411: Unlock Your Potential Through Gut Health with Dr. Nikki DiNezza: How Tending to Your Gut Can Fuel Your Energy, Recovery, and Resilience

In this empowering and eye-opening episode, I sit down with the incredible Dr. Nikki DiNezza—a true expert in the world of gut health. Whether you're a runner, a health-conscious human, or someone who’s just trying to feel better in your own skin, this conversation will resonate with you.Dr. Nikki shares her fascinating journey into gut health and explains how our digestive system is so much more than what we often think. We talk about why runners, in particular, need to prioritize their gut—especially if you've ever struggled with GI distress on a long run (yep, we’ve all been there!).Together, we explore the vital role of fiber, why stress management is essential for your gut and nervous system, and the truth about probiotics and prebiotics. Dr. Nikki also gets real about common pitfalls—like jumping too quickly into elimination diets or getting overwhelmed by functional medicine rabbit holes.What I love about this conversation is how practical and holistic it is. We talk about mindful eating, training your gut (just like you train your body!), and tuning in to what your body needs—without falling into restriction or fear.💡 Whether you're looking to improve your digestion, optimize performance, or just feel better day to day, you’ll walk away with actionable tips and a renewed sense of connection with your body. Dr. Nikki is all about helping people become “citizen scientists” of their own health—and I couldn’t agree more.Dr. Nikki DiNezza is a functional medicine practitioner and the founder of Infinity Holistic Healthcare. She’s also the creator and lead instructor of the popular program FODMAP Freedom in 90 Days, where she helps people struggling with IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) and SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) finally flatten their bloated bellies and poop like champions—without giving up the foods they love.She’s passionate about helping people get their lives back through holistic, evidence-based approaches to gut health.👉 Connect with Dr. Nikki:🌐 Website: https://www.fodmapfreedom.com/📩 Email: [email protected]📷 Instagram and YouTube: @gut.microbiome.queen00:15 Dr. Nikki’s story and how she became a gut health expert01:33 How stress impacts your gut, your health, and your recovery02:49 Why gut health matters so much for runners03:31 Gut health 101: the basics we all should know09:01 Probiotics vs. prebiotics: what to know and how to use them17:30 Why fiber is your gut’s best friend (and how to get more of it!)24:29 The tricky side of fiber and food sensitivities27:39 When elimination diets help… and when they hurt35:31 Why tracking your nutrition can reveal powerful patterns41:54 The often-overlooked role of protein in digestive and muscle health43:26 How to “train” your gut like you train for a race56:40 The surprising links between gut health, blood sugar, and sleep01:00:05 Angie + Nikki’s go-to tips for better digestion todayThis episode is packed with takeaways you can start applying right away. It’s one of those conversations that sticks with you—and might just change the way you think about your gut, your health, and your running!Gain access to my new secret podcast, Unbreakable: The Runner's Guide To Injury-Proofing Your Body After 40. Click here: https://www.realliferunners.com/secretJoin the Team! -->  https://www.realliferunners.com/team Thanks for Listening!!Be sure to hit FOLLOW on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player Leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Your ratings and reviews really help and we read each one!Come find us on Instagram and say hi! Don't forget: The information on this website is not intended to treat or diagnose any medical condition or to provide medical advice. It is intended for general education in the areas of health and wellness. All information contained in this site is intended to be educational in nature. Nothing should be considered medical advice for your specific situation.