Apply for gutTogether® Want a chance to win a free HTMA Bundle? Leave a rating & review and email it to happygut@drheatherfinley.co with [PODCAST REVIEW] in the subject line! We choose a new winner every month!

So many women do everything right — eat well, exercise, get their labs checked — and still feel tired, puffy, bloated, or frustrated when their skin flares and their energy crashes. And when bloodwork comes back “normal,” it’s easy to feel confused or even dismissed. This conversation brings so much clarity to what your body may actually be asking for: mineral support. In Part 2 of Heather Brown’s HTMA review, we unpack her real mineral test results and explore how hidden imbalances — like high calcium, low sodium + potassium, a high magnesium burn rate, and iron–copper issues — can quietly contribute to symptoms like low energy, stubborn acne, difficulty recovering from workouts, and feeling like your usual habits just aren’t working anymore. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why “normal” bloodwork often misses mineral imbalances — and how HTMA fills the gaps What a high magnesium burn rate tells us about stress and adrenal load Why low sodium and low potassium matter for energy, blood sugar, and overall resilience How long-term fasting can become a stress when your system is depleted — and the signs to look for Why acne may be connected to mineral imbalance vs. food triggers alone The role of sleep, morning sunlight, circadian rhythm, and joy in restoring your adrenals If you’ve been wondering why your energy is low, your skin isn’t cooperating, or your usual routine isn’t giving you the results it used to, this episode will help you understand what your minerals might be trying to tell you — and where to go from here. You’ll get your own mineral test, personalized interpretation, and a customized plan to support metabolism, stress, digestion, and energy. (Last year it sold out fast! Once the 50 spots are gone, they’re gone.) Connect with Dr. Heather: 💻 Website 📸 Instagram Connect with Heather Brown: Find the real root causes of your GI symptoms with our free, 2 minute Quiz! Connect + Next Steps Want daily education, stories, and gut-friendly support? Heather on Instagram Ready for personalized 1:1 support and a clear plan? Apply for gutTogether® Want a chance to win a free HTMA Bundle? Leave a rating & review and email it to happygut@drheatherfinley.co with [PODCAST REVIEW] in the subject line! We choose a new winner every month!

So many women move through pregnancy feeling exhausted, puffy, bloated, and overwhelmed by symptoms that never quite make sense. And when labs come back “normal,” it’s easy to feel confused or even dismissed. This conversation brings clarity to what your body is actually asking for: minerals and electrolytes. In this episode, we talk through why electrolytes for pregnancy matter far more than most people realize, how fatigue and bloat are often rooted in mineral depletion, and why supporting minerals can completely change how you feel during pregnancy and postpartum. We unpack what it looks like to enter pregnancy already depleted, how those symptoms get louder as the months go on, and why simple electrolyte support can improve energy, digestion, hydration, skin, and even hair growth. You’ll also hear how personalized mineral support through HTMA testing can help you understand what your body needs so you can finally feel better. Inside this episode, you’ll learn: • Why normal bloodwork doesn’t always show mineral imbalances • How low electrolytes contribute to fatigue, puffiness, and digestive issues • The connection between electrolytes and better stomach acid, hydration, and blood sugar • Simple ways to support sodium, potassium, and magnesium during pregnancy • What a custom mineral blend is and how it can replace multiple supplements • How electrolytes support postpartum recovery, milk supply, and hormone balance If you’ve been wondering why you still feel tired, bloated, or dehydrated no matter how healthy you eat or how much water you drink, this episode will help you understand what your body has been trying to tell you. Want to understand your own metabolism and mineral patterns? Join the waitlist so you are the first to know about our Black Friday Sale! You’ll get your own mineral test, personalized interpretation, and a customized plan to support metabolism, stress, digestion, and energy. (Last year it sold out fast! Once the 50 spots are gone, they’re gone.) Connect with Dr. Heather: 💻 Website 📸 Instagram Find the real root causes of your GI symptoms with our free, 2 minute Quiz! Connect + Next Steps Want daily education, stories, and gut-friendly support? Heather on Instagram Ready for personalized 1:1 support and a clear plan? Apply for gutTogether® Want a chance to win a free HTMA Bundle? Leave a rating & review and email it to happygut@drheatherfinley.co with [PODCAST REVIEW] in the subject line! We choose a new winner every month!

Weight Loss Resistance, Stress, and the Mineral Patterns Behind a “Stuck” Metabolism Today’s episode features an incredibly relatable story from Lindsay, a marriage and family therapist, military wife, mom of two, and someone who felt like she was doing everything “right”: eating well, following the plan, exercising, pushing herself… and still gaining weight, feeling exhausted, and being told her labs were “normal.” After pregnancy and years of intense stress, deployments, and living abroad, her body felt completely out of control. Doctors offered restrictive diets, a thousand-calorie meal plan, and no real answers. Even after following those recommendations perfectly, nothing changed. What did change? Seeing her HTMA results and finally understanding why her metabolism was struggling and what her body needed to feel safe enough to start healing. In this episode, Lindsay shares: • What weight loss resistance felt like when nothing worked • How chronic stress, postpartum depletion, and metabolism are deeply connected • Why “normal labs” don’t tell the full story • The moment she realized she wasn’t crazy and that she was actually depleted • The difference mineral repletion made in her energy, digestion, mood, and confidence • How improving her health shifted her marriage, parenting, and work life • How she maintained her progress months later Want to understand your own metabolism and mineral patterns? Join the waitlist so you are the first to know about our Black Friday Sale! You’ll get your own mineral test, personalized interpretation, and a customized plan to support metabolism, stress, digestion, and energy. (Last year it sold out fast! Once the 50 spots are gone, they’re gone.) Connect with Lindsay Find her on Instagram: @marriedafterkids Website: www.marriedafterkids.com Her work supports couples navigating the stress and identity shifts that come with parenting and she shares how her own healing journey has made her a better partner and parent. Find the real root causes of your GI symptoms with our free, 2 minute Quiz! Connect + Next Steps Want daily education, stories, and gut-friendly support? Heather on Instagram Ready for personalized 1:1 support and a clear plan? Apply for gutTogether® Want a chance to win a free HTMA Bundle? Leave a rating & review and email it to happygut@drheatherfinley.co with [PODCAST REVIEW] in the subject line! We choose a new winner every month!

In today’s episode, I’m joined by my mom, aka the one and only Queen Alice, to share her hilarious (and kind of wild) story about how supporting her minerals completely changed her health. For years, she struggled with intense leg cramps, we’re talking full-body, middle-of-the-night, can’t-move kind of cramps. Doctors told her to drink more water, stretch, or just “deal with it.” But nothing worked… until we ran an HTMA test and discovered the real root cause: mineral depletion from years of stress. You’ll hear: The moment we both realized something had to change (it involved an “exorcism-level” leg cramp) How stress, dehydration, and even margaritas were making things worse Why her magnesium was high but still not working and what that actually means The surprising benefits she noticed after balancing her minerals (better sleep, calmer moods, no more cramps!) How she titrated her custom mineral blend after her body said “uh, too fast!” Some sweet and slightly emotional memories about my journey as a shy child who is now an entrepreneur If you’ve ever dealt with leg cramps, restless sleep, anxiety, or constant dehydration no matter how much water you drink this episode will help you connect the dots and see how simple mineral support can change everything. ✨ HTMA Black Friday Sale We’re opening 50 spots for our biggest sale of the year on the HTMA Bundle which includes your mineral test, personalized results, and custom recommendations. Once those 50 spots are gone, the sale closes until 2026. Connect with Dr. Heather: 💻 Website 📸 Instagram Find the real root causes of your GI symptoms with our free, 2 minute Quiz! Connect + Next Steps Want daily education, stories, and gut-friendly support? Heather on Instagram Ready for personalized 1:1 support and a clear plan? Apply for gutTogether® Want a chance to win a free HTMA Bundle? Leave a rating & review and email it to happygut@drheatherfinley.co with [PODCAST REVIEW] in the subject line! We choose a new winner every month!

When Lacey started losing handfuls of hair postpartum, she thought it had to be a hormone problem. Her labs were “normal,” her doctor told her to give it more time, and yet, she didn’t feel like herself. That’s when we ran an HTMA test (Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis) and found what was really going on beneath the surface: extreme mineral depletion from pregnancy, breastfeeding, stress, and lack of sleep. In this episode, you’ll hear: How mineral depletion can mimic hormone issues like hair loss, fatigue, anxiety, and poor sleep What a “four lows” pattern means on an HTMA test and why it’s so common for moms How quickly Lacey started feeling better once she replenished her minerals The surprising benefits she noticed beyond hair growth including better digestion, energy, and calm If you’ve ever wondered why your labs look normal but you still feel off, this episode will show you how looking at your minerals can finally give you answers. ✨ Join the HTMA Bundle Waitlist for Black Friday We’re opening just 50 spots for our biggest sale of the year on the HTMA Bundle, which includes your mineral test, personalized results, and custom recommendations. Heather: 💻 Website 📸 Instagram Find the real root causes of your GI symptoms with our free, 2 minute Quiz! Connect + Next Steps Want daily education, stories, and gut-friendly support? Heather on Instagram Ready for personalized 1:1 support and a clear plan? Apply for gutTogether® Want a chance to win a free HTMA Bundle? Leave a rating & review and email it to happygut@drheatherfinley.co with [PODCAST REVIEW] in the subject line! We choose a new winner every month!

What if the biggest thing holding you back from healing isn’t your diet, your labs, or your supplement routine, but your beliefs about what’s possible? In this episode, Dr. Heather shares a deeply personal look at how she went from being the “shy girl” no one expected much from, to struggling with gut issues and exhaustion, to finally building a thriving practice, all by learning to stop defending her limitations. You’ll learn how the stories you tell yourself shape your physiology, why your nervous system can’t heal when it feels unsafe, and the small mindset and lifestyle shifts that can completely change your trajectory. If you’ve ever caught yourself thinking, “Must be nice for her…” — this one’s for you. In this episode, you’ll hear: The difference between limitation and belief, and how both impact healing The science behind how your thoughts create neural pathways that shape your body’s response Real stories of fear, grit, and consistency from Dr. Heather’s own healing and business journey How to retrain your nervous system to feel safe enough to heal Five practical steps to start shifting from comparison to curiosity (and bring joy back into the process) Why the most successful clients aren’t the ones with the most resources, but instead they’re the ones who can hold the vision that healing is possible Resources & Links Mentioned: ✨ Apply for gutTogether® VIP (Our 6-month high-touch program includes personalized testing, mineral and gut protocols, and integrated nervous system coaching.) 💬 Follow Dr. Heather on Instagram for more daily gut and hormone tips 🔍 Take the free quiz to uncover what might be keeping you stuck Share this episode: If this conversation helped shift your mindset, share it with a friend or tag @drheatherfinley Find the real root causes of your GI symptoms with our free, 2 minute Quiz! Connect + Next Steps Want daily education, stories, and gut-friendly support? Heather on Instagram Ready for personalized 1:1 support and a clear plan? Apply for gutTogether® Want a chance to win a free HTMA Bundle? Leave a rating & review and email it to happygut@drheatherfinley.co with [PODCAST REVIEW] in the subject line! We choose a new winner every month!

If you’ve ever looked at a stool test and felt completely overwhelmed by all the bacteria names, numbers, and colors, you’re not alone. In this episode, Dr. Heather breaks down exactly what your stool test says about your symptoms, from bloating and constipation to hormone imbalance, fatigue, and skin issues. You’ll learn why stool testing goes far beyond “good vs. bad bacteria,” and how it maps out your digestion, detox pathways, immune health, and overall gut terrain. Dr. Heather explains what it really means when markers like beta-glucuronidase, H. pylori, calprotectin, or secretory IgA are high or low, and how these patterns overlap to reveal the root cause of your symptoms. You’ll walk away with a whole new perspective on testing and why it’s not about just "treating the test" and more about understanding what your gut is trying to tell you about how your symptoms are connected. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: Why stool testing is about function, not just “fixing” numbers The connection between high beta-glucuronidase and estrogen or histamine symptoms How low commensal bacteria can drive leaky gut, fatigue, and skin issues Why H. pylori suppresses stomach acid and leads to low iron or reflux What low elastase means for digestion, bloating, and nutrient absorption How low secretory IgA reflects stress, burnout, and food sensitivities The link between fat malabsorption and low sodium or bile flow Why calprotectin and anti-gliadin IgA reveal deeper inflammation How to interpret patterns instead of chasing isolated markers Don’t Miss This Sunday’s (Oct 19) Live Training! SIBO Unlocked You’ll leave knowing exactly why SIBO (or chronic symptoms) keep coming back, and what to do about it so you can find relief for good! Register here Resources Mentioned: Apply for gutTogether: www.guttogetherprogram.com Follow Dr. Heather'e eyes on your case? Purchase a Find the real root causes of your GI symptoms with our free, 2 minute Quiz! Connect + Next Steps Want daily education, stories, and gut-friendly support? Heather on Instagram Ready for personalized 1:1 support and a clear plan? Apply for gutTogether® Want a chance to win a free HTMA Bundle? Leave a rating & review and email it to happygut@drheatherfinley.co with [PODCAST REVIEW] in the subject line! We choose a new winner every month!

If you’ve ever been told your iron or ferritin is “low” but no one can explain why then this episode is for you. Iron issues are rarely just about your diet or supplements. They’re often a reflection of what’s happening in your gut. In this episode, Dr. Heather breaks down how stomach acid, infections like H. pylori, mineral balance, and inflammation all impact how your body absorbs and uses iron. You’ll learn: ✅ The real difference between ferritin and serum iron (and why both matter) ✅ What high or low ferritin actually means and the hidden gut clues behind it ✅ How minerals like copper, zinc, and potassium influence iron utilization ✅ Why iron supplements can make symptoms worse if the root cause isn’t addressed ✅ Practical steps to rebuild your terrain for better energy, digestion, and balance If your labs have never made sense or you’ve been stuck taking iron without feeling any better this episode will help you see why. Links Mentioned: Register for the Free Webinar (October 19): Learn why SIBO and slow motility might be keeping you stuck and how to finally rebuild your gut for lasting relief. Try Lactoferrin A gentle, food-derived way to support iron balance and immune health without feeding infections. Work with Our Team: Get personalized testing and root-cause support through our gutTogether® program. Connect with Dr. Heather on Instagram: For daily gut health tips, case studies, and behind-the-scenes updates. Tune in to discover how your gut and minerals could be the missing link to finally balancing your iron and feeling like yourself again. Find the real root causes of your GI symptoms with our free, 2 minute Quiz! Connect + Next Steps Want daily education, stories, and gut-friendly support? Heather on Instagram Ready for personalized 1:1 support and a clear plan? Apply for gutTogether® Want a chance to win a free HTMA Bundle? Leave a rating & review and email it to happygut@drheatherfinley.co with [PODCAST REVIEW] in the subject line! We choose a new winner every month!