Gastro Girl

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 of the ACG’s newly updated guidelines for diagnosing and treating H. pylori, Dr. Chey discusses:  

Why the updated guidelines matter and what they mean for patients.  

How H. pylori is diagnosed and the latest best practices.  

Treatment advancements and what patients should know.  

The role of lifestyle and nutrition in managing this infection.  

This episode provides essential insights for anyone facing an H. pylori diagnosis or undergoing treatment, empowering you with knowledge to take control of your digestive health journey.

This episode is presented in collaboration with the American College of Gastroenterology’s Patient Care Committee.

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 for patients to communicate specific symptoms with their healthcare provider and how diet, exercise, and stress management can play a significant role in managing IBS-C. Tune in for practical tips and expert advice on taking control of IBS-C. This episode is brought to you with support from Ardelyx.

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 digestive health, including C. difficile infection and fecal transplant therapies. In this episode, Dr. Stollman helps us cut through the hype around probiotics, taking a closer look at what they do, who might benefit, and whether they live up to their reputation. Tune in to discover the real deal on probiotics and your gut health.

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 Cancers Alliance team up to raise awareness about the link between HPV and anal cancer, promote preventative care, and dismantle the stigma surrounding this condition. Don’t miss this powerful conversation that could change how we approach anal cancer awareness.

This episode is brought to you in collaboration with the American College of Gastroenterology’s Patient Care Committee.

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 expert offers unique insights into how they would approach these challenging cases, providing valuable guidance for healthcare professionals. Tune in for this special roundtable discussion, brought to you by Ardelyx.

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, and the latest research and treatment options for EoE. Don’t miss this insightful discussion on how to manage this complex condition. This episode is sponsored by Sanofi Regeneron.

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 Werlang, a South Carolina-based gastroenterologist, and her patient, Misty, a healthcare professional. Misty has been using the Vibrant Capsule, a drug-free treatment that uses micro-vibrations to help regulate bowel movements.

Hear firsthand how this innovative solution works, Misty’s personal experience, and the improvements in her quality of life since starting the treatment. Whether you or a loved one are exploring new options for treating CIC, this episode offers valuable insights into a breakthrough approach.

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 medicine at Harvard Medical School whose work has been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post and The Atlantic. Dr. Pasricha provides expert insight on the differences between what is conveyed on social media about leaky gut, versus how the medical community views leaky gut, and whether or not leaky gut syndrome is even a recognized medical condition in gastroenterology.

This episode is brought to in partnership with The American College of Gastroenterology’s Patient Care Committee.

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 healthcare provider needs to hear about (hint: it's not just frequency); why your constipation experience is unique - and how to communicate that effectively; and why a simple but game-changing tool for tracking your symptoms is key.

Jaime shares eye-opening insights from her patients' struggles and offers a fresh perspective on managing IBS-C. You'll learn how to become your own best health advocate and the power of shared decision for achieving symptom relief.

Whether you're a long-time IBS-C sufferer or newly diagnosed, this episode provides actionable strategies to transform your next doctor's visit.

This episode is brought to you by Ardelyx.

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 message of hope for anyone who’s diagnosed with a life altering condition. This episode is brought to you by Ironwood Pharmaceuticals.