IBS Freedom Podcast

In this episode of the IBS Freedom Podcast , hosts Amy and Nikki explore how the internet - from social media and Reddit threads to Google, YouTube, and AI tools - can unintentionally keep people stuck in fear, urgency, and over-research. They reflect on how screen time has shifted from a more communal experience into something much more isolated and compulsive, and how that disconnection can be e...

In this episode of IBS Freedom Podcast , Nikki and Amy sit down with somatic coach Mitch Webb to explore the powerful connection between the nervous system, chronic digestive symptoms, and the pursuit of “perfect” health. Mitch shares his personal journey through IBS, food sensitivities, restrictive diets, biohacking, and wellness obsession, explaining how his relentless search for the perfect pro...

Nikki and Amy continue their parasites discussion with a warning for listeners prone to health anxiety, then Amy shares a raccoon-latrine scare after finding raccoon poop in a window well and researching raccoon roundworm risk, noting severe illness is rare and typically requires ingestion, with exposure and parasite load affecting symptom likelihood. They discuss how everyday life with pets and k...

After 226 episodes, Amy and Nikki finally tackle parasites, noting the “ick” factor and fecal–oral transmission taboo, and explaining why they’ve avoided a messy topic polarized between holistic claims (everyone has parasites and needs cleanses) and conventional under-testing. They argue stool-test findings can be incidental, advise treating a suspected parasite once or twice but reassessing if sy...

Nikki and Amy discuss how increasing food intake can feel overwhelming for people who struggle with gut issues, especially after a period of underfueling. It describes working with a patient who averaged about 1300 calories per day but likely needed at least 2000 calories based on activity level; they were only able to increase her intake to about 1800. The speaker notes that a 700-calorie increas...

Vitamin E for IBS: Food Sources, Deficiency Rates, and Gut Barrier Benefits On the IBS Freedom Podcast, Amy and Nikki discuss vitamin E in their single-nutrient series, opening with jokes and then covering practical food sources such as wheat germ, sunflower seeds, almonds, hazelnuts, peanuts, and various seed oils, while noting wheat avoidance and gluten-free diets can make intake harder. 00:00 V...

Nitric Oxide, Dietary Nitrates, and Gut Health (IBS Freedom Podcast with Cathy Eason) Nikki and Amy host Cathy Eason, a functional nutritional therapy practitioner with over 20 years of experience, autoimmune specialist, and Chief Science Officer at Berkeley Life, to discuss the role of nitric oxide in gut health and overall physiology.  00:00 Welcome Back + Meet Kathy (Functional Medicine & B...

In this episode of the IBS Freedom Podcast, Nikki and Amy transition from discussing water-soluble vitamins to exploring the world of fat-soluble vitamins, starting with Vitamin A. They delve into the underappreciated role of Vitamin A in gut health, its synergy with other nutrients, and its widespread deficiency within the population. The hosts also discuss signs of Vitamin A deficiency, its sour...

In this episode, Amy and Nikki discuss the impact of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) on gut health, specifically focusing on their relation to the development of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). They cover what PPIs are, common brands, and why they are prescribed. The conversation highlights the controversy surrounding PPIs, noting that while they can be necessary for certain conditions like gastriti...

SNP Testing and Genetic Insights: A Deep Dive In this episode of the IBS Freedom Podcast, hosts Nikki and Amy delve into the world of DNA and SNP testing, often used by platforms like 23andMe. They discuss popular genetic markers like M-T-H-F-R and its implications for nutrient absorption and how they have evolved in their clinical practice regarding these tests. They emphasize the often overstate...

In this episode, hosts Nikki & Amy discuss the challenges and experiences of parenthood during the holidays and the New Year. They delve into the difficulties of managing routines with young children and share personal stories from their households. The conversation shifts to setting realistic New Year’s resolutions, particularly focusing on the importance of being compassionate with oneself....

In this episode, hosts Nikki and Amy announce that they will be taking a break for the month of December to enjoy the holiday season and avoid the stress of creating content during this busy time.  They discuss their holiday plans, including Nikki's trip to Buffalo for a snowy Christmas. The hosts emphasize the importance of practicing self-care and not rushing their episodes, promising to re...

In this episode, hosts Nikki and Amy discuss strategies for managing and enjoying the holiday season while dealing with IBS. They share personal experiences and offer practical advice on how to shift from a survival mentality to one of enjoyment and connection. The conversation emphasizes the importance of mindset, self-compassion, and finding joy despite digestive challenges. They also touch on t...

In this episode recorded around Halloween, the hosts discuss the multifaceted benefits of vitamin C for overall health, beyond its well-known role in boosting immunity. They explore its impact on gut health, including its role as an antioxidant, its necessity in collagen synthesis for tissue repair and gut barrier function, and its influence on mitochondrial energy production through carnitine syn...

In the grand finale of the single nutrient series on B vitamins, Amy and Nikki dive deep into cobalamin (Vitamin B12). They discuss interesting facts about B12, its distinct status as the only vitamin containing a mineral, and how it's the largest of the B vitamins. The conversation covers various aspects such as its functions in energy metabolism, neurological health, and oxygen delivery. Th...

In this episode, hosts Amy and Nikki dive into a controversial discussion about folic acid and folate supplements, challenging common beliefs held within the functional medicine community. They explore the role of folate in human health, debunk myths around the MTHFR gene mutation, and emphasize the potential benefits of folic acid.  They discuss various factors that affect folate absorption, such...

In this episode of the IBS Freedom Podcast, Amy and Nikki introduce guest Dave Mayo, a veteran in the health and wellness industry. With over 25 years of experience, Dave has focused on gut health and circadian rhythms, transitioning from his 'Hack Your Gut' site to sharing content on Substack and YouTube. The discussion covers Dave's insights into the pitfalls of modern diet tribes...

In this episode of the IBS Freedom Podcast, Amy and Nikki dive into the multifaceted world of Vitamin B7, or biotin. They explore common misconceptions about biotin, highlighting that it strengthens hair and nails rather than promoting growth. The discussion also uncovers lesser-known benefits such as biotin's role in fatty acid synthesis, blood sugar metabolism, and the gut microbiome. The h...

Unlocking the Secrets of Nervous System Regulation with Eliza Kingsford In this episode of the IBS Freedom Podcast, hosts Amy and Nikki are joined by licensed psychotherapist Eliza Kingsford. They delve into the importance of nervous system regulation in managing health conditions such as IBS. Eliza shares her personal journey and professional insights into how trauma, stress, and emotional health...

In this episode, Nikki & Amy discuss the growing role of AI in various aspects of life, particularly healthcare. They explore the potential benefits and risks of AI tools, stressing the importance of critical thinking and human interaction in evaluating and utilizing AI-derived information. The conversation covers personal anecdotes, the limitations of AI in diagnosing and treating complex hea...

In this episode of the IBS Freedom Podcast, Amy and Nikki welcome special guest Bonnie Roney, a registered dietitian and intuitive eating expert from Diet Culture Rebel. Bonnie shares her personal journey with disordered eating and explains how it led her to become an advocate for intuitive eating and a healthier relationship with food.  The discussion covers the impact of diet culture, restrictiv...

In this episode, Amy and Nikki dive into the significance of Vitamin B6, also known as the magician nutrient. They discuss its critical roles in energy metabolism, neurotransmitter synthesis, immune system function, and more. The talk also covers common deficiencies, populations at higher risk, such as those with malabsorptive conditions, and the elderly. They emphasize the importance of getting n...

Unpacking Disordered Eating and IBS with Kelly Jewel, RDN In this episode of the IBS Freedom Podcast, hosts Amy and Nikki welcome Kelly Jewel, a registered dietician specializing in nutrition therapy for individuals with disordered eating. They dive deep into the distinctions between disordered eating and eating disorders, discussing how disordered eating behaviors can become normalized or problem...

In today's episode, Amy and Nikki take a break from guest episodes to continue their single nutrient series, focusing on the often overlooked vitamin B5, also known as pantothenic acid. They discuss its pivotal role in energy metabolism, gut health, and immune function. Despite common beliefs that deficiencies in B5 are rare, they highlight how certain diets and lifestyles could lead to subcl...

In this engaging episode of the IBS Freedom Podcast, Amy and Nicole welcomes back Dr. Sarah Ballantyne for her second appearance. They delve deep into Dr. Ballantyne's journey from restrictive diets to embracing a nutrient-dense, diverse way of eating called Nutrivore. Discussing the importance of dietary diversity for the gut microbiome and overall health, Dr. Ballantyne shares her transform...