62 - The Chronic Illness Overlap No One is Explaining with Dr Zac Spiritos

62 - The Chronic Illness Overlap No One is Explaining with Dr Zac Spiritos

From Wellness Reality Check by Jessica Aldredge / Ashley Ihemelu

March 10, 2026 · 57 min · Episode 62

About this episode

Dr. Zac Spiritos discusses the complex overlap of chronic conditions and the importance of a holistic approach to health.

In this week's episode of  Wellness Reality Check , we’re joined by  Dr. Zac Spiritos , board-certified neurogastroenterologist and co-founder of EverBetter Medicine, to unpack the complex overlap of chronic conditions that often leave patients feeling dismissed or misunderstood. We dive deep into the  gut-brain-immune connection , exploring how  MCAS (mast cell activation syndrome), POTS (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome), hypermobility, and gut dysmotility  intersect and why these overlapping issues are often treated in isolation. Dr. Spiritos shares insights on why labs can look “normal” while patients are still struggling, how nervous system regulation affects digestion, and the critical role of recognizing patterns across multiple systems for real healing. If you’ve ever felt like your chronic health issues are confusing, invisible, or misdiagnosed, this episode will help you understand what’s really going on in the body and how integrative, whole-person approaches can make a difference. Tune in to learn: How gut health, inflammation, and immune activation are connected to POTS and hypermobility Why patients are often sent from specialist to…

People in this episode

Hosts: Jessica Aldredge, Ashley Ihemelu

Guest: Dr. Zac Spiritos

Topics covered

  • chronic illness
  • gut-brain connection
  • immune system
  • POTS
  • MCAS
  • hypermobility
  • integrative health

Keywords

  • chronic health issues
  • gut health
  • nervous system regulation
  • digestion
  • immune activation
  • POTS
  • MCAS
  • hypermobility

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: EverBetter Medicine

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