Have you been diagnosed with candida overgrowth — but you're frustrated that your treatments haven't work?

Have you not been diagnosed, but all your symptoms — bloating, brain fog, sugar cravings, skin flares, even recurring yeast infections or UTIs — keep pointing you back to candida?

Or have you treated candida before… felt better during the protocol… and then watched everything slowly creep back in and thought, “Why is this happening again?”

If you said "yes" to any of these questions - this episode is for you.

Today we’re continuing the Real Root Cause Series, where I'm taking conditions that are commonly labeled as root causes — and breaking down to you what their REAL root causes are. This is super powerful because understanding a fake vs. real root cause is the difference between healing from your symptoms permanently... or not.

Today’s topic is: candida.

My hope is that this episode blows your mind and helps you to completely rewire how you think about candida. If you get today's episode, you will understand everything you need to to

In this episode, I’m breaking down:

1. Why treating candida directly - with diet changes, cleanses, or supplements - so often doesn't work (and ends up with you doing it again and again)
2. The real root causes that drive candida to overgrow in the first place
3. Why different people have totally different sets of candida causes underneath the surface
4. What testing can actually help you map the problem correctly
5. And what you need to do so candida doesn’t just disappear for a month… and then take over again

And one more thing — I’m doing something new for this entire Real Root Cause Series: visuals.

If you’re a visual learner, or you want the big picture laid out clearly, go to betterbellytherapies.com/root to download the graphics that go with this episode.

Because when you stop fighting candida like it’s your primary enemy... and start addressing what’s actually feeding it — that’s when it stops coming back.

00:00 - Introduction: Struggling with Candida?

00:33 - Understanding Real Root Causes

01:07 - Why Treating Candida Directly Fails

01:40 - Visual Learning Resources

02:00 - Welcome to the Better Belly Podcast

03:06 - The Real Root Causes Series

04:41 - Candida: Not the Root Cause

12:48 - Low Stomach Acid and Its Impact

15:54 - Slow Motility Explained

20:07 - Mold and Candida Connection

25:16 - Other Pathogens and Candida

28:32 - Food Sensitivities and Candida

31:29 - Poor Detox and Liver Health

34:21 - Testing and Protocols

37:22 - Conclusion and Next Steps

1. 105// Clear Your UTI’s and Interstitial Cystitis [Detox Pathway #2]
2. 148// The Oxalate Episode

Have you been told that your thyroid — or hypothyroidism — is the reason you’re dealing with fatigue, brain fog, weight gain, dry skin, constipation, bloating, or digestive issues that seem to keep piling up?

Have you started thyroid medication or supplements, only to feel maybe a little better… but still not like yourself?

Or maybe your doctor is telling you that your labs are “normal,” but you're still suspicious thyroid might have something to do with it — and you want to know how you can support your thyroid safely to boost your energy, digestion, and metabolism?

If any of that sounds familiar, then this episode is for you.

Today we’re continuing the Real Root Cause Series, where I'm taking conditions that are commonly labeled as root causes — and breaking down to you what their REAL root causes are. This is super powerful because understanding a fake vs. real root cause is the difference between healing from your symptoms... or not.

Today's topic is: thyroid health — specifically hypothyroidism.

This episode might ruffle some feathers, because I’m going to make the case that hypothyroidism itself is not a true root cause. That doesn’t mean your symptoms aren’t real. And it definitely doesn’t mean your labs don’t matter. But it doesmean that something else is driving why your thyroid hormones aren’t working the way they should.

In this episode, I’m walking you through:

1. Why thyroid medication alone often doesn’t fully resolve symptoms
2. How you can have “normal” labs and still have hypothyroid symptoms
3. How thyroid hormones are actually made, converted, and used in the body
4. What this has to do with finding (and testing for) the real root causes to thyroid imbalance
5. What gut health has to do with thyroid health
6. And what needs to be addressed underneath your thyroid for your symptoms to truly improve

If you're ready to understand your thyroid better than you ever have, plus have the tools you need to support your thyroid (and whole body health) beyond medication - then this episode is for you.

00:00 - Introduction to Thyroid Issues

00:57 - Understanding Hypothyroidism

01:24 - The Real Root Causes of Thyroid Problems

02:05 - Welcome to the Better Belly Podcast

03:27 - Debunking Hypothyroidism as a Root Cause

08:54 - How Thyroid Hormones Work

11:37 - The Role of Liver and Gut in Thyroid Health

13:15 - Reverse T3 and Adrenal Glands

16:10 - Biochemical Stress and Thyroid Health

19:30 - Thyroid Binding Globulin and Estrogen

24:04 - Testing and Protocols for Thyroid Health

26:29 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts

1. 233// H. Pylori: Symptoms of H. Pylori, How to Interpret H. Pylori Test Results, and Why H. Pylori Treatments Fail
2. 285// 2 Steps to...

Have you been told that slow motility is the reason you’re constipated, bloated, or dealing with digestive issues that just won’t resolve?

Have you tried to “treat” slow motility — with supplements, laxatives, diets, or protocols — only to find that nothing actually sticks?

Or maybe you haven’t been formally diagnosed, but all signs seem to point to slow digestion, sluggish bowels, or food just not moving the way it should.

If any of that sounds familiar, this episode is for you.

Today we’re continuing the Real Root Cause Series, where I'm taking conditions that are commonly labeled as root causes — and breaking down to you what their REAL root causes are. This is super powerful because understanding a fake vs. real root cause is the difference between finding healing from your symptoms... or not.

Today's topic is: slow motility.

Slow motility is a common diagnosis I hear clients get from a doctor who explains that "slow motility" is why they have constipation, acid reflux, bloating, or some other digestive issue. The solution to slow motility, according to the doctor, is usually either "get used to it", surgery (when motility is bad enough), or a merry-go-round of supplements or medications designed to help "slow motility" (but that don't really help relieve your symptoms).

The reason these methods don't really help slow motility is because slow motility is NOT a root cause. It's being CAUSED by something else!

That's why, on today's episode, I'm breaking down:

1. Why treating slow gut motility with supplements or medications rarely works
2. The real causes of slow gut motility
3. How to test for these root causes of low motility
4. And what actually needs to be addressed for motility to return naturally

If you're ready to stop chasing new and different supplements or simply feeling like a victim to the rate your body decided to digest at - then this episode is for you.

00:00 - Introduction to Slow Motility

00:34 - Understanding Real Root Causes

01:00 - Common Misdiagnoses and Misconceptions

02:01 - Welcome to the Better Belly Podcast

03:10 - Deep Dive into Slow Motility

07:46 - Symptoms and Related Conditions

09:04 - Root Causes of Slow Motility

13:43 - Digestive Enzymes and Their Importance

17:34 - Visceral Adhesions Explained

20:32 - Understanding Myofascial and Visceral Adhesions

21:44 - Finding a Qualified Practitioner for Visceral Manipulation

22:32 - Self-Evaluation Techniques for Visceral Adhesions

23:21 - The Role of the Vagus Nerve in Motility

25:35 - Mold and Its Impact on Gut Health

27:56 - Other Pathogens Affecting Gut Motility

29:34 - Nutrient Deficiencies and Constipation

31:04 - Food Sensitivities and Inflammation

32:41 - Thyroid Issues and Slow Motility

34:49 - Comprehensive Testing and Protocols

38:13 - Conclusion and Next Steps

1. 235// SIBO Symptoms, SIBO Testing, and Why SIBO Treatments Fail

Are you struggling with acid reflux, bloating, constipation, SIBO, or candida overgrowth?

Do you feel like you've tried everything to heal — supplements, protocols, elimination diets, practitioners — and they either didn't help, or the second you stopped doing it, all your symptoms came back?

If that’s you, there’s a very real chance you’re dealing with something you may have never heard of before: low stomach acid.

Yes, LOW stomach acid.

Today’s episode is kicking off a series I'm running this January - February called the Real Root Causes series. And I’m starting with low stomach acid on purpose.

Because while low stomach acid is something I reference constantly when working with chronic gut issues… here’s the plot twist:

-- it’s still not a REAL root cause.

Low stomach acid doesn’t just happen. And if you don’t understand why it’s happening, you’ll stay stuck in the cycle of temporary fixes and recurring symptoms.

So today, I'm going to break down the REAL root causes to low stomach acid. I'll be covering topics like:

1. Why low stomach acid happens
2. My favorite at-home low stomach acid test
3. Signs of low stomach acid
4. Why apple cider vinegar for low stomach acid is not safe until you test this ONE thing
5. The REAL root causes of low stomach acid
6. How to test for the root causes of low stomach acid
7. And the exact low stomach acid remedies and protocols you'll need to permanently reverse it - so you can finally get rid of your acid reflux, constipation, SIBO, and candida infection, too

If all you’ve ever been told to do to help your stomach acid or digestion is drink lemon water, apple cider vinegar, or take HCl supplements, then this episode is for you.

00:00 - Introduction and Podcast Overview

00:21 - The Real Root Causes Series

01:54 - Understanding Low Stomach Acid

03:50 - Symptoms and Misconceptions of Low Stomach Acid

07:05 - Root Causes of Low Stomach Acid

09:27 - Testing and Protocols for Low Stomach Acid

20:17 - Conclusion and Next Episode Preview

1. 233// H. Pylori: Symptoms of H. Pylori, How to Interpret H. Pylori Test Results, and Why H. Pylori Treatments Fail
2. 159// Copper Toxicity: A Hidden Cause Behind Constipation & PMS
3. 287// How to safely get off PPI’s and reverse acid reflux naturally

Option #1) 👉 Join the

It’s been almost 300 episodes, and I realized something recently… I haven’t fully re-shared my healing story in a really long time.

So as a way to celebrate the new year, I'm telling my story again — but with new details, deeper clarity, and perspective I didn’t have the first time I shared it… all the way back in Episode 1.

Eight years ago, in 2018, I reversed two straight years of constipation, acid reflux, and IBS— after being told there was nothing “wrong” with me… and nothing more that could be done. Now, my health is actually better now than it was when I was a kid.

In today’s episode, I’m walking you through the 7 steps I took to naturally heal my gut when absolutely nothing else worked. It's the same 7 steps I’ve now used with over 650 clients to naturally remedy constipation, acid reflux, bloating, IBS, PMS, acne, eczema, and more - and once you know these 7 steps, for you to experience the same results, too.

I can’t wait to break it all down for you. Let's dive in.

00:00 - Introduction and Personal Healing Journey

01:22 - Welcome to the Better Belly Podcast

03:21 - The Beginning of My Health Struggles

07:20 - Step 1: Testing Stomach Acid

11:39 - Step 2: Testing for Pathogens

14:50 - Step 3: Testing for Multiple Pathogens

15:44 - Step 4: Evaluating Fascial Adhesions

18:32 - Step 5: Testing for Food Sensitivities

22:52 - Step 6: Replenishing Mineral Deficiencies

28:25 - Step 7: Evaluating and Retraining Breathing

31:02 - Conclusion and Program Invitation

1. Ep. 3// Why Probiotics Aren’t Healing Your Gut
2. 279// Why Going Low FODMAP, Paleo, or Gluten-Free Isn’t Healing Your Gut
3. 165// The Constipation Magnesium Myth
4. 178// Why Constipation Medicine Isn't Helping You + What to Do When Laxatives, Probiotics, Water, and Fiber Aren't Healing Your Constipation
5. 131// 4 Steps to End Acid Reflux and Constipation at the SAME TIME
6. 90// Fascia 101: The Hidden Force Behind Bloating and Constipation
7. 233// H. Pylori: Symptoms of H. Pylori, How to Interpret H. Pylori Test Results, and Why H....

Have you ever had a practitioner casually tell you, “You need to cut out caffeine,” and your whole brain just went:

“I’m sorry… WHAT?” Yeah. That moment.

Because sure — your adrenal glands are fried. Your nervous system is tired. Your cortisol is tanking at all the wrong times of day.

But also… you’re a human. With routines. And feelings. And morning rituals you actually like.

So when I tell my clients they need a break from caffeine — coffee, black tea, matcha, even green tea — the very next question is always: “Okay… but how am I supposed to have any energy?”

Great news: we fix that.

I actually give every client a supplement that increases the half-life of their cortisol — so your natural energy lasts longer without the caffeine crash. (We love science.)

But then comes the second panic:

“Wait… what am I supposed to drink now?”

Because let’s be honest: the comfort of the drink matters just as much as the caffeine.

The warmth. The ritual. The cozy cup in your hands.

The “this is MY moment before the chaos starts” drink.

So today’s episode is my gift to you — a giant menu of delicious, client-approved, totally caffeine-free drinks that actually make this season fun, doable, and dare I say… enjoyable.

If you’re trying to go caffeine-free — or you’ve wanted to try but didn’t know what to replace your coffee with — this episode is going to give you ideas, options, and hope that you can still love your morning drink… even while giving your adrenals a well-deserved nap.

00:00 - Introduction: The Caffeine Dilemma

02:00 - The Better Belly Podcast: Who We Are

03:13 - Holiday Greetings and Episode Context

03:59 - Understanding Adrenal Fatigue and Caffeine

05:23 - Healing Beyond Caffeine: A Holistic Approach

07:44 - Caffeine-Free Drink Alternatives

07:50 - Herbal Teas: A Flavorful Substitute

10:17 - Fake Coffee: Coffee-Like Alternatives

13:18 - Other Caffeine-Free Drinks

19:52 - Conclusion: Embracing a Caffeine-Free Lifestyle

1. 294// Top 5 Tips for Traveling Gluten Free, Dairy Free, and Grain Free

1. Fake Coffee - Big Heart Tea
2. Mud/Wtr (caffeine free version)
3. Teecino - Sampler (Caramel Nut, Mocha Mint, Turmeric, Dark Roast, Red Chai, Coconut)
4. Peanut Butter Powder
5. Organic, Raw Cacao Powder

Option #1) 👉 Join the Better

You know that feeling when the holidays are coming… and instead of excitement, your brain jumps straight to, “Oh no. The food. The gatherings. The questions. The stress.”

Everyone else seems to be dreaming about cookies and cozy dinners — meanwhile, you’re mentally mapping out which dishes you’ll have to avoid, who’s going to forget your sensitivities again, and if you'll leave a meal yet AGAIN hungry, grumpy, and honestly? Feeling alone.

Everyone else is piling their plates high with Grandma’s stuffing and your brain is spinning: Is there anything here I can eat? Should I say something? Will I look rude? Am I overreacting?

It’s the comments about the food.

And let’s be real — half the stress isn’t even the food.

“What, you can’t eat this either?”

“Are you sure you’re not being dramatic?”

“I made it gluten free… except for the breadcrumbs.”

You know the drill.

So today I want to give you low-anxiety, high-clarity tips for navigating gluten free holidays (and grain free and dairy free) — even when absolutely no one else eats the way you do.

We’re going to talk about:

✨ How to get clear on what you need — before you ever talk to anyone else

✨ Who is actually worth having a conversation with (and who… isn’t)

✨ Why your food choices trigger other people’s insecurities — and how to not take that on

✨ What to say when you need support

✨ And how to walk into any gathering already fed, prepared, and confident so you’re not relying on the buffet table to save you

Because here’s the truth: You’re not asking for anything unreasonable.

You’re not being high-maintenance.

And you deserve to enjoy the holidays, too, without the anxiety spiral.

Let’s get into my top Gluten Free Holiday Tips so you can actually make the season feel fun again.

00:00 - Introduction: Navigating Holiday Stress

00:58 - Understanding Your Needs

01:50 - Welcome to the Better Belly Podcast

02:58 - Three Essential Tips for Gluten-Free Holidays

05:47 - Tip 1: Clarify Your Needs

13:50 - Tip 2: Identify Your Allies

18:31 - Tip 3: Fill in the Gaps Yourself

21:35 - Encouraging Stories and Final Thoughts

23:40 - Join the Better Belly Blueprint

25:52 Conclusion: Empower Your Holidays

• 171// 3 Dairy Free Foods for Creamy Cheese, Sauces, and PIZZA
• 172// My Top 10 QUICK Gluten Free Snacks to Buy
• 205// My 5 Favorite Grain Free Bread Recipes for a Healthy Gut
• 170// 5 Tips to Go Gluten Free & Grain Free with EASE

Option #1) 👉 Join the

Have you ever tried to travel with food sensitivities, and it was so hard to eat within your guidelines that you simply gave up (or just couldn't find a way to do it)?

For me, I'm gluten free, dairy free, and grain free — or I know that one wrong restaurant choice means bloating, constipation, acid reflux, or feeling totally wrecked for the next 2-7 days.

Suddenly a trip that’s supposed to be fun becomes a game of, “What can I actually eat?”

If you’ve ever Googled things like gluten free travel tips, dairy free travel tips, healthy travel snacks, traveling with food restrictions, or even how to avoid bloating while traveling — this episode is for you.

Traveling with food sensitivities does not have to be stressful. You don’t need to simply eat less and feel hungry all the time. And you absolutely do not need to spend your whole vacation worrying about where the next meal is coming from.

Today, I’m sharing my 5 best tips for traveling with food sensitivities — the exact strategies I use as someone who eats gluten free, dairy free, mostly grain free, AND still wants to enjoy good food, feel amazing, and not get stuck with bloating or symptoms the whole trip.

We’re going to talk:

• What foods to pack (and why your purse is basically your emergency blood-sugar kit)
• How to pick restaurants when you’re gluten free, dairy free, or avoiding sauces, breading, or mystery oils
• Which cuisines are secretly the easiest to eat out with food sensitivities — and which ones will sabotage you fast
• How to build simple, safe travel meals so you feel good the whole trip
• And how to manage food sensitivities on vacation without being the “difficult” one in the group.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by eating out, nervous about traveling with food allergies, or tired of coming home from a trip feeling heavy, bloated, or off — this episode is for you.

00:00 - Introduction: Traveling with Food Sensitivities

01:03 - Top 5 Tips for Traveling with Food Sensitivities

02:08 - Welcome to the Better Belly Podcast

03:16 - Personal Strategies for Low-Anxiety Travel

05:11 - Tip 1: Bring Your Own Food

08:31 - Tip 2: Pack Food in Small Containers

11:48 - Tip 3: Choose the Right Restaurants

18:25 - Tip 4: How to Scan Menus

22:05 - Tip 5: Staying at Airbnbs or Other Homes

32:29 - Conclusion: Taking Ownership of Your Health

• 232// Is Sodium Deficiency Causing Your Bloating and Constipation?

Option #1) 👉 Join the Better Belly Blueprint today!

• Want to learn how BBB works? Watch this FREE training walking you through how to heal, once and for all!

Option #2) 👉 Work long-term, 1:1 with me as a