IBS Nutrition Podcast by The IBS Dietitian

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“Your tests are normal.” But you still have pain, bloating, constipation, or diarrhea. So what does that actually mean?
In Episode 35 of the IBS Nutrition Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Nicholas Talley, a leading neurogastroenterologist and researcher in disorders of gut-brain interaction, to explain what IBS actually is, why routine tests can be normal, and what evidence-based treatment looks like.
One of his most important points: IBS is probably several diseases, not one.
For some people, gut dysfunction may come first and later affect mood, anxiety, or other symptoms. For others, stress or changes involving the brain may come first and influence gut function. The symptoms may look similar, but the pathway behind them may be different.
We also talk about the gut microbiome, including why Dr. Talley does not currently recommend commercial microbiome testing to guide IBS treatment, and where dietary approaches like fiber, Low FODMAP, and Mediterranean-style eating fit into care.
Then we move into emerging research on IBS, constipation, and Parkinson’s disease. Importantly, having IBS does not mean you will develop Parkinson’s disease. Dr. Talley explains what researchers are studying and why the gut may offer clues about disease mechanisms.
Finally, we discuss an area that deserves much more attention: food avoidance driven by gut symptoms. Some people with IBS begin eating less and less because food triggers pain or discomfort. Dr. Talley explains how clinicians can distinguish gut-driven restriction from a primary eating disorder, and why prescribing another restrictive diet to someone who is already severely limiting food can make things worse.
In this episode, we discuss:
Why IBS is a real condition even when routine tests are normal
Why IBS may represent several different disease processes
How clinicians make a positive IBS diagnosis
What we currently know about the gut microbiome
Why commercial microbiome testing is not yet ready to guide IBS treatment
Where Low FODMAP, fiber, and other dietary approaches fit
Emerging research linking the gut, constipation, and Parkinson’s disease
Why IBS may involve the small intestine, not just the colon
How gut symptoms can lead to food avoidance
When restrictive eating becomes a red flag
Why Low FODMAP may be inappropriate for someone already severely restricting food
Timestamps
00:00 What IBS actually is
07:57 Why GI tests can be normal in IBS
09:51 Why getting the right diagnosis matters
10:59 When multidisciplinary IBS care helps
12:12 What we know about the gut microbiome
13:36 Fecal microbiota transplant and IBS
15:18 Why Dr. Talley does not recommend commercial microbiome testing
17:05 Dietary approaches for IBS
18:20 Why Low FODMAP is not a permanent diet
21:17 Does Parkinson’s disease start in the gut?
24:45 Why the small intestine may matter in IBS
27:36 Why IBS does not mean you will develop Parkinson’s
32:05 Gut-driven altered food intake behavior
35:32 Which came first: restriction or gut symptoms?
39:06 Lactose intolerance does not always mean avoiding dairy
40:41 When Low FODMAP may be contraindicated
42:46 What Dr. Talley would change about IBS care today
Get our help:
🌟 Join IBS Freedom Program - https://ibsdietitian.com/group-program/
👩🏻‍⚕️ Make an appointment https://ibsdietitian.com/1-1-appointments/
🖥️ Affordable IBS Self-Paced Course https://ibsdietitian.com/ibs-freedom/
🔔 Stay Connected & Get More Support
📷 Follow us on Instagram: @ibs.dietitian
💬 Join our Facebook Community: IBS Support For Women
Free Resources:
🖥️ Free IBS Relief Masterclass: https://ibsdietitian.com/masterclass
📋 Free Symptom Tracker – Start tracking your symptoms today: https://poopedia.org/resources
🔗 Download your FREE Low FODMAP Starter Guide (grocery list, meal plan, and food swaps): https://ibsdietitian.com/resources/

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Gluten gets blamed for countless digestive symptoms, but is it really the problem? In this episode, we explore the difference between celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity (non-celiac wheat sensitivity), and why some people who feel better gluten-free may actually be reacting to something else.
I’m joined by Dr. Stefano Guandalini, co-founder of the University of Chicago’s Celiac Disease Center, and Associate Professor Jessica Biesiekierski, a leading researcher in non-celiac gluten sensitivity.
We cover celiac symptoms and diagnosis, the role of blood tests and biopsies. Gluten, fructans (FODMAP), the placebo and nocebo effect, and why “non-celiac gluten sensitivity” may not be the most accurate term. We also discuss why people often eliminate gluten and other foods without ever identifying what’s actually causing their symptoms.
In this episode, we discuss:
Why celiac disease is so often missed, even by doctors
How celiac disease is diagnosed through blood testing and biopsy
What the research really shows about gluten versus fructans (FODMAP) and other triggers
The role of the gut-brain connection in non-celiac gluten sensitivity
Why cutting out food before testing can make diagnosis harder
If you've ever wondered whether gluten is really the issue, or suspected it might be something else in your diet, this conversation will give you a much clearer picture.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to the episode and guests
05:50 Celiac disease prevalence and why rates are rising
09:32 Why celiac disease is so difficult to diagnose
13:19 Celiac disease symptoms, gastrointestinal and beyond
16:04 How celiac disease is diagnosed: blood tests and biopsy
20:43 What to do if you're already gluten-free before getting tested
22:45 Why you shouldn't eliminate gluten before celiac testing
25:33 What is non-celiac gluten sensitivity
31:08 What the research shows about gluten-specific reactions
32:54 Why "gluten sensitivity" may be the wrong term
40:41 Why people feel better gluten-free, even without a gluten reaction
46:15 The nocebo effect and the gut-brain connection explained
52:51 A new research study recruiting IBS patients
Get our help:
🌟 Join IBS Freedom Program - https://ibsdietitian.com/group-program/
👩🏻‍⚕️ Make an appointment https://ibsdietitian.com/1-1-appointments/
🖥️ Affordable IBS Self-Paced Course https://ibsdietitian.com/ibs-freedom/
🔔 Stay Connected & Get More Support
📷 Follow us on Instagram: @ibs.dietitian
💬 Join our Facebook Community: IBS Support For Women
Free Resources:
🖥️ Free IBS Relief Masterclass: https://ibsdietitian.com/masterclass
📋 Free Symptom Tracker – Start tracking your symptoms today: https://poopedia.org/resources
🔗 Download your FREE Low FODMAP Starter Guide (grocery list, meal plan, and food swaps): https://ibsdietitian.com/resources/

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Do you get sweaty, dizzy, clammy feeling on the toilet?
If your scopes came back "normal" but your symptoms are very real, this episode is for you. GI psychologist Dr. Megan Riehl joins Jessie to unpack why IBS is now classified as a Disorder of Gut-Brain Interaction (DGBI), what the vasovagal response has to do with your flare-ups, and how your autonomic nervous system may be driving cramping, urgency, and that clammy "oh no" bathroom feeling.
You'll learn:
What DGBI actually means and why the name change matters
The science behind the gut-brain axis and vasovagal reactions
When to consider working with a GI psychologist
3 evidence-based tools you can use today: diaphragmatic breathing, body scanning, and gentle movement
Dr. Riehl is Director of the GI Behavioral Health Program at the University of Michigan and co-author of Mind Your Gut. Tune in for validating science and practical relief you can start using today.
Resources Mentioned:
Mind Your Gut book by Dr. Megan Riehl & Kate Scarlata
Dr. Riehl's diaphragmatic breathing YouTube video
The Gut Health Podcast
Episode Timestamps:
00:54 — Introduction: Why Your "Normal" Scopes Don't Mean It's All in Your Head
03:05 — What Is a DGBI? The Shift from "Functional" GI Disorders to Gut-Brain Interaction
05:56 — Common Symptoms Driven by the Gut-Brain Connection
06:54 — Vasovagal Reactions Explained: The Sweaty, Dizzy Bathroom Feeling
08:42 — Your Autonomic Nervous System: Sympathetic vs. Parasympathetic
11:49 — When to Work with a GI Psychologist (and How It's Different from General Therapy)
15:21 — Tool #1: Diaphragmatic Breathing to Calm Your Gut
18:02 — Tool #2: Body Scanning to Release Hidden Tension
22:08 — Tool #3: Gentle Movement Without the All-or-Nothing Mindset
24:49 — Rapid Fire: Weeknight Dinners, Coffee, and Dr. Riehl's 60-Second Nervous System Reset
Get our help:
🌟 Join IBS Freedom Program - https://ibsdietitian.com/group-program/
👩🏻‍⚕️ Make an appointment https://ibsdietitian.com/1-1-appointments/
🖥️ Affordable IBS Self-Paced Course https://ibsdietitian.com/ibs-freedom/
🔔 Stay Connected & Get More Support
📷 Follow us on Instagram: @ibs.dietitian
💬 Join our Facebook Community: IBS Support For Women
Free Resources:
🖥️ Free IBS Relief Masterclass: https://ibsdietitian.com/masterclass
📋 Free Symptom Tracker – Start tracking your symptoms today: https://poopedia.org/resources
🔗 Download your FREE Low FODMAP Starter Guide (grocery list, meal plan, and food swaps): https://ibsdietitian.com/resources/

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Are you tired of your gut getting in the way of your workouts. Today on the IBS Nutrition Podcast, we are bridging the gap between digestive health and physical performance.
I am joined by my former mentor, Leslie Bonci, a registered sports dietitian who has worked with everyone from Olympic athletes to everyday people looking to hit their health goals. We discuss the unintended consequences of trendy elimination diets, how the physical jostling of your gut impacts your digestion, and the clinical reality behind the sports supplement industry.
The 3 Biggest Takeaways From This Episode:
1. The Danger of Unintended Food Elimination: The Unintended Consequences of Extreme Elimination: Discover why cutting out carbs, dairy, or staying on the low-FODMAP diet for too long ruins your performance, depletes your gut microbiome, and makes your gut "lazy" over time.
2. Timing, Volume, and Form for Exercise: The Performance Trifecta (Timing, Volume, and Form): Learn why fiber-maxing before a workout is a recipe for disaster, when to actually start carb-loading for an event, and how to use sugar with a purpose to keep your stomach calm.
3. Navigating the Supplement "Danger Zone”: Supplement Savvy vs. The Health Halo: A look into the dark side of popular fitness supplements. We break down hidden high-FODMAP triggers (like sugar alcohols) and why mega-dosing concentrated herbals could be risking your liver health.
Guest Bio:
Leslie Bonci is a registered dietitian, sports dietitian, and owner of Active Eating Advice. She is a former spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the author of the American Dietetic Association Guide to Better Digestion.
Episode Timestamps:
00:00 - Meet Your Host: Jessie’s Journey with IBS and Mission for Relief
00:54 - Introducing Sports Dietician and Digestive Health Expert Leslie Bonci
04:44 - Trend-Based Food Exclusions and Their Dangerous Side Effects
07:36 - The Hidden Nutritional Risks of Going Plant-Based or Vegetarian
10:40 - Why Cutting Carbs Makes Athletes Slower, Weaker, and Fatigued
13:55 - The 8-Week Limit: Why You Must Reintroduce Low-FODMAP Foods
18:11 - Managing the Active Gut: How Exercise Changes Your Digestion
19:59 - The Correct Way to Carb-Load Without Feeling Bloated
23:52 - Fiber Overload: Why More Is Not Always Better for Gut Comfort
30:58 - Supplement Pitfalls: Hidden FODMAPs and Third-Party Testing
34:45 - The Danger Zone: Supplements Linked to Liver and Kidney Stress
Resources Mentioned:
Listen to Episode 5: Deep Dive Into the Low-FODMAP Diet Protocol
Get our help:
🌟 Join IBS Freedom Program - https://ibsdietitian.com/group-program/
👩🏻‍⚕️ Make an appointment https://ibsdietitian.com/1-1-appointments/
🖥️ Affordable IBS Self-Paced Course https://ibsdietitian.com/ibs-freedom/
🔔 Stay Connected & Get More Support
📷 Follow us on Instagram: @ibs.dietitian
💬 Join our Facebook Community: IBS Support For Women
Free Resources:
🖥️ Free IBS Relief Masterclass: https://ibsdietitian.com/masterclass
📋 Free Symptom Tracker – Start tracking your symptoms today: https://poopedia.org/resources
🔗 Download your FREE Low FODMAP Starter Guide (grocery list, meal plan, and food swaps): https://ibsdietitian.com/resources/

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Are you overwhelmed by the "biotic" buzzwords? From probiotics and prebiotics to the newer post-biotics and syn-biotics, the world of gut health supplements can feel like the Wild West. For many IBS warriors, the question remains: are these products life-changing medicine or just expensive, overhyped supplements?
In this episode, host Jessie Wong, RD, is joined by global probiotic expert Dragana Skokovic-Sunji and Mayo Clinic gastroenterology fellow Dr. John Damianos. Together, they strip away the marketing jargon to reveal the actual science behind gut microbiota. You will learn why the term "probiotic" is legally unregulated in the U.S. and why taking the wrong strain could not only waste your money but potentially worsen your symptoms.
What you will learn in this episode:
The difference between Probiotics (live bacteria) and Prebiotics (food for bacteria).
Why U.S. regulation considers probiotics "supplements," allowing for major labeling discrepancies.
The importance of Strain Specificity: Why one Lactobacillus isn't the same as another.
How to access the Clinical Guide to Probiotic Products to see which brands have actual human evidence.
Tune in to discover the "first, middle, and last name" of bacteria and how to use the Clinical Guide to Probiotic Products to find a strain tailored specifically to your IBS symptoms.
Resources Mentioned:
Clinical Guide to Probiotic Products: usprobioticguide.com
Alliance for Education on Probiotics: aeprobio.com
Timestamps
00:00 – Introduction: Navigating the complex world of IBS
03:59 – Defining the "Biotics": Probiotics, Prebiotics, Synbiotics, and Postbiotics
06:08 – Prebiotics 101: It’s more than just fiber
08:44 – Postbiotics: The science of bacterial metabolites
12:16 – The "Wild West": A frightening lack of regulation in the U.S.
16:02 – Labeling Loopholes: Why your probiotic might not contain what it claims
18:20 – Understanding Strains: Genus, Species, and the "Social Security Number" of bacteria
21:54 – How to use the Clinical Guide to Probiotic Products
23:58 – U.S. vs. Global Guidelines: Why recommendations for IBS vary
30:37 – Long-term Safety: Immunocompromised risks and the "black box" of chronic use
37:02 – Clinical Stories: From "giving life back" to dangerous reactions
45:46 – Emerging Research: Probiotics for Bile Acid Malabsorption
Get our help:
🌟 Join IBS Freedom Program - https://ibsdietitian.com/group-program/
👩🏻‍⚕️ Make an appointment https://ibsdietitian.com/1-1-appointments/
🖥️ Affordable IBS Self-Paced Course https://ibsdietitian.com/ibs-freedom/
🔔 Stay Connected & Get More Support
📷 Follow us on Instagram: @ibs.dietitian
💬 Join our Facebook Community: IBS Support For Women
Free Resources:
🖥️ Free IBS Relief Masterclass: https://ibsdietitian.com/masterclass
📋 Free Symptom Tracker – Start tracking your symptoms today: https://poopedia.org/resources
🔗 Download your FREE Low FODMAP Starter Guide (grocery list, meal plan, and food swaps): https://ibsdietitian.com/resources/