On this week’s episode, Alanna and Nicole are joined by Lauren Nichols, whom Alanna found on Instagram via hashtags, in the middle of COVID lockdowns. Lauren suffers from and is an advocate for Long COVID – in fact, she is one of the first persons known to be suffering from this disorder. In this episode, she explains her optimal health prior to having COVID (she was healthy other than having insomnia). She shares with us how she was one of the first people in the country to be infected with COVID – and doctors didn’t take her seriously at first because she presented with severe GI issues and not respiratory symptoms. From there, she continued to get worse instead of better – and hasn’t been “normal” since. Her symptoms didn't start there. As the conversation builds, we learn about the consequences of her lingering symptoms, including her stroke, how it takes her hours just to get out of bed each day, and so much more. Lauren also revealed to us details about the toll that COVID takes on the reproductive system, especially in women, which many tend to ignore. This is a timely episode with summer gatherings and barbecues here for the ne   If you want to learn more about the podcast and the hosts, visit our website at www.girlswithgutspodcast.com.   Follow us on social media! Instagram: @girlswithgutspodcast Twitter: @girlswgutspod Facebook: www.facebook.com/girlswithgutspodcast Alanna’s Instagram: @alannamartella Nicole’s Instagram: @thenikkidee   Lauren’s Socials: Instagram: @laurenthemedium   Body Politic Socials: Instagram: @wearebodypolitic Website: www.wearebodypolitic.com