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!

Resources Mentioned:

• Apply for gutTogether: www.guttogetherprogram.com
  
  
• Follow Dr. Heather on Instagram: @drheatherfinley
  
  
• Want Dr. Heather'e eyes on your case? Purchase a Gut Health Audit

Rate, Review & Follow

If this episode helped you connect the dots about your gut health, take 30 seconds to leave a review! It means the world and helps more women find the show. Plus, when you screenshot and send your review to happygut@drheatherfinley.co you will have a chance to win a free HTMA bundle each 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.

Fibermaxxing is the latest wellness Tik Tok trend which involves loading up on beans, seeds, and high-fiber foods in the name of better gut health. But is more fiber always better?

For some, adding fiber means smoother digestion, steadier blood sugar, and more energy. For others, it leads to gas, constipation, or bloating that only gets worse. So what’s the truth?

In this episode of the Love Your Gut podcast, Dr. Heather breaks down what fibermaxxing gets right, what it gets wrong, and how to eat fiber in a way your gut can actually handle.

You’ll learn:

• Why fiber is suddenly trending (and why most people don’t get enough)
• What the largest gut health study says about dietary diversity and your microbiome
• The “Fiber Ladder” approach to increase intake without feeling miserable
• A simple breakdown of fiber types: soluble, insoluble, prebiotic, resistant starch, and polyphenols
• Why you might feel worse when you cut out fiber (and what that really means about your gut)
• A practical meal framework (PFCC: protein, fat, fiber, color) to use daily

Resources & Next Steps:

• Read the blog with fiber resources
• Apply for gutTogether® VIP for customized support
• Start with a Gut Health Audit if you want a personalized assessment

Stay connected:

• Instagram: @drheatherfinley