November 11, 2025

The Hidden Link Between Gut Health and Quality Sleep with Dr. Cindy Howard & Mary Helen Rogers

Blog Podcast

The Hidden Link Between Gut Health and Quality Sleep with Dr. Cindy Howard & Mary Helen Rogers

Welcome back to Catching Zzz’s! I’m Mary Helen Rogers of the Better Sleep Council.

In this episode, we have Dr. Cindy Howard, who is a board-certified chiropractic internist, nutritionist, and author of the book Positively Altered: Finding Happiness at the Bottom of a Chemo Bag.

We’re talking about the intricate connections between gut health, nutrition, sleep quality, and even the power of mindset in the face of life’s toughest challenges.

Whether you feel overwhelmed by the never-ending stream of wellness advice or questioned the real impact of your food choices on mood, energy, and sleep, this conversation is packed with practical advice and empowering insights.

Dr. Howard explains why gut health truly is at the core of everything, why the idea of “convenience” might be holding us back from true wellness, and how small, sustainable changes can make a huge difference.

Plus, she opens up about her own journey walking through a cancer diagnosis, the importance of taking control—whether of your health, your mindset, or even your medical team—and the actionable steps you can take right now for better sleep and a healthier gut.

If you’re ready to challenge your habits, reclaim your well-being, and be inspired by a fresh perspective on preventive health, you won’t want to miss this episode.

MEET DR. CINDY HOWARD

Dr. Cindy Howard is a leader in wellness and the author of the award-winning Positively Altered: Finding Happiness at the Bottom of a Chemo Bag. As a Board Certified Chiropractic Internist and Nutritionist, she owns Innovative Health & Wellness Center and serves in a variety of leadership positions, including the boards of Inguardia Health and Fullscript, and as a respected voice and long-standing ACA Illinois delegate for nearly 20 years.

Distinguished for her exceptional contribution to her field, Dr. Cindy was honored as Illinois ACA Chiropractor of the Year (2020) and received the prestigious Flynn-Lynch award (2015) for her outstanding dedication to health care advancement.

As the founder of the Positively Altered Project, Dr. Cindy unites professionals to reimagine workplace and personal wellness. Through her book, podcast, and speaking engagements, she delivers science-backed strategies for sustainable well-being that integrate mental, physical, and emotional health. Known for her warmth and authenticity, Dr. Cindy inspires audiences with her quirky sense of humor, practical wisdom on resilience, and knack for finding joy amid adversity.