The Gut Show

Happy Holidays! This is such an exciting time of the year, and I really want to dedicate this episode to answer all your questions about surviving the holidays. Whether you celebrate the holidays or not, these are great tips to incorporate at any gathering. During this episode, I talk about why IBS symptoms get worse during the holidays, how to cope with the fear of symptoms flaring during the hol...

Dealing with IBS and other chronic gut issues can be debilitating and isolating. These feelings can be made even worse when you have family and friends who may think you are overreacting!  As we are nearing the holidays, today's conversation is timely as you begin to spend more time with family and friends who may undermine the severity of your IBS pain and symptoms. During this episode, I talk ab...

I get asked this all the time! "Are my migraines connected to my IBS or other digestive disorders?" The short answer is not directly, but possibly indirectly, which I know is confusing, but don't worry, I explain what I mean in this episode.  During the episode, I share the definition of migraines, how having a migraine may trigger a GI symptom and how to deal with migraines next time you're infli...

As a medical professional in the IBS space, something I'm really passionate about is the idea of Holistic Management of IBS and all digestive disorders. A lot of times, I think people don't fully understand what Holistic Management really means, and this can cause a lot of confusion, mistrust, and misinformation. During this episode, I talk about what a holistic approach to health actually means,...

The short answer is not really, but naturally, there is a longer, more complex answer. We all know that IBS is a very complex disorder, and its pathological cause is not known which makes it harder to treat. However, despite there not being one clear path of treatment, there are different ways to help patients facing this chronic gut issue. During this episode, I explain why IBS is hard to treat,...

The question that I get asked often from clients, that truly breaks my heart is, "is my body broken because of my IBS?" The short answer is no. The long answer is there's something very real that's going on and that is going wrong in your body, but the good news is that it can be managed.  During this episode, I explain why your body may feel "broken", the pathology and its impact on your gut-brai...

What does it mean when you feel like your poop is stuck? Either you need to go, but it's not coming out OR you are going, but it seems there is more that needs to come out. You might think that eating more fiber or drinking more water will do the trick, BUT in this episode, we discuss the three main reasons your poop might feel stuck … and what you can do about it! If you need help walking through...

Do you struggle to manage your IBS while traveling? If so, this episode is for you! I'll share tips and tricks to manage IBS while traveling AND I'm going to walk you through my personal support kit too. You may not realize that setting yourself up for success starts with a pre-travel routine that reduces stress and overwhelm.  We'll move from organizing your pre-travel days to your actual travel...

Nausea is not necessarily an IBS symptom but it is something that many with IBS deal with, and by extension attribute to their gut issues.  During this episode, I explain why nausea is not necessarily a symptom of IBS but can instead be attributed to other factors in our life. I explain the relationship between anxiety, chronic pain, poor nutrition and other issues that can show up as nausea in ou...

Can gut health impact mental health? The short answer is yes! During this episode I cover everything you need to know about the gut brain connection and why this impacts your day to day life. I share how gut health impacts things like your central nervous system, the impact of stress and gut issues, why depression and anxiety can be rooted in your gut and why a happy gut leads to a happy self! In...

If you're menstruating and wondering why your poop is different during your period, this episode is for you! If you're still learning about your cycle, that's ok too! Consider this additional education.  In today's episode, I'll share how hormone shifts during your menstrual cycle cause changes in your poop throughout the month. We'll even discuss how changes in our habits, based on how we feel, c...

Welcome to this bonus episode of the Gut Show! We're covering what the color of your poop actually means. During the show, I talk about what your poop actually is and what it contains, the importance and impact of bile, and finally what all the colors are trying to say about your poop.  It's really helpful to take the time to look back at the poop before you flush the toilet and to see what might...

Welcome to Season Four of The Gut Show podcast! Today, we're talking about what makes poop "normal" and what poop is actually made of. I'll share how it is made in the body starting with the food you eat and then moving through the digestive processes, including the small and large intestines before you eliminate it from your body.  We'll also touch on what makes poop brown and what can cause an i...

We're wrapping up the season with one final episode! During this season I had the opportunity to talk to some amazing experts who specialize in gut health, who have helped me open my eyes to new perspectives and the way gut issues are treated across the region.   In today's episode, I really wanted to take a step back and start at the beginning, and really share with you my own story and why I fee...

There's a growing trend in the fitness industry regarding the way people view physical exercise. Movement is a mental health tool that helps people to connect mindfully to health and wellness without needing to focus on vanity metrics like weight loss.   In today's episode, my guest is Barb Puzanovova ,  a non-diet trainer who is focused on inspiring people to rethink their relationship with exerc...

Within the functional space of IBS, doctors visits tend to be really tense, and they tend to be filled with more negativity than positivity for patients and their experiences. One really big point of concern within the IBS community is the the relationship between GI provider and patient when dealing with digestive disorders like IBS and IBD. Getting help seems like a massive task, and accessing p...

Oftentimes the word IBS and IBD are thrown out there interchangeably with no real context or understanding. In reality, while there are many similarities between the two, there are also differences, and this extends to the way IBS and IBD are treated.     In today's episode, I am talking to Neha Shah, a registered dietician, a certified nutrition support clinician, and a certified health education...

Many doctors and experts recommend those suffering with IBS and other gut disorders to adopt a low FODMAP diet. These diets are often restrictive and lack a lot of flavour which many people find difficult to deal with. However, as more research goes into IBS there are warriors out there making diet a little more manageable.    In today's episode, I am talking to special guest Ketan Vakil, fellow I...

There is a complex relationship between disordered eating, eating disorders and digestive disorders. It is important that these conversations happen in the GI space, and as health care providers we need to be cautious of how we are helping patients who are navigating care in this space, to prevent disordered eating patterns that can harm them further.    In today's episode we have special guest Be...

One aspect of IBS that isn't often talked about is weight gain and weight loss. In general, resources and support for weight management while dealing with IBS is about as non-existent as support for IBS in mainstream healthcare. That doesn't mean the help doesn't exist, it's just harder to find. However, today's guest is an expert in helping her clients approach healthcare from a weight-neutral pe...

Let's talk about sex baby and all the uncomfortable feelings that might arise when you suffer from digestive issues or IBS. It's not fun and can be a topic that a lot of people feel shame talking about.   In today's episode, I am talking to  Dr. Kelly Peterson. Kelly is a Doctor of Physical Therapy that specializes in pelvic visceral and orthopedic physical therapy. Amongst other things, Kelly is...

Food insecurity does not only impact people who struggle to access food, it can also impact those on restrictive diets due to GI issues.    In today's episode, I am talking to Kate Scarlata, who is a dietician based in the US with over 30 years of experience. Kate's expertise ranges from GI disorders, food intolerance, and the low FODMAP diet for functional gut disorders. Not only is Kate a leadin...

In today's episode, I am talking to Katie Wilson, co-founder of BelliWelli, a low-FODMAP snack bar company geared towards those with IBS. The former matchmaker turned entrepreneur is on a mission to make life with IBS better and to remind people that Hot Girls Have IBS!   During our conversation, Katie shares her own experience being diagnosed with IBS. She talks about her journey to creating Bell...

IBS and other gastrointestinal issues are already hard enough to deal with, but what happens to the percentage of the population who not only suffer from IBS but are concerned about their fertility or are pregnant?   In today's episode I am talking to Lindsey Davis,  a registered dietician who has been with Innovate for the past year. As part of our practice, she works one to one with clients who...

Unfortunately in America, there are two major factors that prevent many of us from receiving adequate health care - an overburdened medical system and an insurance system that is costly and often exploitative. When faced with these challenges while dealing with a chronic illness it can seem like all hope is lost. However, today's guest is sharing with us everything she knows to help you to practic...