In today’s episode of the ICU Podcast, we explore the fascinating connection between gut health and vestibular disorders—and why taking care of your digestive system might be an overlooked piece of your wellness puzzle. What happens in your gut doesn’t always stay in your gut: when the lining of the intestine becomes compromised, it can lead to systemic inflammation, nutrient malabsorption, and an imbalanced microbiome—all of which may influence vestibular symptoms like vertigo, dizziness, and balance issues. The gut is also a major producer of neurotransmitters that affect mood and nervous system balance, and imbalances there could potentially affect how your brain processes vestibular signals. Today, we’ll break down what gut health really means, how it intersects with vestibular function, and practical takeaways you can consider as part of your overall health strategy.

Guest Bios

Leigha Kingsley is an actress, writer, producer, and director. Her acting credits include films starring Will Ferrell and Woody Harrelson, and TV shows like Criminal Minds. She is a champion for female-driven stories, and her scripts have been finalists for Sundance, HBO Project Greenlight, and the New York Television Festival. Leaha has been experiencing Vestibular Migraines for the past year. She is still new to this journey, but one thing she has noticed is that the foods she consumes have a direct correlation with how well her brain and vestibular system operate. 

Carla Alpert, FDN-P, NBC-HWC, FMCHC, is a trauma-informed Board-Certified Health & Wellness Coach and Functional Medicine Practitioner. She focuses on gut health and how it affects overall health because, unlike Las Vegas, what happens in the gut doesn’t always stay in the gut. Symptoms become the way your body tells you there’s an imbalance. Many times, problems that seem unrelated to gastrointestinal health, such as brain fog, fatigue, anxiety, and even skin issues, can stem from an imbalance in the microbiome. Carla supports her clients in uncovering the root cause(s) of digestive problems and other chronic symptoms, restoring overall health and well-being. Her mission as a coach is to help her clients explore and discover solutions to live a life with renewed vitality, radiant health, authenticity, and purpose—without the overwhelm. Learn more about Carla here.