H. pylori (Helicobacter pylori) is a common bacterial infection that can cause digestive issues such as stomach pain, ulcers, and, if untreated, more serious complications. In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. William D. Chey, a leading gastroenterologist, professor at the University of Michigan, and Vice President of the American College of Gastroenterology's Board of Trustees.

As the lead author of the ACG’s newly updated guidelines for diagnosing and treating H. pylori, Dr. Chey discusses:  

Why the updated guidelines matter and what they mean for patients.  

How H. pylori is diagnosed and the latest best practices.  

Treatment advancements and what patients should know.  

The role of lifestyle and nutrition in managing this infection.  

This episode provides essential insights for anyone facing an H. pylori diagnosis or undergoing treatment, empowering you with knowledge to take control of your digestive health journey.

This episode is presented in collaboration with the American College of Gastroenterology’s Patient Care Committee.

Living with Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation (IBS-C) can feel challenging, but finding the right treatment is key to managing symptoms and improving quality of life. In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Lin Chang, a leading expert in neurogastroenterology and the gut-brain connection, who shares a comprehensive overview of IBS-C treatment options. Dr. Chang explains why it’s essential for patients to communicate specific symptoms with their healthcare provider and how diet, exercise, and stress management can play a significant role in managing IBS-C. Tune in for practical tips and expert advice on taking control of IBS-C. This episode is brought to you with support from Ardelyx.

Short Bowel Syndrome (SBS), a condition where a person’s small intestine is damaged or partially missing, can cause serious symptoms including a failure to absorb enough nutrients from food for their body to thrive. Dr. Christopher Schmoyer, a Gastroenterologist from the University of Pennsylvania, joins us to explain the causes of SBS, how it is diagnosed and what treatment options are available. We also discuss long-term management of SBS and the lifestyle modifications that can help improve an SBS patient’s quality of life. This episode is brought to you by Ironwood Pharmaceuticals.

If you’re following a low FODMAP Diet and wondering how you can still enjoy your favorite recipes, this episode is for you. Medical Nutrition Therapist and FODMAP Expert Patsy Catsos returns with cooking tips and recipe swaps that will help you adapt your recipes and make them FODMAP friendly. Patsy’s common-sense approach may help you find what recipes you still can enjoy with some simple ingredient or seasoning swaps, as well as how to re-create some of your favorite foodie flavors. For more introductory information on the low FODMAP diet check out our previous episode with Patsy, The Low FODMAP Diet: Strategies For Success, https://youtu.be/jrsHqSR5y2Y or visit her website for more tips: https://www.ibsfree.net

Dr. James Tabibian joins us for a discussion on his book Digestive Problems Solved: A Patient's Guide to Expert Insights and Solutions. A gastroenterologist from California, Dr. Tabibian shares what readers can expect to learn from his book,and  his approach to simplifying complex digestive health conditions. We also discuss what he considers to be red flags for digestive health conditions, what patients may be able to consider as normal symptoms of our digestive tract that happen from time to time, as well as when it’s important to seek care from a healthcare provider. This episode is brought to you in partnership with The American College of Gastroenterology’s Patient Care Committee.

Dr. Xiao Jing (Iris) Wang, a Gastroenterologist at Mayo Clinic, discusses her children's book "Boo Can't Poo." Inspired by patients who lacked early education on proper bowel movements, Dr. Wang created this lighthearted story to help parents address toddler constipation at home. She also explores the effects of constipation and weak pelvic floor muscles on overall digestive health. Follow this link: https://amzn.to/4cI6aNO to purchase. 

The Low FODMAP Diet is an evidence-based dietary intervention for patients living with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). But with three-phases that are not one-size fits all, implementation can be challenging without professional guidance from a GI registered dietitian. Patsy Catsos, MS, RDN, is a medical nutrition therapist, FODMAP expert, and author who joins us to discuss the strategies for success that she shares with her patients who try the Low FODMAP diet to determine which foods may trigger their IBS symptoms. and make food substitutions without sacrificing a balanced and nutritional diet.  Patsy, who runs the site, ibsfree.net, explains FODMAPs, takes us through each phase of the low FODMAP diet and offers some insider tips for managing IBS symptoms through this approach.

In this episode we focus on Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation (IBS-C) with Gastroenterologist, Dr. Kumkum Patel from California (@dr.gut_motility). Dr. Patel offers her expertise on various IBS-C treatments from the different medications available, to simple diet and lifestyle changes that patients can make to help keep their bowel movements more regular. We also discuss what other, more severe digestive conditions can be causing constipation, which is why it’s important to be open with your healthcare provider regarding your bowel movements.

Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EOE) is an allergic condition in the esophagus that often goes undiagnosed for up to 10 years. In the last two years since we first covered EoE, new treatment options are now available for this chronic condition. Gastroenterologist Dr. Milli Gupta returns to help us understand the new treatment options and explain what patients need to know in preparation for discussing their options with their healthcare provider. This episode provides a basic overview of EoE, including the signs and symptoms a person may experience, such as trouble swallowing, food impaction, and the adaptive behaviors at mealtime, that signal it’s time to seek medical attention. This episode is brought to you by Sanofi Regeneron.

We welcome back Dr. Justin Crocker, a Gastroenterologist and Assistant Professor of Medicine at Duke University, to update us on the latest treatment options available for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). While there’s no one size fits all method to helping patients manage their IBD symptoms, Dr. Crocker goes into great detail on the different kinds of medications available, why providers may prefer to prescribe one over the other, and the science behind some of these newer advanced therapies. This episode is brought to you in partnership with the American College of Gastroenterology’s Patient Care Committee. 

The foods we choose to fuel our bodies with can have a large impact on our digestive health. But not everyone with digestive health conditions has access to quality food options to make informed choices that are best for their health.  Dr. Edwin McDonald, a Gastroenterologist at The University of Chicago, and a trained chef,  joins us to discuss how he talks to his patients about food and their GI health.  We also discuss how nutrition can impact the risk factors for chronic digestive conditions, and offer tips for how patients and providers can navigate these challenges together. 

We welcome back Dr. Evan Dellon from the University of North Carolina School of Medicine at Chapel Hill to discuss the latest advances in research and treatment options for Eosinophilic Esophagitis. In this episode we discuss several of the standout abstracts we found extremely encouraging for patients living with an EoE diagnosis that were presented at this year’s Digestive Disease Week (DDW), an annual scientific conference. This episode is brought to you by Sanofi Regeneron. 

Probiotics are everywhere these days, with promises of improved gut health and balanced microbiomes. But are they the right choice for everyone? Returning to the show is Dr. Neil Stollman, a leading gastroenterologist from East Bay GI in Oakland, California, renowned for his work in advancing clinical care and understanding of the gut microbiome. Dr. Stollman’s expertise spans key areas of digestive health, including C. difficile infection and fecal transplant therapies. In this episode, Dr. Stollman helps us cut through the hype around probiotics, taking a closer look at what they do, who might benefit, and whether they live up to their reputation. Tune in to discover the real deal on probiotics and your gut health.

We’re excited to speak with Dr. Ali Navidi, Co-Founder and CEO of GI Psychology, a nationwide network of expertly trained behavioral health clinicians focused on supporting gastroenterology practices. We’ve partnered with Dr. Navidi and his team to offer 4-week summer workshops for those who are living with one or more digestive-health related symptoms or conditions and want to learn more about the gut-brain relationship, strategies to help relieve discomfort, coping mechanisms and more. Hear Dr. Navidi share his insights on the growing need for GI Psychology, the science-backed methods they use to help patients and 

what participants can expect from these 4-week workshops. For more information and to sign up Click here.

One of our favorite Gastroenterologists who is also a TikTok star and a leading health content creator, Dr. Austin Chiang, @austinchaingmd, joins us to talk about his new book, Gut: An Owner's Guide. With an increasing influx of gut health influencers dominating our social media feeds, Dr. Chiang’s book is a timely and vital guide to help us better understand our digestive system and determine what is fact vs fiction from the overwhelming amount of information online. We discuss the key take-aways from his book, including how to find evidence-based information and credible resources. Dr. Chiang also explains how his outreach efforts on social media provide his audience with the info they may need to make informed decisions about their gut health with their healthcare provider.

Many listeners have had tons of follow-up questions about IBS-C from our previous episodes, so we invited back one of our favorite patient advocates to answer them for you. Karen is here to get into more details about her personal healthcare journey including her search for the right doctor. We also discuss more of the different subcategories of IBS-C, including DGBI (Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction) as well as the IBS-C treatment options that finally worked for her. This episode is brought to you by Ardelyx.

The number of “gut health” remedies and products circulating all over social media is confusing and overwhelming. How can we possibly navigate the constant daily stream of information bombarding us while making sure we’re not consuming things that may do more harm than good? Dr. Vivian Asamoah from the Houston Gastro Institute is here to share her insights and experience on helping her patients cut through social media noise and focus on their individual needs and health journey. We discuss the current landscape, validate patient concerns, and highlight the vital fact that just because a product or remedy worked for someone else doesn’t mean it will work for you. 

Dr. Pooja Singhal, a Gastroenterologist with Oklahoma Gastro Health and Wellness, returns to the show to share her expertise on Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE). Specifically, Dr. Singhal answers questions about the role Non-GI Advanced Practice Practitioners play in keeping EoE patients on track with their treatment and when a patient should be referred to a gastroenterologist. She highlights what makes EoE a progressive condition and why early diagnosis, treatment and ongoing management is vital. This episode is brought to you by Sanofi Regeneron.

Dr. Bilal Hameed, a Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist from the University of California San Francisco joins us for a discussion about alcohol-associated liver disease. A condition that has been on the rise, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic, alcohol-associated liver disease is not just a physical deterioration of the liver but complicated by the nature of personal lifestyle choices involving alcohol consumption. Dr. Hameed shares his expertise on symptoms to watch out for, treatment options, and offers tips for having candid conversations with your healthcare provider. This episode is brought to you in partnership with the American College of Gastroenterology’s Patient Care Committee.  

What happens when your patient with Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE) becomes pregnant? Will pregnancy trigger symptoms? Will EoE affect your pregnant patient’s ability to get proper nutrition? Can patients continue using medications prescribed for EoE? We welcome back Dr. Claire Beveridge, a Gastroenterologist from The Cleveland Clinic, to answer these questions and more so Primary Care and OB-GYN providers are armed with the information they need to better support their patients. Patients will also find this episode helpful if they have questions related to EoE and pregnancy. This episode is brought to you with support from Sanofi Regeneron. 

Pediatric Gastroenterologist Dr. Sophia Patel of the Cleveland Clinic explains the presentation of Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE) in children and what parents and caregivers should know about treatment options that are available for children. Dr. Patel also explains the progressive nature of EoE and why treatment adherence is key to successful management of EoE. She also shares tips to help older adolescents or young adults maintain their treatment plans. This episode is brought to you by Sanofi Regeneron. 

We’re thrilled to feature Erica, a young teen who bravely shares her patient journey on this episode. Erica was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease when she was 7 years old, and she along with her Mom, Nicole, share some real-life insights from the family perspective when a child is living with a chronic digestive health condition. Erica also shares her personal experience at Camp Oasis, a summer sleep-away camp developed by The Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation for children diagnosed with IBD. She explains how much Camp Oasis has made a positive impact on her life and why other kids with IBD should attend. To learn more about Camp Oasis, tune in to our previous episode with Becky Johnson Rescola, the Vice President of Education & Community Engagement at the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, as well as Pediatric Gastroenterologist Dr. Steven Steiner, who is the Medical Director of Camp Oasis in Michigan.

We’re excited to shine a light on the wonderful work The Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation is doing with Camp Oasis, a summer sleep-away camp designed for kids living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Joining us on this episode are Becky Johnson Rescola, the Vice President of Education & Community Engagement at the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, as well as Pediatric Gastroenterologist Dr. Steven Steiner, who is the Medical Director of Camp Oasis in Michigan. We discuss the benefits Camp Oasis has provided attendees based on the findings of a recent study. We also answer some common questions parents have about what they and their children can expect from the Camp Oasis experience.

Anal cancer is more common than many people think, but early detection can be lifesaving. Unfortunately, stigma often prevents individuals from seeking care for early warning signs. In this episode, we are joined by two inspiring guests who share their personal stories and expert insights.

Award-Winning Actress Marcia Cross and Lillian Kreppel, both anal cancer survivors and co-founders of HPV Cancers Alliance team up to raise awareness about the link between HPV and anal cancer, promote preventative care, and dismantle the stigma surrounding this condition. Don’t miss this powerful conversation that could change how we approach anal cancer awareness.

This episode is brought to you in collaboration with the American College of Gastroenterology’s Patient Care Committee.

Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE) is increasingly recognized as a major cause of swallowing difficulties in children and adults. It affects about one in 2,000 people. But the differences in EoE presentation and outcomes by ethnicity and race remain understudied. Dr Evan Dellon from the University of North Carolina School of Medicine at Chapel Hill is here to explain EoE and discuss the recent findings of a study he co-authored, “Clinical Features and Treatment Response to Topical Steroids in Ethnic and Racial Minority Patients With Eosinophilic Esophagitis.”  We focus on what patients need to know about the main findings, as well as tips for patients to begin discussing their symptoms and treatment options with their provider. This episode is brought to you by Sanofi Regeneron. 

After lowering the screening age for colorectal cancer to 45, gastroenterologists are sounding the alarm that more and more younger people are showing signs of colorectal cancer. In this episode, Dr. Benjamin Levy from the University of Chicago shares his expertise on the theories and research underway to determine what’s causing younger individuals to develop cancerous polyps in their colon, ways to ease patient’s prep for a colonoscopy, and alternative colorectal cancer screening tests. 

Dr. Levy also highlights this year’s Tune It Up Virtual Concert and reveals the all-star line up of musical guests including Colbie Caillat, Lisa Loeb, Rufus Wainwright and others to help raise awareness for colorectal cancer screening. You can watch the free concert at GI.org/concert on Thursday March 28th at 8:00pm EDT. 

This episode is brought to you by the American College of Gastroenterology’s Patient Care Committee. 

Lynch syndrome is a hereditary form of colorectal cancer. It is estimated that 1 in 279 people in the United States have this genetic predisposition but over 90% those people don’t even know it. Today’s guest, patient advocate Dave Dubin, was one of those people when he was first diagnosed with cancer at age 29. Dave is a 3x cancer survivor and has since started a non-profit foundation, Alive and Kick’n, (www.aliveandkickn.org/) to spread awareness of this genetic condition. Dave shares his patient story, the importance of genetic testing and early detection of cancers in the body, and how he’s managed to live a full and vibrant life despite his condition.

If you or a loved one are living with IBS, you don’t want to miss this episode! GI Psychologist Dr. Megan Riehl and Registered Dietitian Kate Scarlata introduce their new book, Mind Your Gut: The Science-based, Whole-body Guide to Living Well with IBS. Teaming together for the ultimate multidisciplinary approach to understanding GI conditions like IBS, Megan and Kate explain what readers can expect from the book, offer tips for navigating the misleading health claims on social media and share some tools for living your best life with IBS. 

And if you purchase the book via Gastro Girl’s affiliate link on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Mind-Your-Gut-Science-based-Whole-body/dp/030683233X?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=gastrogirl05-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=8601af98f65485d746aae5425eae20b5&camp=1789&creative=9325send in your proof of purchase to podcast@gastrogirl.com for an invite to a special Gastro Girl Virtual Q&A session with Kate and Megan, where you can ask all your most pressing questions related to IBS, nutrition and the gut-brain connection.

Note: Live Q&A session is April 2, 2024. If you purchase the book after this date, you will have free access to the recorded session.  

*As an Amazon Associate, Gastro Girl earns from qualifying purchases.

The biliary tract (or biliary system) includes the liver, gallbladder and bile ducts. They work together to make, store and secrete bile, which is an important role in our digestive system. But what are the signs and symptoms that something is wrong? Doctor Navine Nasser-Ghodsi, a Gastroenterologist at UMass Chan Medical School in Worcester, Massachusetts joins us with some vital insight. She explains the role of the biliary tract, the potential causes and risk factors of bile duct and gallbladder cancer, as well as treatment options. This episode also features expert tips on preventative care and recognizing when your gallbladder or biliary tract is telling you it’s time to see your doctor. This episode is brought to you in partnership with The American College of Gastroenterology’s Patient Care Committee. 

Many people consume probiotic-containing foods to strengthen or revitalize their gut flora and potentially reduce gastrointestinal symptoms like gas and bloating. But do these foods actually contain the strains and amounts of good bacteria that is expected from what is printed on the label? We welcome Dr. Sabine Hazan, a gastroenterologist and microbiome expert from Ventura, CA, to discuss her findings from a recent study she presented at the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) Annual Scientific Meeting. The study analyzed 26 commercially available probiotic-containing foods to determine the presence and abundance of Bifidobacteria and other microbes and compare them to expected ingredients. Her findings–and–tips for consuming probiotic foods may surprise you. 

While many people look forward to Super Bowl Sunday as a time to party with friends and family, for those living with gastrointestinal symptoms, like difficulty swallowing, or a condition like Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE), food-centric social events can bring high anxiety. In this episode one of our favorite Registered Dietitians, Beth Rosen, joins us with some insights on EoE, including symptoms that could be triggered by your favorite Super Bowl foods. She also share tips for enjoying food-centric social events, like Super Bowl parties, and explains some of the warning signs of symptoms for those of us who may be struggling with an undiagnosed gastrointestinal condition like EoE, and why it’s important to see a gastroenterologist. 

EoE Playlist on Gastro Girl YouTube Channel https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLA6jR0eoexewd4cbKU6k8vwVFE0tN685W&feature=shared

EoE Online Education Programs on GI OnDEMAND  https://education.giondemand.com/collections?q=eoe

Gastro Girl  gastrogirl.com

American College of Gastroenterology  gi.org

American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders apfed.org

Beth Rosen, RD bethrosenrd.com

Are you or a loved one experiencing recurring bouts of nausea and vomiting?  Are you struggling to figure out why you or a loved one feel good one day, and then have a period of time where food just doesn’t stay down? Gastroenterologist Dr. Matt Hoscheit of the Cleveland Clinic joins us on this episode to share his expertise on cyclic vomiting syndrome. He provides insight on possible causes; warning signs; and when patients should see their healthcare provider. We also discuss how cyclic vomiting syndrome is diagnosed, how it can affect patients quality of life and treatment options. This episode is brought to you in partnership with the American College of Gastroenterology’s Patient Care Committee.

Upper- and lower-gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms are highly prevalent among athletes during exercise (especially endurance athletes) and can negatively impact performance. In severe cases it can pose health risks too. So what’s really going on in our guts when we’re exercising at a high-intensity level? We asked Drew Triplett, DO from Dayton Gastroenterology to join the show and help explain exercise-induced GI distress. As a marathon runner, Dr. Triplett has a unique perspective and offers some tips for athletes trying to regulate their digestive system during training or events. This episode is produced in collaboration with the American College of Gastroenterology’s Patient Care Committee.

The holiday season has a special place in many people’s hearts as we gather with loved ones and celebrate time-honored traditions. Of course, many of those traditions may involve food, and if you’re managing a chronic GI condition, those traditions may be a little tricky. That’s why we’ve invited back one of our favorite Registered Dietitians, Emily Haller, to offer some tips on navigating holiday meals while limiting the possibility of a flare up. Emily also discusses what holiday meals may have some hidden GI triggers in them, ingredient substitutes and whether or not using that special family dinner as a cheat meal may be right for you. 

This episode brings together three leading gastroenterology experts to review and discuss complex IBS-C patient cases. Dr. Xiao Jing (Iris) Wang from the Mayo Clinic, Dr. Christopher V. Almario from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, and Dr. Eric Shah from the University of Michigan delve into the latest research and treatment strategies for managing irritable bowel syndrome with constipation. Each expert offers unique insights into how they would approach these challenging cases, providing valuable guidance for healthcare professionals. Tune in for this special roundtable discussion, brought to you by Ardelyx.

Living with an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) like ulcerative colitis can be a challenging journey for patients. But more and more patient advocates are willing to share their stories and connect with online communities for support. One of our recent favorites is Better Bellies By Molly. Molly joins us to share her experience with ulcerative colitis and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and why she decided to take her story to social media for the benefit of others who may be struggling with not just the physical symptoms of these chronic conditions, but the mental health impact as well. You can follow Molly on Instagram @betterbelliesbymolly or visit her website, betterbelliesbymolly.com to join her online community. 

What does a doctor really mean when they ask a patient “are you feeling better”? We asked! In this special compilation episode brought to you by Ardelyx, we gathered a group of healthcare providers across the multidisciplinary spectrum to break down what signs they look for when assessing if a patient is improving with their IBS-C diagnosis. From symptom relief and management, to quality of life, these providers share a range of ideas on how to help their patients thrive with this chronic condition.

When a doctor asks you “are you feeling better”, what goes through your mind? How do you answer that question as a patient dealing with a chronic health condition? Is there a difference between what a doctor is looking for in an answer, and how a patient answers? We asked some of our previous patient advocate guests in this special compilation episode brought to you by Ardelyx, and the answers may surprise you. You may even relate to their struggle to not only define what better means for them, but how to communicate that to their healthcare provider.

Patients have told us they often feel lonely when they or a loved one has been diagnosed with a chronic gastrointestinal condition, such as an eosinophilic disorder like eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). We invited Mary Jo Strobel, the Executive Director of The American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders (Apfed), to help address this major patient and caregiver stressor: “Where can I go for support and resources and connect with others going through similar health journeys?” Mary Jo explains all the resources Apfed has available to patients as well as parents navigating an eosinophilic disorder for their children. Check out the video version of this episode on our YouTube channel, @gastrogirl, for some help navigating Apfed’s extensive website and features that you can find at apfed.org. 

Patients with chronic GI health conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) often have complex treatment plans that require multiple medications. They may also have other health conditions like heart, kidney or liver disease that require several medications in addition to the medications prescribed by their gastroenterologist. In this episode Gastroenterologist Dr. Tauseef Ali and Clinical Pharmacists Carrie Breeden and Sarah Elkoubysi from SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital in Oklahoma, explain the vital role clinical pharmacists play as members of the GI healthcare team. They provide eye-opening insight on how clinical pharmacists work with gastroenterologists and help patients fully understand their treatment options; the benefits and potential side effects of the medications they are being prescribed; and how these medications may interact with other lifestyle considerations, like diet, smoking and alcohol use. 

If you (or a loved one) are going off to college and worried about managing IBS-C symptoms away from home, you don’t want to miss this episode with nurse practitioners Kimberly Kearns from Duly Health and Care in Illinois, and Christina Hanson from South Denver Gastroenterology. Together they have decades of experience helping college-aged patients navigate and adjust to college life while managing chronic GI health conditions like IBS-C.  Our informational, inspiring, and tip-filled discussion will set you up for success in keeping your IBS-C in check along with a little planning, and some helpful mobile apps.  This episode is brought to you by Ardelyx. 

In this episode we address the recent media focus on the pros and cons of popular weight loss drugs with guest expert Dr. Pichamol Jirapinyo from Brigham & Women’s Hospital. As a gastroenterologist who specializes in bariatric endoscopy and works closely with patients struggling with obesity, Dr. Jirapinyo shares her experience with treating her patients with weight loss medications such as semaglutide. We discuss your most pressing questions such as How much weight should patients realistically expect to lose? What are these medications actually doing to our digestive system? What GI side effects should patients be aware of and when to see a doctor?  Dr. Jirapinyo also offers some tips and guidance for patients considering these weight loss medications. This episode is brought to you in collaboration with the American College of Gastroenterology’s Patient Care Committee.

The liver is one of our essential organs performing hundreds of functions that keep us healthy and alive. It’s a vital, yet often overlooked, part of our digestive system that deserves our love and attention. This episode features Donna Cryer, a 28 year liver transplant survivor. Donna joins us to share her patient journey, which led her to become the Founder and CEO of The Global Liver Institute. We discuss why the liver is so important, some lifestyle habits that may contribute to liver disease and how we can support our liver health. For more information about the Global Liver Institute and related resources visit globalliver.org. 

Dr. David Levinthal, Director of the Neurogastroenterology & Motility Center at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center joins us in this episode to explain how marijuana can affect our digestive health. He recently gave a talk on trends in Cannabinoids at the American Neurogastro­enterology and Motility Society (ANMS) Annual Meeting in Austin, Texas. Dr. Levinthal shares some of the pros and cons of medical marijuana in clinical use cases and how it can impact certain gastrointestinal conditions. He also provides insight on the gut-brain connection and much more in this wide-ranging discussion. As always, the information in this episode is for education purposes only and not medical advice. We caution our listeners to consult with their healthcare providers before embarking on any treatment option.

Milk, cheese, butter, ice cream, some of our favorite treats and cooking ingredients may not always agree with our guts due to their lactose content. Some may even have an intolerance to consuming amounts of lactose. But how can you tell if your symptoms are a result of lactose intolerance, or something else like IBS? In today’s episode, Dr. Claire Jansson-Knodell, a Gastroenterologist and Assistant Professor of Medicine at The Cleveland Clinic, is here to give us the scoop on all things lactose intolerance. What is lactose anyways? How is it affecting your gut? What research, treatments, and guidance are out there? Dr. Knodell shares her expertise and may be even a little good news for those of us who really want to have that scoop of ice cream. This episode is brought to you by the American College of Gastroenterology’s Patient Care Committee. 

In this episode, we welcome back Dr. Pooja Singhal, a leading Gastroenterologist and Founder of Oklahoma Gastro Health and Wellness, to answer listener and YouTube viewer questions about Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE). Dr. Singhal shares valuable advice on what to do if you’re frequently having trouble swallowing, why it’s important not to change your eating habits without seeking medical advice, and the latest research and treatment options for EoE. Don’t miss this insightful discussion on how to manage this complex condition. This episode is sponsored by Sanofi Regeneron.

Nurse practitioners Kimberly Kearns from Duly Health and Care in Illinois, and Christina Hanson from South Denver Gastroenterology join us to share their expertise on Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation. From early warning signs and symptoms, to both diet and medical treatments, this dynamic duo offers a comprehensive 101 overview of what patients need to know about this condition. Plus, we dive into a discussion on how patients can have more productive visits with their healthcare provider for more beneficial and actionable symptom relief. This episode is brought to you by Ardelyx. 

Dr. Pooja Singhal, a Gastroenterologist in Oklahoma City, OK offers some helpful tips and suggested questions that may help primary or emergency care providers recognize the clinical presentation of Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE) in adults. She also stresses the importance of not only referring the patient to a gastroenterologist post-ER or primary care office visit, but explains how vital it is to follow up with the patient and make sure they see the gastroenterologist. Dr. Singhal details some of the symptoms that overlap between EoE and other gastrointestinal conditions, as well as the adaptive behaviors patients may not even realize they’re doing to mask swallowing difficulty. We also dive into medical history discussions that primary care providers can have during regular consultations so they can make the referral to a gastroenterologist sooner.

Dr. Sophia Patel, a Pediatric Gastroenterologist at The Cleveland Clinic shares her expertise on the clinical presentation of Eosinophilic Esophagitis as well as other forms of dysphagia in children. In this video, Dr Patel answers the following: What additional steps should emergency room healthcare providers take when a child comes in with a food impaction? What signs and symptoms should non-GI providers be looking for in children to signal a need for a gastroenterologist referral? What questions should a primary care provider ask during regular consultations or medical history discussions so they can make the referral to a gastroenterologist sooner? We discuss these topics and more in this educational video, which you can view at youtube.com/gastrogirl. 

Avoiding certain foods that trigger GI symptoms is a common way to manage a variety of conditions like IBS, IBD, and EoE. Obese patients and those with fatty liver disease who need to follow a specific regimen like the Mediterranean Diet also need to avoid certain foods. Yes, eliminating foods is challenging for all patients. But trying to stay true to cultural or religious beliefs while following a gut-friendly diet can be even harder. We’ve invited back one of our favorite registered dietitians, Neha Shah, who understands how important food is to culture, religion and social gatherings. With first-hand experience as a vegetarian and GI nutrition expert, Neha explains the ways patients can work with their providers on adapting gut-friendly diets that are aligned with their cultural or religious beliefs. Neha’s positive and open approach aims to help patients realize that following a gut-friendly diet doesn’t mean they can’t stay true to their culture.