The Gastro Girl Podcast

If you've tried medications, diet changes, fiber supplements, or other therapies for IBS-C and still aren't feeling better, you're not alone. Many people with irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) feel frustrated when symptoms persist despite treatment. But when treatments don't work, it may be time to take a closer look at what's really going on. In this episode of the Gastro Girl Podcast, Jacqueline Gaulin sits down with Dr. William D. Chey, world-renowned gastroenterologist at the University of Michigan and President of the American College of Gastroenterology, to discuss what patients should do when IBS-C treatments fail. Dr. Chey explains why some patients continue to struggle, what conditions may be overlooked, and how to work with your healthcare provider to develop a more effective plan. In this episode, you'll learn: ✅ Why IBS-C treatments may not always work as expected ✅ When it's time to rethink your diagnosis ✅ The role of pelvic floor dysfunction and other overlooked conditions ✅ Questions to ask your healthcare provider ✅ How to take the next step toward better symptom control ✅ Why you don't have to settle for ongoing symptoms Whether you're newly diagnosed or have been living with IBS-C for years, this episode offers practical insights to help you move forward with confidence. Learn more at GastroGirl.com. This episode is sponsored by Ardelyx.

What exactly is Barrett's esophagus—and how do doctors determine who may be at higher risk? In Part 2 of this 4-part patient education series, leading gastroenterologist and advanced endoscopist Raman Muthusamy explains how Barrett's esophagus develops from chronic GERD and how it's diagnosed and evaluated in clinical practice in the United States. In this episode, you'll learn: ✔️ What Barrett's esophagus is ✔️ How chronic acid reflux can affect the esophagus ✔️ How Barrett's is diagnosed during endoscopy ✔️ How doctors assess risk for progression to cancer ✔️ Why early detection matters ✔️ How GI specialists guide treatment and follow-up care If you or someone you love experiences long-standing heartburn, reflux, or GERD symptoms, this episode provides trusted, expert-backed information to help you better understand Barrett's esophagus and what comes next. This episode is part of a 4-part patient education series sponsored by Castle Biosciences and produced in collaboration with leading U.S. clinicians dedicated to improving outcomes for patients with Barrett's esophagus.

What if your bowel habits aren't as healthy as you think? In this episode of Gastro Girl, we're joined by Dr. Trisha Pasricha, author of You've Been Pooping All Wrong: How to Make Your Bowel Movements a Joy. She breaks down what most people get wrong about bowel movements—and shares simple, science-backed strategies to improve comfort, regularity, and overall digestive health. From daily habits to the brain-gut connection, we explore what truly supports healthy digestion—and when it's time to seek medical advice. In this episode, you'll learn: What actually defines a "normal" bowel movement Why frequency alone doesn't tell the full story How lifestyle factors influence digestion Practical tips for more comfortable, consistent bowel movements Red flags you shouldn't ignore Whether you're dealing with constipation, irregularity, or just want to better understand your gut, this episode offers clear, evidence-based insights you can trust.

Does it fee like food gets stuck when you swallow? Or like swallowing takes more effort than it should? These symptoms are often dismissed—but they may be signs of Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE), a condition that frequently goes undiagnosed for years. In this episode of Gastro Girl, Jacqueline Gaulin sits down with Dr. Neil D. Parikh to break down what these symptoms really mean—and when it's time to take action. In this episode: Why food may feel like it's getting stuck The difference between reflux and something more Early warning signs many people overlook When swallowing problems need medical evaluation How EoE is diagnosed and why timing matters If you've ever adjusted how you eat, avoided certain foods, or felt like swallowing just isn't right—this episode will help you connect the dots. Produced by Gastro Girl, a trusted digestive health education platform and official patient education partner of the American College of Gastroenterology. This educational initiative was developed with support from Takeda.

Colonoscopy is one of the most effective tools for preventing colorectal cancer—but it's not the only screening option. So how do you know when to get screened, which test to choose, and what to do next if results come back abnormal? Colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, yet many people delay screening due to confusion or uncertainty. In this Gastro Girl Podcast episode, developed in collaboration with the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) Patient Care Committee, we're joined by leading gastroenterologist Dr. Aasma Shaukat (NYU Langone Health) and member of the U.S. Multi-Society Task Force on Colorectal Cancer. Dr. Shaukat breaks down colorectal cancer screening in a clear, practical way so you can make informed decisions and take the right next steps with confidence. What you'll learn: When to start colorectal cancer screening—and who should start earlier Why colorectal cancer is rising in younger adults How family history affects your screening plan Colonoscopy vs stool-based tests—what's the difference What abnormal or incomplete results actually mean Why follow-up testing is critical to prevention How to advocate for the care you nee Why this matters: Early detection saves lives. Completing colorectal cancer screening—including follow-up after abnormal results—can prevent cancer before it starts. This episode is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider about your individual care. Explore more trusted digestive health resources: Visit GastroGirl.com or download the Ask Gastro Girl app for evidence-based digestive health guidance you can trust.

Bloating is one of the most common digestive complaints but also one of the most misunderstood. Many people experience frequent bloating without knowing what's causing it, whether it's normal, or when it may signal something more serious. In this episode of the Gastro Girl Podcast, host Jacqueline Gaulin talks with gastroenterologist David J. Cangemi from the Mayo Clinic to unpack the real reasons behind bloating and what your digestive system may be trying to tell you. Together, they discuss: • The difference between occasional bloating and chronic bloating • Common causes including diet, IBS, and gut-brain disorders • How constipation and motility issues contribute to bloating • When bloating may be linked to conditions like IBS, food intolerances, or SIBO • Warning signs that should prompt medical evaluation • Practical, evidence-based strategies to safely reduce bloating If bloating is affecting your daily comfort or quality of life, this episode offers trusted, physician-guided insights to help you better understand your symptoms and know when to seek care. This episode is produced in collaboration with the American College of Gastroenterology Patient Care Committee.

Chronic heartburn and GERD are often brushed off as everyday issues—but for some patients, long-term reflux can quietly progress to Barrett's esophagus, the only known precursor to esophageal cancer. In Part 1 of this 4-part U.S.-focused patient education series, foregut surgeon Dr. Dan Lister, Founder of the Arkansas Heartburn Treatment Center, explains how reflux disease can evolve over time and why early recognition matters. In this episode, you'll learn: How chronic GERD can progress silently Why Barrett's esophagus matters—even when symptoms improve or disappear Key warning signs patients should never ignore How Barrett's is detected and risk is assessed in the U.S. Treatment approaches that may help reduce cancer risk Whether you've lived with reflux for years or are newly diagnosed, this episode provides clear, evidence-based guidance to help you take reflux seriously—and take action. This episode is part of a 4-part patient education series sponsored by Castle Biosciences and produced in collaboration with leading U.S. clinicians dedicated to improving outcomes for patients with Barrett's esophagus.

Fecal incontinence (FI) affects nearly 8% of adults worldwide, yet many people suffer in silence due to embarrassment, confusion, or the belief that nothing can be done. This episode is here to change that. We're joined by Dr. John William Blackett, gastroenterologist and lead author of "Fecal Incontinence in Adults: New Therapies," published in The American Journal of Gastroenterology. Dr. Blackett offers a compassionate, patient-centered overview of FI, including common causes, diagnostic testing, and the full range of treatment options available today—highlighting newer and emerging therapies. If you've experienced unexpected leakage, urgency, staining, or difficulty controlling bowel movements—or if you support someone who has—this conversation provides clarity, reassurance, and practical guidance. Effective treatments exist, and help is available. This episode is produced in collaboration with the American College of Gastroenterology Patient Care Committee.

In this follow-up to one of our most popular episodes, host Jacqueline Gaulin welcomes back Dr. Mark Pimentel, Executive Director of the Medically Associated Science and Technology (MAST) Program at Cedars-Sinai, to dive deeper into the science behind SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) and IMO (Intestinal Methanogen Overgrowth). Dr. Pimentel answers listener questions and explains how these complex conditions relate to IBS-D and IBS-M, why methane and archaea matter for gut health, and how motility and the Migrating Motor Complex (MMC) play a crucial role in prevention and treatment. You'll also learn about the latest insights and therapeutic approaches that can help patients find lasting relief. Produced in collaboration with the American College of Gastroenterology's Patient Care Committee, this evidence-based discussion helps you better understand the "why" behind SIBO and IMO—and what steps you can take toward better gut health.

Starting a new IBS-C treatment can bring a mix of hope and uncertainty. How soon will it work? What if side effects appear? Should you keep going or call your doctor? Host Jacqueline Gaulin sits down with Dr. Brian Lacy, gastroenterologist at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, FL, to answer the real questions patients ask when starting treatment. In this episode, we discuss: • What patients can realistically expect in the first days and weeks of treatment • What "feeling better" truly means for each individual • Common challenges and side effects patients may experience • How to stay encouraged and avoid stopping treatment too soon without consulting your doctor Relief takes time—and you're not alone on this journey. This episode is made possible with support from Ardelyx.

Gravity keeps us grounded—but it also shapes our bodies, minds, and even our gut health in surprising ways. In this fascinating episode, Dr. Brennan Spiegel, Director of Health Services Research at Cedars-Sinai and author of PULL: The Science of Gravity and How It Shapes Our Health and Happiness, joins Jacqueline Gaulin, host of the Gastro Girl Podcast, to explore how gravity influences digestion, mood, metabolism, and mental resilience. Discover what "gravity resilience" means, why astronauts help us understand life on Earth, and how this invisible force could hold the key to living longer, standing stronger, and finding balance in body and mind. You'll learn: • How gravity affects digestion, circulation, and well-being • The surprising link between gravity, depression, and emotional health • Ways to strengthen your "gravity resilience" through movement, nutrition, and mindfulness Listen to more expert insights at GastroGirl.com. Pull is available by visiting Dr. Spiegel's website or wherever books are sold.

What happens when physicians and advanced practice providers (APPs) truly work as a team in managing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)? In this episode, we're joined by Dr. Jennifer Seminerio, Director of Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Associate Professor of Medicine, and Megan Pearce, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, from the AdventHealth IBD Clinic in Orlando, FL. Together, they share how collaborative APP/MD relationships enhance patient trust, streamline care, and support shared decision-making for those living with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. We'll explore: How APP/MD teamwork improves patient experiences Practical tips to get the most out of clinic visits Ways to navigate complex treatment decisions together Dr. Seminerio and Megan also highlight the inaugural AdventHealth Crohn's and Colitis Patient Education Conference, presented by the AdventHealth IBD Program, happening Saturday, October 11, 2025, at the Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld®. This event will bring together patients, caregivers, and experts to share education, support, and community for all impacted by IBD.

What does preventive care really mean for people living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)? In this episode, we break down the latest ACG Clinical Guideline Update: Preventive Care in IBD with two of its lead authors, Dr. Francis Farraye (Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL) and Dr. Freddy Caldera (University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health). Together, we explore: Why preventive care is critical in IBD management Key vaccination recommendations for IBD patients How to prioritize cancer and bone health screening The role of mental health and lifestyle in long-term outcomes Produced in collaboration with the American College of Gastroenterology's Patient Care Committee, this episode offers clear, evidence-based insights for both patients and providers.