Every Symptom Has a Story | Helping You Understand What Your Body Has Been Trying to Tell You

Every Symptom Has a Story is a podcast for anyone who has ever wondered, "Why is my body doing this?"

Hosted by Wendy Handy, Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner, health consultant, and educator, this podcast helps make complex health understandable.

Each week, Wendy explores the connections between gut health, metabolism, hormones, inflammation, stress, sleep, brain health, and healthy aging through one simple philosophy:

Every symptom has a story. Every body leaves clues.

Rather than chasing symptoms, you'll learn how to better understand what your body has been trying to tell you—and how creating the right conditions can help your body move toward balance.

If you're ready to become your own best health advocate, you're in the right place.

Because understanding changes everything.



Email: wendy@wendyhandy.com
Website: www.wendyhandy.com

Episodes

Oct 7, 2025

16 min

In this episode, Wendy Handy, Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner (FDN-P), unpacks one of the most overlooked drivers of fatigue, gut issues, and hormone chaos—chronic low-grade inflammation.
You’ll learn:💥 What inflammation really means (beyond swollen joints or sore muscles)⚖️ The everyday triggers that quietly fan the flames—like stress, processed oils, and hidden food sensitivities🧬 Why “test, don’t guess” is the smarter path to lasting relief🥗 Simple, natural ways to start cooling inflammation today
If you’ve been wondering why you can’t shake that afternoon slump, bloating, or brain fog—this episode will help you connect the dots and take back control of your health.
👉 Want to uncover your hidden food triggers?Learn more about the FIT 176 Food Sensitivity Test—a simple at-home lab that reveals which foods are quietly inflaming your system, so you can finally feel clear, calm, and energized again.🔗 FIT 176 Test 
Because your body isn’t broken—it’s just asking for balance.
Stay happy, stay healthy!
Wendy 💖 
Vitamin D Test
IBD Guide 
Balance Test Kit  Balance Oil 
Free 30 Min Discovery Call:  Book Now 
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Sep 30, 2025

15 min

Diversity in your gut microbiome isn’t just science talk—it’s the key to better digestion, higher energy, balanced hormones, and reduced inflammation, especially for women over 40 managing IBD, bloating, or chronic fatigue.
In this episode of Gut Fix: Say Goodbye to IBD, Naturally, Wendy Handy, FDN-P and health coach, breaks down why gut diversity matters, how different diets (like Mediterranean, gluten-free, low FODMAP, and elimination diets) impact your gut health, and simple, natural ways to boost your microbiome. You’ll learn why variety is essential for restoring balance, how to avoid common gut health mistakes, and practical tips you can start today to improve digestion, reduce flare-ups, and feel more energized.
Whether you’re struggling with IBD, IBS, leaky gut, or just feel “off” in your digestion, this episode will give you clarity and actionable steps to heal your gut naturally. Wendy also shares real client success stories and how small dietary shifts can create big wins in gut health.
👉 Tune in, and discover how to build a stronger, more resilient gut microbiome—so you can thrive in your 40s and beyond.
Stay happy, stay healthy!
Wendy 💖 
FIT 176 Test
Vitamin D Test
IBD Guide 
Balance Test Kit  Balance Oil 
Free 30 Min Discovery Call:  Book Now 
Shop Clean Skincare Products   Oliveda Clean
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Sep 23, 2025

14 min

Are your 40s hitting differently? Many women with IBD, ulcerative colitis, or Crohn’s disease notice their symptoms shift as they move into perimenopause and menopause. Fatigue feels heavier, flare-ups seem harder to predict, and balancing mood and energy becomes a challenge.
In this episode of Gut Fix – Say Goodbye to IBD, Naturally, Wendy Handy, FDN-P and health coach, breaks down the powerful connection between hormonal changes and gut health. You’ll learn:
How estrogen, progesterone, cortisol, and thyroid hormones affect inflammation and digestion
Why perimenopause and menopause can trigger IBD flare-ups, fatigue, and brain fog
The top signs your hormones and gut are out of balance
Natural strategies to support both your hormones and digestive health—from diet to stress reduction to functional testing
Your 40s don’t have to mean feeling powerless. When you understand the link between your hormones and gut, you can finally create a plan that restores balance, energy, and confidence.
 
Stay happy, stay healthy!
Wendy 💖 
 
Vitamin D Test
IBD Guide 
Balance Test Kit  Balance Oil 
Free 30 Min Discovery Call:  Book Now 
Shop Clean Skincare Products   Oliveda Clean
Join my Newsletter 
 

Sep 16, 2025

12 min

Are electrolytes and trace minerals the same thing? Not quite! In this episode, Wendy Handy, FDN-P and gut health coach, explains the key differences between trace mineral supplementation and electrolytes—and why both are crucial for gut health.
You’ll learn:
The role of electrolytes like sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium in hydration, bowel motility, and gut lining protection.
How trace minerals such as zinc, selenium, iron, and iodine support digestion, enzymes, microbiome balance, and long-term gut repair.
What happens to your gut when you’re deficient in either (hello bloating, cramping, diarrhea, or constipation!).
Simple ways to get more of these nutrients naturally through food and supplementation.
If you’re dealing with IBD, digestive issues, or fatigue, this episode will help you understand the missing mineral link to better gut function.
👉 Tune in to discover how electrolytes keep your gut working in the moment, while trace minerals strengthen it for the long haul.
Stay happy, stay healthy!
Wendy 💖 
 
Vitamin D Test
IBD Guide 
Balance Test Kit  Balance Oil 
Free 30 Min Discovery Call:  Book Now 
Shop Clean Skincare Products   Oliveda Clean
Join my Newsletter 
 
 

Sep 9, 2025

22 min

In this episode of Gut Fix – Say Goodbye to IBD, Naturally, I sit down with Janeen Marino, a traveling homeschooling mama, to explore the fascinating world of bioactive peptides. These tiny protein fragments are gaining attention for their potential role in gut health, reducing inflammation, and supporting the body’s natural healing process.
We dive into:
What bioactive peptides are and how they work in the body
Why inflammation is at the root of most chronic disease
How peptides may help strengthen the gut lining, calm the immune response, and promote better digestion
Practical insights on integrating natural strategies into everyday life—even while living on the road as a homeschooling family
If you’ve struggled with IBD, IBS, leaky gut, bloating, fatigue, or chronic inflammation, this conversation is packed with insights and hope.
🌱 Whether you’re curious about natural gut health solutions, seeking ways to reduce inflammation naturally, or simply want to learn more about peptides and chronic illness prevention, this episode has you covered.
👉 Tune in now to discover how small changes—and small proteins—can have a big impact on your wellness journey.
Stay happy, stay healthy!
Wendy 💖 
Peptides - Make Wellness
Vitamin D Test
IBD Guide 
Balance Test Kit  Balance Oil 
Free 30 Min Discovery Call:  Book Now 
Shop Clean Skincare Products   Oliveda Clean
Join my Newsletter 
 

Sep 2, 2025

6 min

Are food sensitivities secretly sabotaging your gut health, energy, or immune system?
In this episode of Gut Fix – Say Goodbye to IBD, Naturally, Wendy Handy, FDN-P, reveals why food sensitivities are one of the most overlooked drivers of inflammation, fatigue, and flare-ups—and how you can finally stop guessing and start testing.
After years of sharing about food sensitivities on the podcast, Wendy is thrilled to announce access to the FIT 176 Food Sensitivity Test—a powerful tool that looks at 176 foods and additives to uncover hidden triggers behind digestive issues, brain fog, skin conditions, and more.
You’ll learn:
Why food sensitivities don’t always show up as stomach problems.
How hidden foods (even “healthy” ones) can trigger inflammation.
Why testing beats elimination diets when it comes to long-term healing.
How the FIT 176 can give you a clear, personalized roadmap for calming your gut and regaining your energy.
✨ If you’ve been stuck in the cycle of trial and error, this episode is your sign: it’s time to stop guessing and start testing.
Stay happy, stay healthy!
Wendy 💖
FIT 176 Test 
Vitamin D Test
IBD Guide 
Balance Test Kit  Balance Oil 
Free 30 Min Discovery Call:  Book Now 
Shop Clean Skincare Products   Oliveda Clean
Join my Newsletter 

Aug 26, 2025

29 min

 
Complete your gut healing journey with evidence-based supplementation strategies. This comprehensive guide to the functional medicine 5R protocol reveals how to use supplements systematically to accelerate digestive wellness and support long-term gut health.
 
What You'll Learn:
 
• The functional medicine 5R protocol:
 
Remove, Replace, Reinoculate, Repair, Rebalance
 
• When and how to use antimicrobial herbs for gut infections
• Digestive enzyme supplementation for optimal nutrient absorption
• Probiotic selection strategies for different health conditions
• Gut-repairing nutrients: L-glutamine, zinc carnosine, omega-3s
• Prebiotic supplements for microbiome support
• Quality considerations and supplement safety
• How to create a personalized supplement protocol
• Working with a health practitioner for optimal results
• Realistic expectations and timelines for supplement benefits
 
Featured Supplements: Berberine, oregano oil, digestive enzymes, Saccharomyces boulardii, L-glutamine, collagen peptides, magnesium, B vitamins.
 
Perfect for: Anyone considering supplements for gut health; people working with functional medicine practitioners; those seeking to optimize their current supplement regimen.
Stay happy, stay healthy!
Wendy 💖 
 
Vitamin D Test
IBD Guide 
Balance Test Kit  Balance Oil 
Free 30 Min Discovery Call:  Book Now 
Shop Clean Skincare Products   Oliveda Clean
Join my Newsletter 
 

Aug 19, 2025

26 min


Explore the profound relationship between emotional stress and digestive function. This episode reveals how chronic stress disrupts gut health and provides practical techniques for managing the gut-brain axis to support optimal digestive wellness.
 
What You'll Learn:
 
• How the gut-brain axis creates bidirectional communication between emotions and digestion
• The role of the vagus nerve in digestive function and stress response
• How chronic stress increases intestinal permeability and inflammation
• Why 90% of serotonin is produced in your gut, not your brain
•Breathing techniques that instantly improve digestive function
• Meditation and mindfulness practices for gut health
• Vagus nerve stimulation techniques for better digestion
• Progressive muscle relaxation for digestive comfort
• How social connection and nature exposure support gut health
• Cognitive strategies for breaking the stress-symptom cycle
 
Featured Techniques: 4-7-8 breathing, coherent breathing, mindful eating practices, gratitude for gut health, yoga for stress and digestion.
 
Perfect for: High-stress individuals with digestive issues; anyone interested in mind-body approaches to health; people seeking natural stress management techniques.
 
Master the most powerful connection in your body and transform both your stress levels and digestive health simultaneously.
Stay happy, stay healthy!
Wendy 💖 
 
Vitamin D Test
IBD Guide 
Balance Test Kit  Balance Oil 
Free 30 Min Discovery Call:  Book Now 
Shop Clean Skincare Products   Oliveda Clean
Join my Newsletter 
 

Aug 12, 2025

26 min


Discover how the right exercise can transform your gut microbiome, enhance digestive function, and reduce inflammation in just 6 weeks. This evidence-based guide reveals the optimal exercise prescription for gut health and explores why active people have distinctly different bacterial populations than sedentary individuals.
 
What You'll Learn:
🏃‍♀️ Exercise-Microbiome Science • How 150-270 minutes of weekly exercise changes gut bacteria composition • Why active people have greater microbial diversity and beneficial bacteria • The anti-inflammatory effects of physical activity on digestive function
 
🧘‍♀️ Optimal Movement for Digestive Health • The perfect exercise prescription: moderate intensity beats high-intensity • Yoga poses that stimulate the vagus nerve and support digestion • Post-meal walking strategies for immediate digestive benefits
 
💪 Practical Exercise Protocols • Best types of movement for IBS, constipation, and digestive disorders • Exercise timing strategies for optimal digestive comfort • How physical activity affects the gut-brain axis and stress hormones
Stay happy, stay healthy!
Wendy 💖 
 
Vitamin D Test
IBD Guide 
Balance Test Kit  Balance Oil 
Free 30 Min Discovery Call:  Book Now 
Shop Clean Skincare Products   Oliveda Clean
Join my Newsletter 
 

Aug 5, 2025

14 min

Welcome to another power-packed episode of Gut Fix – Say Goodbye to IBD, Naturally, where we decode the DRESS protocol for gut healing. In this third installment, we're talking REST—because your gut can't thrive if you're running on empty.
In this episode, Wendy dives into:
The gut-sleep connection and how your microbiome runs on a circadian rhythm too
How sleep deprivation can lead to leaky gut, increased inflammation, and immune dysfunction
Practical, real-life strategies to optimize your sleep environment and bedtime routine
The best sleep positions for digestion, what to eat (or not eat) before bed, and natural supplements that support deep, healing sleep
Why good sleep hygiene is essential for managing IBD, SIBO, bloating, and gut-related fatigue
👉 If you’re a woman over 40 navigating digestive issues, autoimmune flares, or energy slumps, this episode will help you shift from wired and tired to well-rested and healing.
✨ Plus, get a sneak peek into next week’s “E is for Exercise” episode—because when sleep fuels your gut, movement becomes magic.
Stay happy, stay healthy!
Wendy 💖 
IBD Guide 
Balance Test Kit  Balance Oil 
Free 30 Min Discovery Call:  Book Now 
Shop Clean Skincare Products   Oliveda Clean
Join my Newsletter 

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