The Gastro Girl Podcast

Do you ever feel like nothing you do is  ever  good enough? Like you're constantly chasing an impossible standard, carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders? You're not alone—and perfectionism could be taking a serious toll on more than just your mind. We're thrilled to welcome back our dear friend, Dr. Tara Cousineau, to explore this very topic and discuss her latest book,  The Perfectio...

Join Jacqueline Gaulin as she breaks down the latest news, expert insights, and myth-busting facts—quick, unfiltered, and straight to the point. This week, we're diving into the Ask Gastro Girl App—your AI-powered digestive health coach, now available on the Apple App Store and Google Play. Get expert knowledge, personalized support, and exclusive premium content—all evidence-based and patient-foc...

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Ilaria Montagnani, a trailblazer in the fitness world, to explore her remarkable journey of resilience, healing, and self-discovery. From battling cancer to redefining strength beyond the gym, Ilaria shares powerful insights on the mind-body connection, the role of movement in recovery, and how wellness can be a source of empowerment. Her story is a test...

Living with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) presents unique challenges, but it doesn't have to define your life. In this episode, we're joined by Jessie Wong, MAcc, RDN, LD—an IBS expert and Monash FODMAP Certified Dietitian—who has guided countless individuals toward effective symptom management and improved quality of life. Through evidence-based diet and lifestyle strategies, Jessie shares pract...

Navigating pregnancy can be a challenge on its own, but for those with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), there are additional factors to consider. From fertility to pregnancy complications, managing IBD throughout this journey is crucial. How do these issues affect both women and men with IBD? We spoke to an expert to find out. In this episode,  Dr. Sunanda Kane, MD, FACG , a world-renowned gastro...

Colorectal cancer is striking young adults at an alarming rate, with a surge in metastatic (Stage 4) cases that defies expectations. Why is this happening, and what can young adults do to protect themselves? In this urgent and eye-opening episode, Dr. Kimmie Ng, a world-renowned expert and Director of the Young-Onset Colorectal Cancer Center at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, breaks down the latest...

Are eczema, asthma, and Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE) connected? Parents often notice their children experiencing symptoms of more than one condition, but what's the link? In this episode, pediatric gastroenterologist Dr. Sophia Patel from the Cleveland Clinic explains the relationship between these conditions, how to recognize the symptoms of EoE, and why early diagnosis matters. Learn what sign...

The food we eat has a powerful impact on our gut health, but with so much conflicting information—from fad diets to social media influencers—it's hard to separate fact from fiction. That's why we turned to a trusted expert to break it all down. In this episode, we're joined by  Dr. Will Bulsiewicz , also known as Dr. B (@guthealthMD), a board-certified gastroenterologist, gut health expert, and Ne...

Managing IBS-C can be challenging, with symptoms that vary greatly from patient to patient. Personalizing treatment is essential for achieving the best outcomes, but how can providers effectively tailor care? In this episode, we're joined by Dr. Bryan Curtin, Director of The Center for Neurogastroenterology and GI Motility at The Melissa L. Posner Institute for Digestive Health & Liver Disease at...

In the final installment of our EoE FAQ series, Dr. Pooja Singhal discusses the critical role of endoscopy in diagnosing and managing Eosinophilic Esophagitis. Learn why this procedure is essential for identifying EoE and other digestive conditions, what to expect during an endoscopy, and what healthcare providers are looking for. Dr. Singhal also explains the importance of follow-up endoscopies i...

In Part 2 of our EoE FAQ series, Dr. Pooja Singhal answers your top questions about medications for managing Eosinophilic Esophagitis. What are proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), steroids, and biologics? How do these medications work, and how can they help alleviate EoE symptoms? Dr. Singhal also highlights the importance of a collaborative process between patients and healthcare providers in selectin...

We've received so many questions about Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE) that we're bringing you a special 3-part FAQ series with one of the top experts in the field, Dr. Pooja Singhal, a leading gastroenterologist and founder of Oklahoma Gastro Health and Wellness. In this episode, Dr. Singhal breaks down why EoE is often mistaken for a common food allergy, the key differences between the two, and t...

Diagnosing IBS-C can be a complex process, often leaving patients and healthcare providers searching for clarity. In this episode, we're joined by Dr. Kyle Staller, Gastroenterologist and Neurogastroenterologist at Mass General, to explore the intricacies of diagnosing IBS-C. Dr. Staller sheds light on the challenges and misconceptions surrounding this condition, the vital role of the brain-gut co...

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...

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 fo...

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 digesti...

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 Can...

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 expe...

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,...

In this episode, we're discussing a new FDA-cleared treatment for chronic idiopathic constipation, the Vibrant Capsule. Chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) is a long-term condition characterized by infrequent, difficult, or incomplete bowel movements with no identifiable cause. CIC can significantly impact quality of life, and traditional treatments don't always work. Joining us is Dr. Monia Wer...

In this episode, we discuss the science around what some call leaky gut syndrome and get an evidence-based understanding of why "leaky gut" is a colloquial term that refers to increased intestinal permeability, which causes or occurs in some gastrointestinal conditions. This episode features Dr. Trisha Pasricha, a gastroenterologist at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and an instructor of medi...

Struggling with Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation (IBS-C) but feel like your doctor or healthcare provider isn't getting the full picture? This episode could change your life. We're joined by Jaime Ackerman, a Physician Assistant at Atlanta Gastro, who's on a mission to revolutionize how patients and providers talk about IBS.  In this episode you'll learn about the exact symptoms your hea...

Lori Plung is an IBD Patient Advocate who was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease at a young age, and later Short Bowel Syndrome (SBS), a condition where a person's small intestine is damaged or partially missing. Lori joins us to share her patient journey, how her quality of life has improved since her diagnosis, and offers advice for those living with SBS and their loved ones. Lori also shares a mess...

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....

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 ingredi...