The Gut Health Podcast explores the scientific connection between the gut, food, mood, microbes and well-being. Kate Scarlata is a world-renowned GI dietitian and Dr. Megan Riehl is a prominent GI psychologist at the University of Michigan and both are the co-authors of Mind Your Gut: The Science-based, Whole-body Guide to Living Well with IBS. Their unique lens with which they approach holistic conversations with leading experts in the field of gastroenterology will appeal to the millions of individuals impacted by gut health.
As leaders in their field, Kate and Megan dynamically plow through the common myths surrounding gut health and share evidence-backed information on navigating medical management, nutrition, behavioral interventions and more for those living with or without a GI condition.
The Gut Health Podcast is where science, expertise, and two enthusiastic advocates for wellness come together to help you live your best life.
Beyond Your Teeth: How Oral Health Connects to Your Gut and Whole-body Health with guest Dr. Eugene Antenucci)
Épisode 40
dimanche 1 novembre 2026 • Durée 51:27
What if your mouth could reveal more about your overall health than you realize? Your oral microbiome affects more than the well-being of your teeth and gums, with emerging research linking oral bacteria to gut health, chronic inflammation, and disease.
Kate and Dr. Riehl sit down with dentist and dental faculty member Dr. Eugene Antenucci to explore the oral-gut connection, the signs of oral health problems you shouldn't ignore, and what your mouth may reveal about your health. From the surprising relationship between gum disease and systemic conditions to practical habits that support a healthier mouth and gut, you'll learn what the science tells us—and what you can do about it.
In this episode, we explore:
The oral-gut connection: What happens to the billions of microbes we swallow every day, and how oral bacteria may influence gut health.
Beyond a bright smile: Why white teeth and an absence of pain don't necessarily mean your mouth is healthy.
The inflammation connection: How gum disease is linked to systemic inflammation, cardiovascular disease risk, and diabetes.
What your mouth can reveal: Oral signs that may point to nutritional deficiencies, celiac disease, diabetes, and other health conditions.
Oral bacteria and colorectal cancer: What emerging research suggests about the relationship.
Oral health and digestive conditions: What people with IBD and celiac disease and those experiencing recurrent canker sores should know.
Everyday habits that make a difference: From brushing and cleaning between your teeth to tongue "raking" and reducing frequent sugar exposure.
Making the most of dental visits: What a thorough dental exam should include and why preventive care matters.
Your mouth is connected to the rest of your body in ways you may not expect. Tune in to learn how small, consistent changes to your oral care routine can support your overall health.
Enjoying the show? Subscribe, rate, and leave us a review or comment. Follow The Gut Health Podcast on social media and share your thoughts, questions, and experiences with us!
The information included in this podcast is not a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider before starting any new treatment or making changes to existing treatment.
The Gut–Bone Axis: How Gut Health Impacts Bone Health, Calcium Absorption & Osteoporosis (with guest Dr. Laura McCabe)
Épisode 39
jeudi 1 octobre 2026 • Durée 51:00
Your bones aren’t stones, and osteoporosis isn’t just a calcium problem. Bone is living tissue that continuously remodels, and the signals that guide that process may start in an unexpected place: your gut. We dig into the gut–bone axis and the emerging field of osteomicrobiology with Dr. Laura McCabe.
We discuss: • How bones are living tissue that continuously remodels • Osteoporosis as a common silent disease—and why fractures are often the first sign.
• Osteomicrobiology and how the gut–bone axis may influence inflammation, immune signaling, and hormones
• Fiber fermentation and short-chain fatty acids that may support calcium absorption and gut barrier health • The gut microbiome, vitamin K, and its role in bone mineralization • Prunes as a whole-food intervention and the evidence behind six prunes per day • Fermented foods like yogurt and kefir, plus the importance of protein for muscle and bone health • Menopause, estrogen loss, changes in the gut barrier, and inflammation linked to accelerated bone loss • Calcium from food first, caution with high-dose supplements, and practical dairy options including lactose-free choices • Weight-bearing exercise, strength training, and yoga as bone-loading signals and how exercise may also affect the microbiome • Why people respond differently based on genetics, lifestyle, medications, and steroid exposure • Where the science is heading, from metabolomics to more personalized nutrition approaches
We hope you’ll share this episode and help spread the word about bone health!
Gut Health Strategies For First Responders (with guest Police Chief Michael Assad Jr.)
Épisode 38
mardi 1 septembre 2026 • Durée 39:52
What happens when the stress of being a first responder doesn’t just stay in your head but starts showing up in your gut?
Today, we’re joined by Police Chief Michael Assad Jr. of the Rochester, Massachusetts Police Department for an honest conversation about the often-overlooked connection between first responder stress, gut health, IBS, and nutrition.
From high-pressure calls and long shifts to those unexpected “code brown” moments, chronic stress can take a serious toll on the digestive system. We’ll talk about recognizing those warning signs, why gut health deserves more attention in the first responder community, and how nutrition, stress management and everyday habits can play a role in feeling better and performing at your best.
This is a conversation about stress, resilience, and taking care of the part of your body that may be trying to tell you it’s time to slow down and pay attention.
We share practical ways to build a culture where officers can recover from adrenaline, fuel better on shift, and get support without stigma. • why shift work and disrupted routines can trigger IBS symptoms • the “SHIT” acronym: shift work, high octane habits, irregular nutrition, tactical stress • how energy drinks, dehydration, and gas station food can backfire fast • simple leadership moves that normalize wellness and real help seeking • fitness incentives, workout on duty, and building a wellness room • on scene tools like box breathing and diaphragmatic breathing • gentle diet cleanup basics: adjusting caffeine, alcohol, hydration, and fiber, per tolerance • nicotine pouches and stress habits that can worsen gut symptoms • when to see a doctor and what red flags to watch for • why a clear diagnosis can lower stress and improve symptoms
Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a comment. You can also follow us on social media @TheGutHealthPodcast, where we'd love for you to share your thoughts, questions, and experiences.
This podcast was sponsored by Ardelyx.
Navigating Food Fear, Disordered Eating & Gut Issues Together (with guests Dr. Madison Simons and Janelle Smith, RDN, CEDS)
Épisode 37
samedi 1 août 2026 • Durée 01:04:29
If eating has become a source of fear because of digestive symptoms, you're not alone. For many people living with IBS, IBD, and other GI conditions, repeated eating-related symptom flares create powerful food–symptom associations that make avoiding certain foods feel like the safest choice. Over time, however, this understandable protective response can become restrictive, limiting nutrition, social connection, and overall quality of life.
In this episode, we're joined by digestive health and eating disorder dietitian expert, Janelle Smith, RDN, and GI psychologist Dr. Madison Simons to explore the overlap between gastrointestinal disorders, food fear, and disordered eating.
Together, we explore how fear around eating develops, how healthcare providers tell the difference between healthy caution and fear that's limiting daily life, and how people can gradually rebuild confidence with eating through compassionate, evidence-based care. We also explain why working with a team—including a gastroenterologist, GI dietitian, and GI psychologist—can make all the difference in helping people feel more comfortable with food, expand their diets, and get back to living life more fully.
In this episode, we discuss:
Why progressively restricting foods can worsen fatigue, anxiety, nutrition, and overall quality of life
Why avoiding foods because of GI symptoms can be an adaptive response, your brain is trying to help you, and this isn't inherently "pathological"
How the amygdala, your body's alarm system, and visceral hypersensitivity create powerful food-symptom associations
Signs that food avoidance is no longer serving you and may be driven by fear
How clinicians use open-ended conversations and screening tools to identify disordered eating and ARFID risk
When dietary therapies like the low FODMAP diet are appropriate and when they're not
Least-restrictive nutrition strategies, including gentle food swaps and stepwise reintroduction
Which evidence-based supplements may help manage symptoms without adding unnecessary diet restriction
How exposure ladders, "micro-dosing" feared foods, and coping strategies can reduce anticipatory anxiety
Gut Health Trends: Which Ones Deserve the Hype and Which Ones Need a Reality Check?
Épisode 36
mercredi 1 juillet 2026 • Durée 44:33
Gut health trends are everywhere, but which ones deserve a closer look, and which ones need a reality check?
In this episode, we break down the biggest gut health trends getting clicks, likes, and follows online. From our "hard no" to "I'm curious," we share where each trend lands on our hype scale and explain the science, physiology, and gut-brain connection behind our take.
We explore what actually helps symptoms like constipation, bloating, and digestive discomfort without fueling anxiety, wasting money, or creating unnecessary health risks.
From viral wellness trends to evidence-based advice, here's what we're discussing:
Does the viral chia seed "internal shower" actually cleanse your colon or is that just clever marketing?
Are colonics and coffee enemas detox heroes, or do they go against how your gut is designed to work?
Can lemon water and apple cider vinegar really "wake up" your digestion first thing in the morning?
Can a simple self-care routine improve your gut symptoms, even if it doesn't "heal" your digestive system?
Are fermented foods always packed with probiotics or is there more to the story? (Tune in for a revisit of Episode 20!)
Can you make colonoscopy prep more tolerable with "prep mocktails" without interfering with the procedure?
Can you have too much of a good thing? What happens when "fibermaxxing" goes too far?
Are gut-healing protocols and at-home microbiome tests helping you understand your gut or making you more confused and anxious?
Do lactose intolerance patches actually work, or does the science tell a different story?
Are castor oil packs a legitimate digestive therapy?
Whether you're tempted to try the latest gut health hack or just wondering what's worth your attention, this episode will help you separate science from social media.
MCAS: A Whole-Body Condition Through the GI Lens (with guest Dr. Zac Spiritos)
Épisode 35
lundi 1 juin 2026 • Durée 56:22
MCAS is one of those diagnoses that can make it feel like your body is telling a dozen stories at once—and no one is listening. If you're experiencing GI symptoms alongside flushing, hives, brain fog, fatigue, palpitations, medication sensitivities, or a persistent "fight-or-flight" feeling, this episode is designed to help connect the dots without oversimplifying your experience.
In this episode, we sit down with gastroenterologist Dr. Zachary Spiritos to unpack mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) and explore the connections between immune activation, the gut-brain axis, and symptoms that can affect nearly every system in the body. We discuss why patients are often dismissed, how stress and hormonal changes can amplify symptoms, and what a realistic, stepwise treatment approach looks like when the evidence base is still evolving.
In this episode, we discuss:
• What mast cells do and why MCAS can affect multiple organ systems • Why MCAS is often missed in siloed medical care and mislabeled as anxiety • Barrier dysfunction, environmental triggers, and intestinal permeability as a useful framework • Histamine as one mediator among many and why antihistamines are not a perfect treatment for all • Links between MCAS, IBS, visceral hypersensitivity, dysautonomia, and POTS • Hypermobility, pelvic floor dysfunction, and neck tension as common clinical clues • Treatment principles including start low and go slow, informed consent, and layered individualized plans • Dietary approaches patients commonly explore, including low-histamine, low-FODMAP, and gluten-free patterns • Hormonal influences across the menstrual cycle and during perimenopause • The role of sleep, nervous system regulation, and stress reduction in decreasing symptom reactivity
If you've ever felt like your symptoms don't fit neatly into a single diagnosis, this episode will help you make sense of the bigger picture and explore what healing can look like when the gut, immune system, and nervous system are all part of the conversation.
References:
When Your Gut Gets in the Bedroom: Exploring Sexual Health & Intimacy (with guest Dr. Alyse Bedell)
Épisode 34
lundi 18 mai 2026 • Durée 42:56
Part 3 of the Women's Health Series
Bloating, gas, urgency, abdominal pain, and that relentless “what if something happens?” loop can turn sex from a close connection into stress fast.
Digestive symptoms can quietly impact some of the most vulnerable parts of our lives...including intimacy, relationships, and self-esteem. And often, the shame surrounding those experiences feels heavier than the symptoms themselves. If you’ve ever pulled away from connection because your gut felt unpredictable, this conversation is for you. In this episode, we’re opening up an honest and empowering discussion about gut health, confidence, and reclaiming intimacy without fear or embarrassment.
We dive into this topic with our expert guest, Dr. Alyse Bedell, GI psychologist and Certified Sex Therapist, covering: • Why digestive functions feel taboo in sexual relationships • How IBS and IBD symptoms can impact desire, relaxation, and satisfaction • Myth-busting the idea that sex must be spontaneous to be pleasurable • Scripts and “reset” strategies for handling symptoms in the moment • Redefining intimacy so closeness does not always imply intercourse • Flexible planning around meals, energy, triggers, and symptom patterns • Partner support that reassures without becoming patronizing • The circular sexual response cycle and starting from sexual neutrality • Rebuilding sexual self-esteem with stigma work and acting with "as if” confidence
Perimenopause & Menopause: Hormones, Gut Health & Whole-Body Wellness (with guests Drs. Chrisandra Shufelt and Jami Kinnucan)
Épisode 33
lundi 11 mai 2026 • Durée 53:39
Part 2 of the Women's Health Series
Your digestion suddenly feels different, your sleep is falling apart, your mood and patience are all over the place — and you start wondering whether it’s stress, aging, or something bigger. Joined by two extraordinary Mayo Clinic experts, Drs. Chrisandra Shufelt and Jami Kinnucan, we pull back the curtain on perimenopause and menopause, explaining how shifting estrogen and progesterone can ripple through the entire body — from constipation and bloating to metabolic health, cardiovascular risk, and even the gut microbiome. Most importantly, this episode reminds women that these changes are real, common, and worthy of attention.
• Defining perimenopause versus menopause as a life stage and why symptoms vary so much • Linking estrogen and progesterone changes to motility, constipation, bloating, and visceral sensitivity • Discussing microbiome shifts, dysbiosis, and how gut health may influence estrogen recycling • Outlining cardiometabolic changes including central weight gain, lipid changes, blood pressure, and insulin resistance • Clarifying brain fog, sleep disruption, and increased anxiety and depression risk during perimenopause • Reviewing SSRIs and SNRIs as options that may also reduce hot flashes • Covering bone loss timing, hormone therapy limits, and when DEXA scanning makes sense • Summarizing what is known about IBS symptom severity and what is less clear in IBD • Debunking hormone panels in perimenopause and pointing to menopause-trained clinicians • Breaking down soy, supplements, placebo effects, and lifestyle factors like weight loss and exercise snacks • Detailing vaginal estrogen for dryness, painful sex, and recurrent UTIs, including how to use it correctly
Endometriosis and IBS: Key Differences, Overlaps, and Diagnosis Tips (with guest Rachelle LaCroix Mallik, MA, RDN)
Épisode 32
lundi 4 mai 2026 • Durée 48:01
Part 1 of the Women's Health Series
Endometriosis can show up like a gut disorder, and that confusion keeps many people stuck for years without answers. We map the overlap between endometriosis and IBS, explain what symptoms should raise suspicion, and share practical ways to build a care plan that supports both digestion and quality of life.
• Endometriosis prevalence, symptoms and why it is often missed • IBS-like symptoms explained, including inflammation, adhesions, and visceral hypersensitivity • Hallmark signs beyond pelvic pain, including heavy periods, pain with sex, and pain with urination • Why diagnosis can be delayed and how updated guidance supports symptom-based evaluation plus imaging • Fertility considerations, diminished ovarian reserve risk, and why early treatment can matter • Low FODMAP as a short-term tool for GI symptoms, not a cure for endometriosis • Mediterranean-style and anti-inflammatory eating patterns as a less restrictive foundation • Stress, sleep, and gut-directed hypnotherapy as nervous-system support for pain and gut symptoms • Gluten-free and dairy-free myths, plus why celiac screening matters before cutting gluten • Supplement reality check, when to correct deficiencies, and why third-party testing matters • The “dream team” approach, including medical doctor, dietitian, pelvic floor physical therapy and mental health support
Can’t Trust Your Gut? IBS-D Strategies for Fewer Flare-Ups and More Freedom (with guest Beth Rosen, MS, RD)
Épisode 31
mercredi 15 avril 2026 • Durée 34:22
Part 2 of the IBS-D Series
We sit down with GI dietitian Beth Rosen to talk about her lived experience with IBS-D, and how the absence of a clear diagnosis and effective treatment plan early on led to frustration and unnecessary food restriction.
With the right diagnosis and support, she was able to shift toward a clearer path, building a sustainable, flexible approach to eating and symptom management.
We share real-world strategies for identifying triggers, eating enough without panic, and using gut-brain tools so symptoms don’t run the show.
• Beth’s IBS-D origin story after C. diff and the missteps that delayed care • Why “everything looks normal” needs context plus a plan • Building an IBS story document to speed up appointments and strengthen self-advocacy • Common IBS-D triggers and why broad food cuts can backfire • Fructans, lactose, gluten, and the value of a targeted approach • Coffee variables to consider including caffeine dose and acidity • Digestive enzymes as practical support when appropriate • Dining out tactics like menu scouting, calling ahead, and simple safe orders • Travel and social scripts that protect privacy and reduce stress • Beth's IBS toolbox picks: adequate + regular meals, targeted fiber, hydration, modified low FODMAP, gut-brain strategies • Diaphragmatic breathing for urgency (Check out Dr. Riehl's video on diaphragmatic breathing, here.)
Other resources from our guest, Beth Rosen MS, RDN:
Hot off the press: Gut Goals - the book for IBS patients, by Beth Rosen!
Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a comment. You can also follow us on social media @TheGutHealthPodcast, where we’d love for you to share your thoughts, questions, and experiences.
The information included in this podcast is not a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider before starting any new treatment or making changes to existing treatment.
Sorry for Kate’s raspy voice, she’s just getting over a cold! And a big thank-you to Megan for holding down the fort. ❤️
The information included in this podcast is not a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider before starting any new treatment or making changes to existing treatment.
Why reframing symptoms as sensations and separating discomfort from danger is a powerful part of recovery
How a collaborative care team can help people regain confidence, nourish their bodies, and expand their lives—not just their diets.
f you or someone you love has ever felt overwhelmed by food fear because of digestive symptoms, this conversation offers reassurance, practical strategies, and hope. While some dietary changes may be appropriate to manage GI conditions, recovery is about learning to distinguish necessary restrictions from fear-driven avoidance, rebuilding trust in your body, and finding the right support so food can become a source of nourishment and enjoyment again.
The information included in this podcast is not a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider before starting any new treatment or making changes to existing treatment.
The information included in this podcast is not a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider before starting any new treatment or making changes to existing treatment.
The information included in this podcast is not a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider before starting any new treatment or making changes to existing treatment.
The information included in this podcast is not a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider before starting any new treatment or making changes to existing treatment.
The information included in this podcast is not a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider before starting any new treatment or making changes to existing treatment.
The information included in this podcast is not a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider before starting any new treatment or making changes to existing treatment.
This episode has been sponsored by Salix Pharmaceuticals.
Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a comment. You can also follow us on social media, instagram @theguthealthpodcast, where we’d love for you to share your thoughts, questions, and experiences.
The information included in this podcast is not a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider before starting any new treatment or making changes to existing treatment.
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