Trust Your Gut

Yep, an ex broke up with me on a bus to Berlin and said one of the reasons was my food restrictions. That was the biggest gut punch. For nearly two decades, I had been the one navigating all of my food restrictions, never wanting it to be a burden to others, and in that moment my deepest fear came true. Years later, I've reintroduced every food I avoided for almost two decades, including dairy and gluten. I recently spent three weeks in Italy, traveling in a van through the Dolomites with no kitchen, and ate gluten and dairy at almost every meal. In this episode, I share what that was like, what happened when the food fear showed up, and why a short safe food list is about more than the food on it. In this episode, I'm talking about: What it was like to eat gluten and dairy at almost every meal in Italy after nearly two decades of restriction How the food fear still showed up, and why it didn't run the show How to tell the difference between a no that comes from fear and a no that comes from your body's preference The study that shows why the sensitivity often lives in your gut's nerves, not just in the food Why your nervous system may have learned that anything outside your safe list means danger Why "eat a little and see" so often fails, and the order I use to reintroduce foods Join the free masterclass: Discover the Missing Piece to Break Free from the IBS-Stress Cycle Take the free quiz: Gut Issues? Find Out If Your Nervous System Is The Cause! Want to talk about getting support? Book a free clarity call! Find out more about my program : Gut-Brain Healing Toolkit If this resonated with you, be sure to let me know over on: Instagram: @trustyourgut.health To find out more: www.trustyourguthealth.com Please SUBSCRIBE , leave a review , and share this podcast with anyone you think may benefit! Thank you!

Is nervous system work enough on its own to heal your gut? I get some version of this question all the time, and today I'm answering it directly. The honest answer is: it depends. Nervous system regulation is always the foundation, and for a lot of the people I work with, it's the missing piece that makes everything else finally click. But when chronic stress or dysregulation has been running the show for a long time, it can also weaken stomach acid, enzymes, and bile production, affect your gut lining, and open the door to imbalances like SIBO or dysbiosis. At that point, regulation alone may not be enough to undo what's already happened physically. In this episode, I walk through both sides: why nervous system work is non-negotiable, what it can heal on its own, and how I figure out when someone also needs direct support for the digestive process itself, and in what order. In this episode, I'm talking about: Why nervous system regulation is foundational, and when it can be enough on its own How chronic stress and dysregulation physically affect stomach acid, enzymes, bile, and your microbiome The two layers of nervous system patterns I look for: lifelong background patterns, and patterns that formed around your symptoms How I assess what's happening in the digestive river without running tests Why the order you address things in matters as much as what you address Join the free masterclass: Discover the Missing Piece to Break Free from the IBS-Stress Cycle Take the free quiz: Gut Issues? Find Out If Your Nervous System Is The Cause! Want to talk about getting support? Book a free clarity call! Find out more about my program : Gut-Brain Healing Toolkit If this resonated with you, be sure to let me know over on: Instagram: @trustyourgut.health To find out more: www.trustyourguthealth.com Please SUBSCRIBE , leave a review , and share this podcast with anyone you think may benefit! Thank you!

In the last episode, I talked about new gut symptoms that flared up after six years of being symptom-free, due to a spinal fluid leak, real physiological stress on my whole nervous system. Quick update: my symptoms have resolved, after seven weeks! There's one main thing I did to navigate these symptoms that I know made all the difference and helped me move through this flare quickly. I want to share that with you, then walk you through a step-by-step process and tool you can use the next time you have a symptom flare, so it can support you in moving through it quickly too. Join the free masterclass: Discover the Missing Piece to Break Free from the IBS-Stress Cycle Take the free quiz: Gut Issues? Find Out If Your Nervous System Is The Cause! Want to talk about getting support? Book a free clarity call! Find out more about my program : Gut-Brain Healing Toolkit If this resonated with you, be sure to let me know over on: Instagram: @trustyourgut.health To find out more: www.trustyourguthealth.com Please SUBSCRIBE , leave a review , and share this podcast with anyone you think may benefit! Thank you!

30 years of struggling with gut symptoms. Six years completely free of them. And then a month or so ago, they came back. But not the same symptoms, and I already knew why. A few months ago I had a spinal fluid leak which was real physical stress on my whole nervous system. That’s when my digestion started talking again. Different pattern than my old one, which told me immediately: this isn’t old IBS resurfacing. It’s my nervous system responding to something real that just happened to my body. So in this episode I’m walking you through exactly what happened, what I’ve learned watching my own body move through this in real time, what is different about how I approach gut symptoms now, and how I’m applying my own framework to myself — because I know what’s going on, I know what I’m doing about it, and I’m confident I’ll be back to fully symptom-free soon. Join the free masterclass: Discover the Missing Piece to Break Free from the IBS-Stress Cycle Take the free quiz: Gut Issues? Find Out If Your Nervous System Is The Cause! Want to talk about getting support? Book a free clarity call! Find out more about my program : Gut-Brain Healing Toolkit If this resonated with you, be sure to let me know over on: Instagram: @trustyourgut.health To find out more: www.trustyourguthealth.com Please SUBSCRIBE , leave a review , and share this podcast with anyone you think may benefit! Thank you!

Here's the thing: free content was never supposed to give you a diagnosis. It's not supposed to. It can educate, it can shift your perspective, it can hand you a new lens to see your own body through — but it can't individualize itself to you. It doesn't know your history, your nervous system, your story. I spent years chasing that anyway. Broke, hungry for answers, bouncing from one naturopath to a stack of Google tabs to another forum thread, trying to piece together my own diagnosis from free information. It didn't heal me. It just left me more overwhelmed and more confused. In this episode, I'm talking about: Why content (mine included) is built to inspire and educate, not have all the answers The overload loop I see in so many people (and used to live in myself): more searching, more information, less clarity What real support actually looks like — not "here's your answer," but "here's what I see, here's the framework, here's the work to actually understand your own body" Why "you can't do it alone" and "no one is going to heal you" are both true at the same time Join the free masterclass: Discover the Missing Piece to Break Free from the IBS-Stress Cycle Take the free quiz: Gut Issues? Find Out If Your Nervous System Is The Cause! Want to talk about getting support? Book a free clarity call! Find out more about my program : Gut-Brain Healing Toolkit If this resonated with you, be sure to let me know over on: Instagram: @trustyourgut.health To find out more: www.trustyourguthealth.com Please SUBSCRIBE , leave a review , and share this podcast with anyone you think may benefit! Thank you!

What if your stool test results aren't actually your root cause? In this episode, I share a pivotal moment in my own 30-year healing journey — the day I retested my microbiome after becoming completely symptom-free, only to find I still had severe dysbiosis. What that result revealed changed everything about how I understand gut health. I break down why chasing bacteria, cycling through elimination diets, and obsessing over lab results can keep you stuck, and what it actually means to heal upstream. Using the river metaphor at the core of my framework, I explain how your nervous system, not your microbiome, sets the conditions for everything downstream. In this episode: Why my microbiome looked the same after healing as it did when I was suffering The difference between temporary symptom control and true healing How a dysbiotic microbiome is often a downstream consequence , not the root cause Why your body's ecosystem is far more resilient than any lab report suggests What it actually takes to restore the conditions for lasting gut health Join my free masterclass: Discover the Missing Piece to Break Free from the IBS-Stress Cycle Take my free quiz: Gut Issues? Find Out If Your Nervous System Is The Cause! Want to talk about working together? Book a free clarity call! Find out more about my program : Gut-Brain Healing Toolkit If this resonated with you, be sure to let me know over on: Instagram: @trustyourgut.health To find out more: www.trustyourguthealth.com Please SUBSCRIBE , leave a review , and share this podcast with anyone you think may benefit! Thank you!

if you’re dealing with the IBS-stress cycle, there’s one thing I want you to understand: Your gut doesn’t just digest food. It digests your entire life experience. In this episode, I break down why focusing only on food, supplements, or the microbiome often keeps people stuck in the symptom-stress cycle… and what’s actually missing from that approach. We talk about: Why it’s a mistake to treat the gut in isolation The role of the enteric nervous system (your “second brain”) How your gut processes stress, emotions, and life experiences The connection between your gut, nervous system, and mental health Why symptoms like IBS are often psychosomatic (mind-body) , not just physical The deeper questions to ask when you feel stuck in cycles of restriction, protocols, and frustration If you’ve tried all the “right” things and still aren’t getting better… this episode will likely shift how you see your healing. Related Episode: 2. What Does It Really Mean To Trust Your Gut? Join the free masterclass: Discover the Missing Piece to Break Free from the IBS-Stress Cycle Want to talk about working together? Book a free clarity call! Take the free quiz: Gut Issues? Find Out If Your Nervous System Is The Cause! If this resonated with you, be sure to let me know over on: Instagram: @trustyourgut.health To find out more: www.trustyourguthealth.com Please SUBSCRIBE , leave a review , and share this podcast with anyone you think may benefit! Thank you!

If you’ve ever found yourself stuck in a binge-restrict cycle, feeling anxious or fearful around food choices, experiencing disordered eating, or constantly trying to control your body, this episode is for you. I’m joined by Ashlyn from Heart-Led Wellness, a food freedom and nervous system coach who helps women heal these patterns by addressing the deeper root: nervous system dysregulation. We talk about how body image struggles and food fears often stem from the same chronic stress responses that drive gut issues, anxiety, and perfectionism. This conversation offers a compassionate lens on healing your relationship with food—and finding more peace in your body. Connect with Ashlyn: Free Root Cause Identifier Quiz 1-1 Coaching Heart Led Eating Instagram @heart.led.wellness M ore from Demi: Join the masterclass: Discover the Missing Piece to Break Free from the IBS-Stress Cycle Find out more about my program , Gut-Brain Healing Toolkit. Want to talk about working together? Book a free clarity call! Take the free quiz: Gut Issues? Find Out If Your Nervous System Is The Cause! If this resonated with you, be sure to let me know over on: Instagram: @trustyourgut.health TikTok: @trustyourgut.health Email: hello@trustyourguthealth.com To find out more: www.trustyourguthealth.com Please SUBSCRIBE , leave a review , and share this podcast with anyone you think may benefit! Thank you!

Yep - I mean it! If you’ve been stuck in the cycle of elimination diets, supplement protocols, and stress management tools trying to heal your gut, but not getting the relief you want - this episode is for you. In this foundational episode, I explain why these drastic measures often keep you stuck—and why true healing can’t happen without focusing on your nervous system. I’ll break down the digestive process, how the nervous system controls every step, and why chronic stress, trauma, and nervous system dysregulation are the real culprits behind persistent IBS and gut issues. If you’re tired of the same old gut-healing approaches that only work temporarily, this is the most important episode you’ll listen to for your digestion and overall health. Join the masterclass: Discover the Missing Piece to Break Free from the IBS-Stress Cycle Find out more about my program , Gut-Brain Healing Toolkit. Want to talk about working together? Book a free clarity call! Take the free quiz: Gut Issues? Find Out If Your Nervous System Is The Cause! If this resonated with you, be sure to let me know over on: Instagram: @trustyourgut.health TikTok: @trustyourgut.health Email: hello@trustyourguthealth.com To find out more: www.trustyourguthealth.com Please SUBSCRIBE , leave a review , and share this podcast with anyone you think may benefit! Thank you!

In this episode, I’m opening up about the irony of teaching nervous system regulation while navigating my own experience with burnout. I share the pressures of running a business, holding space for others, and the constant grind to "prove" myself in a noisy online world. Together, we’ll explore how burnout impacts the body and nervous system through a Polyvagal lens, what it takes to move out of chronic stress and shutdown, and the parallels between building a business and embarking on a healing journey. Plus, I’ll share practical tools to support yourself through burnout, reconnect with your intuition, and create boundaries that honor your well-being. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, overworked, or like you’ve lost yourself in the process, this one’s for you. Join the masterclass: Discover the Missing Piece to Break Free from the IBS-Stress Cycle Find out more about my program , Gut-Brain Healing Toolkit. Want to talk about working together? Book a free clarity call! Take the free quiz: Gut Issues? Find Out If Your Nervous System Is The Cause! If this resonated with you, be sure to let me know over on: Instagram: @trustyourgut.health TikTok: @trustyourgut.health Email: hello@trustyourguthealth.com To find out more: www.trustyourguthealth.com Please SUBSCRIBE , leave a review , and share this podcast with anyone you think may benefit! Thank you!

In this episode, we’re diving deep into the roots of IBS and chronic symptoms. While it’s common to associate the onset of symptoms with a particularly stressful time, like university or a major life event, there’s often more beneath the surface. I’ll explore how acute stress can act as a trigger, but how deeper patterns, often developed earlier in life, set the stage for these symptoms to emerge. We’ll cover: The difference between acute and chronic stress and their impacts on the body. How early-life experiences shape key systems like the gut-brain connection, vagal tone, and the stress response. Why intergenerational influences and unresolved patterns can make us more susceptible to chronic symptoms. Practical steps to start exploring and addressing these deeper patterns to support your healing journey. If you’ve ever wondered why symptoms seem to "come out of nowhere" or felt stuck despite trying all the right things, this episode will help you better understand your body and the deeper layers of healing. Join the masterclass: Discover the Missing Piece to Break Free from the IBS-Stress Cycle Find out more about my program , Gut-Brain Healing Toolkit. Want to talk about working together? Book a free clarity call! Take the free quiz: Gut Issues? Find Out If Your Nervous System Is The Cause! If this resonated with you, be sure to let me know over on: Instagram: @trustyourgut.health TikTok: @trustyourgut.health Email: hello@trustyourguthealth.com To find out more: www.trustyourguthealth.com Please SUBSCRIBE , leave a review , and share this podcast with anyone you think may benefit! Thank you!

In this episode, we dive into the hidden messages our bodies send through symptoms. Our bodies can’t speak to us directly, so they use sensations, emotions, and—sometimes the loudest of all—chronic symptoms to get our attention. While it’s normal to feel frustrated or defeated by persistent symptoms, I’m offering a fresh perspective: what if these symptoms are trying to tell us something? Tune in to hear a personal story of how I shifted my approach and discovered a powerful way to reconnect with my body for deeper healing. Join the masterclass: Discover the Missing Piece to Break Free from the IBS-Stress Cycle Find out more about my program , Gut-Brain Healing Toolkit. Want to talk about working together? Book a free clarity call! Take the free quiz: Gut Issues? Find Out If Your Nervous System Is The Cause! If this resonated with you, be sure to let me know over on: Instagram: @trustyourgut.health TikTok: @trustyourgut.health Email: hello@trustyourguthealth.com To find out more: www.trustyourguthealth.com Please SUBSCRIBE , leave a review , and share this podcast with anyone you think may benefit! Thank you!

In this episode, Courtney from Self-Care Creature interviews ME! This was SUCH a fun conversation to have with a long time friend that truly covers ALL of the most important topics in the realm of gut-brain healing. I share my personal journey of healing chronic gut issues like IBS through a unique approach that blends nervous system regulation, trauma healing, and nutritional therapy. I discuss how I overcame the limitations of traditional gut health protocols by addressing the deep-seated patterns in my own nervous system that were contributing to my symptoms. I provide insights into the importance of understanding your own nervous system, completing trauma responses, and developing resilience to find true, sustainable healing. I also emphasize the need to navigate scope of practice carefully when working with trauma and nervous system regulation, highlighting the importance of using correct language and ensuring proper training. This conversation offers a holistic perspective on gut-brain health that goes beyond just diet and supplements. It underscores the interconnectedness of the mind and body, and the transformative power of addressing underlying nervous system and trauma-related factors for lasting wellness. Find out more about Courtney: https://www.instagram.com/selfcarecreature/ Join the masterclass: Discover the Missing Piece to Break Free from the IBS-Stress Cycle Find out more about my program , Gut-Brain Healing Toolkit. Want to talk about working together? Book a free clarity call! Take the free quiz: Gut Issues? Find Out If Your Nervous System Is The Cause! If this resonated with you, be sure to let me know over on: Instagram: @trustyourgut.health TikTok: @trustyourgut.health Email: hello@trustyourguthealth.com To find out more: www.trustyourguthealth.com Please SUBSCRIBE , leave a review , and share this podcast with anyone you think may benefit! Thank you!

In this episode, we dive deep into the crucial role our nervous system plays in the gut-brain connection. Discover how the state of your nervous system affects digestion, mental health, and overall well-being. We'll explore the causes of nervous system dysregulation that lead to chronic symptoms and discuss why this understanding is vital for effective IBS healing. I also share insights on the limitations of common gut health recommendations and why your nervous system might be the missing piece to reclaiming your life from the IBS-stress cycle. This is a must-listen for anyone looking to uncover the deeper roots of their IBS and finally have long-lasting relief. Join the masterclass: Discover the Missing Piece to Break Free from the IBS-Stress Cycle Find out more about my program , Gut-Brain Healing Toolkit. Want to talk about working together? Book a free clarity call! Take the free quiz: Gut Issues? Find Out If Your Nervous System Is The Cause! If this resonated with you, be sure to let me know over on: Instagram: @trustyourgut.health TikTok: @trustyourgut.health Email: hello@trustyourguthealth.com To find out more: www.trustyourguthealth.com Please SUBSCRIBE , leave a review , and share this podcast with anyone you think may benefit! Thank you!

I haven't struggled with IBS symptoms for over 2 years now! That doesn't mean all my mind-body symptoms are completely gone, however, and I don't expect them to be. Tune in for a totally honest discussion about the symptoms I am currently focused on healing and discover the strategies that have helped me along the way. Join the masterclass: Discover the Missing Piece to Break Free from the IBS-Stress Cycle Find out more about my program , Gut-Brain Healing Toolkit. Want to talk about working together? Book a free clarity call! Take the free quiz: Gut Issues? Find Out If Your Nervous System Is The Cause! If this resonated with you, be sure to let me know over on: Instagram: @trustyourgut.health TikTok: @trustyourgut.health Email: hello@trustyourguthealth.com To find out more: www.trustyourguthealth.com Please SUBSCRIBE , leave a review , and share this podcast with anyone you think may benefit! Thank you!

Food fear and anxiety are common struggles when you've been dealing with IBS or other gut issues for a long time. You cut out one food after another, fearing they'll trigger your symptoms, until your diet becomes so restrictive that you're confused and scared to eat anything you've avoided. I totally get it—I was there for years. But now, I've reintroduced all the foods I once feared. Tune into this episode as I walk you through how to reintroduce foods from a nervous system perspective and signal safety around them, helping you reduce anxiety and fear. Join the masterclass: Discover the Missing Piece to Break Free from the IBS-Stress Cycle Find out more about my program , Gut-Brain Healing Toolkit. Want to talk about working together? Book a free clarity call! Take the free quiz: Gut Issues? Find Out If Your Nervous System Is The Cause! If this resonated with you, be sure to let me know over on: Instagram: @trustyourgut.health TikTok: @trustyourgut.health Email: hello@trustyourguthealth.com To find out more: www.trustyourguthealth.com Please SUBSCRIBE , leave a review , and share this podcast with anyone you think may benefit! Thank you!

In this episode, we explore the five crucial phases of nervous system and trauma healing: establishing safety, exploring discomfort, discharging activation & stress, trauma integration, and empowerment/future self. Discover how each stage builds upon the previous one to foster safety, resilience, and profound healing. Understanding these phases can provide a profound "aha" moment, clearing up the confusion about how to heal trauma and regulate your nervous system amidst a sea of overwhelming information. Tune in to understand how to navigate through these phases and transform your relationship with stress and trauma. Join the masterclass: Discover the Missing Piece to Break Free from the IBS-Stress Cycle Find out more about my program , Gut-Brain Healing Toolkit. Want to talk about working together? Book a free clarity call! Take the free quiz: Gut Issues? Find Out If Your Nervous System Is The Cause! If this resonated with you, be sure to let me know over on: Instagram: @trustyourgut.health TikTok: @trustyourgut.health Email: hello@trustyourguthealth.com To find out more: www.trustyourguthealth.com Please SUBSCRIBE , leave a review , and share this podcast with anyone you think may benefit! Thank you!

This title may surprise you a little bit, but it's super important to understand. In this episode, I explore the limitations of relying solely on somatic exercises and nervous system regulation tools for trauma healing. We'll discuss the potential red flags to watch out for with coaches who promise quick fixes, and delve into what genuinely contributes to safe and effective trauma recovery. Tune in as we clarify the role of nervous system regulation in trauma therapy and provide insights on when, how, and why to integrate these tools effectively. Join the masterclass: Discover the Missing Piece to Break Free from the IBS-Stress Cycle Find out more about my program , Gut-Brain Healing Toolkit. Want to talk about working together? Book a free clarity call! Take the free quiz: Gut Issues? Find Out If Your Nervous System Is The Cause! If this resonated with you, be sure to let me know over on: Instagram: @trustyourgut.health TikTok: @trustyourgut.health Email: hello@trustyourguthealth.com To find out more: www.trustyourguthealth.com Please SUBSCRIBE , leave a review , and share this podcast with anyone you think may benefit! Thank you!

Dive into the secrets of health and longevity, where I explore the Netflix documentary 'Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones.' Discover how the health habits of the world's oldest populations can inspire new approaches to managing and healing IBS. Join me as I break down these timeless wellness strategies and how you can apply them to your life for better gut health and overall well-being. Join the masterclass: Discover the Missing Piece to Break Free from the IBS-Stress Cycle Find out more about my program , Gut-Brain Healing Toolkit. Want to talk about working together? Book a free clarity call! Take the free quiz: Gut Issues? Find Out If Your Nervous System Is The Cause! If this resonated with you, be sure to let me know over on: Instagram: @trustyourgut.health TikTok: @trustyourgut.health Email: hello@trustyourguthealth.com To find out more: www.trustyourguthealth.com Please SUBSCRIBE , leave a review , and share this podcast with anyone you think may benefit! Thank you!

Discover the vital role of electrolytes, those charged minerals that power everything from our digestion to brain function, ensuring the smooth operation of our gut-brain axis and nervous system. In this episode, we'll dive into the signs that you might be running low on electrolytes, and discuss how to maintain an optimal balance through your diet and supplementation. Tune in to uncover this often overlooked element to maintaining your gut-brain health. ** Get your FREE sample pack of LMNT here! ** Join the masterclass: Discover the Missing Piece to Break Free from the IBS-Stress Cycle Find out more about my program , Gut-Brain Healing Toolkit. Want to talk about working together? Book a free clarity call! Take the free quiz: Gut Issues? Find Out If Your Nervous System Is The Cause! If this resonated with you, be sure to let me know over on: Instagram: @trustyourgut.health TikTok: @trustyourgut.health Email: hello@trustyourguthealth.com To find out more: www.trustyourguthealth.com Please SUBSCRIBE , leave a review , and share this podcast with anyone you think may benefit! Thank you!