Chicken or the Egg? Gut Health and Thyroid Balance with Hannah Aylward

Send us a text

Beyond the Thyroid – Episode 35: Chicken or the Egg? Gut Health and Thyroid Balance with Hannah Aylward

In this episode of Beyond the Thyroid, Dr. Dana Gibbs sits down with gut health specialist Hannah Aylward to explore the powerful connection between digestive health and thyroid balance. Many patients wonder: does a sluggish thyroid cause gut problems, or do gut problems trigger thyroid dysfunction? The answer, as you’ll hear, is both.

Hannah shares her personal journey of overcoming debilitating gut issues, the lessons she’s learned about root-cause healing, and how individualized nutrition and testing can transform health. Together, she and Dr. Gibbs unpack common digestive complaints—bloating, IBS, nutrient deficiencies, bile flow, and more—and how they intersect with thyroid conditions like Hashimoto’s. You’ll also learn practical tips for supporting gut function, including diet, probiotics, glucose monitoring, and even how to stay healthy while traveling.

Whether you’ve struggled with stubborn thyroid symptoms or chronic digestive issues, this conversation offers actionable insights to help you take charge of your health.

📑 Join the The Thyroid Clarity Checkup Priority List! 

📲 Follow Dr. Dana Gibbs on the Goodself App!

🩺 Interested in a Discovery Call with Dr. Dana? Click here!

📺 Watch on YouTube

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview
02:37 Guest Introduction: Hannah Aylward
04:33 Hannah's Personal Journey with Digestive Issues
07:26 Approach to Gut Health and Nutrition
11:16 Nutritional Deficiencies and Their Impact
15:29 Gallbladder Removal and Bile Support
18:44 Stomach Acid and Digestive Health
22:12 The Role of Diet in Managing Health
23:39 Balancing Blood Sugar: The Basics
24:12 The Role of Glucose Monitors
26:15 Overcoming Sugar Cravings
30:48 Addressing Over-Exercising and Caloric Restriction
35:17 Probiotics vs. Prebiotics
38:30 Healthy Travel Tips
41:53 Podcast and Contact Information
43:18 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Connect with Hannah Aylward:
🌐 Website: hannahaylward.com
📸 Instagram: @hannahaylwardhhc
📘 Facebook: Hannah Aylward Nutrition
🎙️ Podcast: The Nutrient Dense Podcast

Gut or thyroid—which comes first? Tune in to uncover the truth and learn how to reclaim balance. 

Let's connect! 🔔
Facebook - Consultants In Metabolism
Instagram - @danagibbsms
LinkedIn - Dana Gibbs MD
Tiktok - @dana.gibbs.md

✉️ Email Dr. Gibbs at [email protected] or visit https://www.danagibbsmd.com/ for more information.


Thank you so much for listening! Tune in on the next episode.


The medical information provided in this episode is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical questions or concerns.