What does the immune system have to do with IBS? Let's dive into this topic as we discuss the major components of the immune system, the role of the immune system in gut health and more! In this episode, we cover: [1:29] The role of the immune system [3:34] Parts of the immune system   [11:16] Destruction of the pathogens [14:54] Innate immune system [16:35] The gut and the immune system [19:22] Leaky gut [22:06] Gut microbiota [22:38] Cells in the gut [24:30] IBS and gut cells ...

What is diet culture and how can it mess up your gut? Did you do this to yourself? Is there a way out? Listen now as we discuss all of the above!    In this episode, we cover: What is diet culture?  [2:35] Healthism [4:24] How does diet culture play a role in gut health? [6:21] Nocebo effect [7:13] Placebo effect [7:54] Self sabotage [8:31] Hyperfocus on the body [9:47] Hypersensitivity [10:50] Fiber [12:45] Overexercise [13:21] Weight loss medications [14:43] Eating disorders...

What’s a practical approach to managing IBS? Tune in as we cover what IBS is, the drivers of IBS, how to manage IBS holistically and more!    In this episode, we cover: My story [1:26] Can IBS be cured? [2:47] What is IBS? [3:14] Drivers of IBS [6:10] How many drivers of IBS do I have? [7:16] Leaky gut [10:22] How to start bringing down triggers [11:21] What happens when you have IBS [12:41] How to manage IBS [13:46] Sleep [14:55] Routine [16:21] How you eat [19:05]   ...

We are wrapping up season 5 of The Gut Show by talking about picky eating! Have you been told “you’re just being picky” or “you need to try more foods”? It’s not always that simple, there may be more to your picky eating, like a GI condition that makes you picky to avoid symptoms or a sensory issue. Let’s discuss what picky eating is, causes and effects or picky eating and what you can do about it.   In this episode, we cover: What is picky eating [4:09] Causes of picky eating [5:51] ...

You may think grief and IBS are not related, as it’s something that isn’t talked about...so let’s talk about it!  We all experience grief, and it doesn’t go away if we just ignore it.  Listen to this episode of The Gut Show as we discuss how grief and IBS are connected, see if grief causes IBS, and some ways to deal with grief.    In this episode, we cover: What is grief [2:35] How are grief and IBS connected [3:13]  Research supporting this [4:55] Does grief cause IBS [7:17] Grief...

People with digestive disorders like IBS often check food labels to ensure they are free from triggers. While maintaining a nutritious diet is important, it is possible for these behaviors to become obsessive and lead to an unhealthy preoccupation with eating healthy.  Let’s dive into what this is called, common signs, and buzz words you may hear that play on your fear and spread this condition.  This episode is sponsored by FODZYME®. Through a unique formula and powder form for maximum...

Can you avoid the effects of a dysregulated nervous system through diet or supplementation?  Discover the answer to this question + learn about the concept of a dysregulated nervous system + learn practical steps you can take to enhance your nervous system's well-being (which will also help your gut!).    In this episode, we cover: What is your nervous system  [4:02] Does your nervous system affect your body [5:09]  The main organs and functions [6:44] The stress state [9:09] What...

Is your self-care helping you and your IBS or is it actually a form of self-sabotage?  For example, do you do things like stay up late for self-care when you’re actually getting less sleep as a result? On today’s episode of The Gut Show as we discuss what self-care is, the goal of self-care, and how to be motivated to do the actual self-care.    In this episode, we cover: What is self-care [3:06] The goal of self-care [3:33] Self-compassion [5:19] Self-care should flow from...

What has been your experience with birth control and IBS?   While this is an area without much research, I did my best to break down reasons why different birth control methods could contribute to or help IBS symptoms.    In this episode, we cover: [4:42] The impact can vary [7:43] The most asked question  [9:46] Review of the menstrual cycle  [13:25] Hormonal contraceptives  [16:50} IUD’s [20:48] Sterilization  [23:17] Other forms of birth control  [24:27] It’s not in your...

Medical gaslighting. It’s something you or someone you know has likely experienced, especially if you have digestive concerns that aren’t easy to see or test for.  “if you’d just…”  “your symptoms are in your head”   “if you were REALLY in that much pain…”  Listen to The Gut Show’s latest episode where I discuss this highly requested topic and cover what medical gaslighting is, where the term gaslighting comes from, reg flags and what to do if you’ve experienced this.  Have you heard...

Does it feel like there is a disconnection between how your body looks and how your body feels? If so, you may be experiencing body dysmorphia.  If you have IBS, you may be experiencing the flipside of this when you’re experiencing symptoms that others can’t see.  In this episode of The Gut Show we discuss what body dysmorphia is, how to identify this in yourself, and some strategies to start implementing today!  Listen to this episode today on iTunes, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever else...

Everyone experiences trauma differently and there is a different level of severity that can be considered traumatic from one person to another.  There is a pretty clear link between trauma and IBS since trauma can lead to changes to the way the body responds to stress.  In this episode of The Gut Show, we will discuss the types of trauma, signs you may be experiencing the effects of trauma and treatment options.    In this episode, we cover: What is trauma [1:31] What your brain and...

When you have IBS, your body image can be altered both in what you see and what you feel.   Social media can flood your feed with the ideal body… even though posing, editing,and filters are being used to achieve their look.   This can lead to people trying to look like the images they see online and being frustrated when bloating and other physical symptoms make achieving the look difficult.    In this episode, we cover: What is body image [1:07] What is positive body image [2:46] ...

Does IBS make you afraid to eat?  Do you keep cutting out groups of food as you try to find relief and when that doesn’t help, forget to add them back into your diet?  Have you seen those videos from people saying a certain food is toxic? If you said yes to any of those questions, this episode is for you!  In the episode, we uncover the causes of food fear, how this impacts those with IBS, and what you can do about it.   In this episode, we cover: What is food fear [1:57] The impact...

Are you in the ⅓ of the US adults with anxiety? Do you get stuck in the anxiety + gut symptom cycle?  If so, this episode is for you! Join me as I talk about what anxiety is, how it is connected to IBS, what can be done about it, and my thoughts on anxiety medication.    In this episode, we cover: What is anxiety [2:23] What is chronic anxiety [3:02] How common is anxiety [04:37] Do I need an anxiety diagnosis [05:28] The IBS and anxiety connection [6:05] The gut brain connection...

Self-sabotage means getting in the way of your own success or progress, or working against yourself. This can also look like self-harm but doesn’t always involve causing harm to yourself. It often looks like doing things that you know don’t work for your body or align with your goals, or even failing to take action towards your goals. Let's talk dive deeper into what self sabotage is, why it isn't your fault, and why you may be hesitant to seek out help.   In this episode, we cover: No...

As we wrap up 2022, I am dedicating today’s bonus episode to make a list of all the health trends, products and other alternatives that are marketed to consumers with IBS. I cover the chia seed water trend on TikTok, the popular Colon Broom product, the parasite clean trend, and a whole lot more! In this episode, we cover: The chia seed water trend The impact of fiber, lemon juice, and water on your gut  Who shouldn’t be drinking chia seed water Whether Colon Broom actually works If...

I cannot believe that we are at the end of season four of the Gut Show. I've loved recording this, and it has been a lot of fun researching topics and having new conversations. I hope that this has been helpful for you every step of the way. In this final episode, I actually wanted to end on one of the most controversial topics that has come across my (virtual) desk, and it's the way IBS is marketed by different influencers and health professionals on social media.  During this episode share...

Happy Holidays! This is such an exciting time of the year, and I really want to dedicate this episode to answer all your questions about surviving the holidays. Whether you celebrate the holidays or not, these are great tips to incorporate at any gathering. During this episode, I talk about why IBS symptoms get worse during the holidays, how to cope with the fear of symptoms flaring during the holidays and how to communicate your food needs!    In this episode, we cover: You have autonomy...

Dealing with IBS and other chronic gut issues can be debilitating and isolating. These feelings can be made even worse when you have family and friends who may think you are overreacting!  As we are nearing the holidays, today's conversation is timely as you begin to spend more time with family and friends who may undermine the severity of your IBS pain and symptoms. During this episode, I talk about how to deal with people who think you are overreacting. I share ways to communicate your...

I get asked this all the time! “Are my migraines connected to my IBS or other digestive disorders?” The short answer is not directly, but possibly indirectly, which I know is confusing, but don’t worry, I explain what I mean in this episode.  During the episode, I share the definition of migraines, how having a migraine may trigger a GI symptom and how to deal with migraines next time you’re inflicted with one.    In this episode, we cover: What are migraines and how do they relate to...

As a medical professional in the IBS space, something I'm really passionate about is the idea of Holistic Management of IBS and all digestive disorders. A lot of times, I think people don't fully understand what Holistic Management really means, and this can cause a lot of confusion, mistrust, and misinformation. During this episode, I talk about what a holistic approach to health actually means, how you can apply holistic approaches to your IBS, what your body needs for proper digestion and...

The short answer is not really, but naturally, there is a longer, more complex answer. We all know that IBS is a very complex disorder, and its pathological cause is not known which makes it harder to treat. However, despite there not being one clear path of treatment, there are different ways to help patients facing this chronic gut issue. During this episode, I explain why IBS is hard to treat, the importance of creating a diverse gut microbiome, and encouraging healthy motility of your...

The question that I get asked often from clients, that truly breaks my heart is, “is my body broken because of my IBS?” The short answer is no. The long answer is there's something very real that's going on and that is going wrong in your body, but the good news is that it can be managed.  During this episode, I explain why your body may feel “broken”, the pathology and its impact on your gut-brain interaction, and routines and other guidance you can incorporate to help with your IBS...

What does it mean when you feel like your poop is stuck? Either you need to go, but it’s not coming out OR you are going, but it seems there is more that needs to come out. You might think that eating more fiber or drinking more water will do the trick, BUT in this episode, we discuss the three main reasons your poop might feel stuck … and what you can do about it! If you need help walking through this, I’d love to help you! Here’s a link to schedule a consultation: bit.ly/jnwconsultcall ...