Welcome to Episode 81 of the Emotional Eats Podcast!

I sat down with Dr. Heather Finley, a registered dietitian and gut health expert with a doctorate in clinical nutrition. This is part three of our gut health series where we discuss what happens when you feel like you’ve "tried everything" and nothing works to relieve gut issues like constipation in midlife. 

Restricting and Eliminating Foods Doesn’t Always Work

Dr. Heather shares why restrictive diets often backfire, explaining how chronic energy deficits and restrictive eating can disrupt gut health and lead to symptoms like bloating, constipation, and mineral deficiencies. 

We discuss how women in midlife, dealing with hormonal shifts and stress, can support their gut with practical changes that don't rely on elimination diets. Dr. Heather also explains how minerals are essential for a healthy gut and why stress can make us burn through these minerals faster, impacting everything from digestion to sleep. 

Listen to this episode to learn practical strategies to support your gut health, avoid common pitfalls, and make lasting changes that nurture your body from the inside out. And for anyone feeling that they've "tried all the things," Dr. Heather’s perspective may be just what you need to try next!

If you're experiencing bloating, feeling tired despite a “normal” lab report, or have done the rounds with elimination diets, Dr. Heather’s insights will resonate deeply. She also discusses the role of functional testing, like stool and mineral testing, and why they can offer insights that standard lab tests miss.

More about Dr. Heather Finley
Dr. Heather Finley is a registered dietitian with a doctorate in clinical nutrition and a gut health specialist. She supports clients struggling with bloating, constipation, and IBS, helping them find relief from symptoms and rediscover excitement about food. Through her gutTogether® method, Dr. Heather empowers people to reduce digestive symptoms, add foods back into their diet, and find freedom from restrictive eating. With nearly 20 years of personal experience managing digestive issues, she combines nutrition, lifestyle changes, and mindset in her approach to gut health.

Her work has been featured in Mind Body Green, Yahoo! Life, and Very Well Health.

Connect With Dr. Heather Finley
Email: [email protected]
Instagram: @drheatherfinley
Website: www.guttogetherprogram.com

Connect with Kim:

https://www.instagram.com/kimhyneshealth

https://www.kimhynes.com    

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Note:  The information in this podcast is not to replace working with your doctor, other medical practitioner or mental health practitioner.  This podcast is to provide conversation, information and entertainment.  The views of the guests may not reflect the views of the host.