How Gut Health Affects Fertility (Episode 488)

Full Transcript: Episode 488

Lisa Hendrickson-Jack: This is the Fertility Friday Podcast, episode number 488. Today I’m sharing another episode in my FAM Practitioner Series. I’m joined by Nora DeBora, and we’re diving into the topic of gut health. As a graduate of the FAM program, Nora also shares some of the most valuable insights she’s gained from the program and how those insights have changed her practice. Before we jump in, I’ll share a little bit about Nora. Nora DeBora is a preconception health coach, holistic nutritionist, and fertility awareness practitioner who helps women prepare for pregnancy and have a healthy baby after 30. Through her signature program, Master Your Cycle to Get Pregnant, she teaches women how to support their hormones and fertility using targeted nutrition, cycle charting, and self-care practices. Without further ado, let’s jump into today’s episode.

Lisa Hendrickson-Jack: I’m excited to be here again with Nora DeBora. Nora was a past FAM participant, and today we’re talking about gut health. Welcome to the show, Nora.

Nora DeBora: Hi Lisa, thanks for having me.

Lisa Hendrickson-Jack: Thanks for coming back. Let’s start with you introducing yourself, sharing a bit about what you do, and how you’ve incorporated fertility awareness into your work.

Nora DeBora: I’m a holistic nutritionist, a preconception health coach, and a fertility awareness practitioner. I completed my fertility awareness certification with Lisa about two years ago. I originally came into the fertility space about four years ago. Before that, I focused mainly on gut health and worked with a wide range of clients. As I moved into my mid-30s, I started asking what I could do to optimize my health and fertility as naturally as possible.

I noticed that many women are quickly referred to fertility clinics without much discussion of nutrition or lifestyle. I assumed it would be easy to navigate this space as a practitioner, but once I started reviewing the research, I felt overwhelmed. That experience led me to specialize in fertility. When I found the FAM program, I saw it as a way to expand my skill set and better support women through the lens of the menstrual cycle. I had a similar realization in the program that I did in nutrition school—how little we’re taught about our own bodies. Now, cycle charting is a central tool in my practice to help women understand what’s happening in their bodies as they prepare for pregnancy.

Lisa Hendrickson-Jack: Let’s talk about gut health and how it applies to fertility. Many women are told they have unexplained infertility with no roadmap as to why. Digestion often plays a role. What have you seen in practice?

Nora DeBora: Digestion includes the entire digestive tract, from the mouth to the anus. Every organ involved plays a role, and the gut itself is an organ. Within it lives the microbiome, which functions almost like its own organ. Digestion is regulated by the autonomic nervous system. Food is broken down, nutrients are absorbed, and waste is excreted multiple times per day. People often focus on eating healthy foods, but if digestion is compromised, nutrients won’t be absorbed effectively. I often compare digestion to a car—you can use high-quality fuel, but if the engine or pipes aren’t working properly, performance suffers. The gut plays a key role in immune function, hormone metabolism, and overall health. Many foundational processes related to fertility begin in the gut.

Lisa Hendrickson-Jack: What are some signs that digestion may not be functioning well?

Nora DeBora: Bowel movements are one of the first things I look at. Ideally, bowel movements happen two to three times per day. While it’s common for people to go less often, common doesn’t mean optimal. The Bristol Stool Chart can be helpful. Type three or four stools—smooth and formed—are generally considered ideal. Stool is made up of bacteria, toxins, fiber, and water. Many people are low in fiber and hydration. Other signs include daily gas and bloating, diarrhea, or seeing undigested food in the stool. These can indicate that food isn’t being broken down or absorbed properly.

Lisa Hendrickson-Jack: What tends to trigger these digestive issues?

Nora DeBora: Food intake and food sensitivities are common factors. People often don’t realize which foods they’re sensitive to or may not be eating enough fiber. When food sensitivity tests show many reactive foods, that can sometimes point toward issues with gut integrity. Stress, medications, microbiome imbalance, excess sugar, alcohol, and inflammatory foods can all contribute. Many digestive symptoms are non-specific and can have multiple underlying causes, including bacterial overgrowth or infections.

Lisa Hendrickson-Jack: These issues can take time to work through. How do you support clients through that process?

Nora DeBora: It can be challenging, especially when clients feel impatient or discouraged. Sometimes additional testing or referrals are needed. I encourage clients to focus on progress rather than just the timeline. Each step is an opportunity to support overall health, even when it feels slow.

Lisa Hendrickson-Jack: As we wrap up, what’s the most important thing you want listeners to know?

Nora DeBora: Trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s important to speak up or seek out a practitioner who feels like a good fit.

Lisa Hendrickson-Jack: Where can listeners find you?

Nora DeBora: You can find me on Instagram at @naturally_nora. I also host the Ultimate Pregnancy Prep Podcast, and my website is www.naturallynora.ca.

Lisa Hendrickson-Jack: Nora, thank you so much for coming on the show and sharing your experience.

Nora DeBora: Thank you, Lisa.