IBS Freedom Podcast

The Final Episode: Closing IBS Freedom After 230 Episodes

In the last episode of the IBS Freedom Podcast, hosts Nikki and Amy reflect on nearly six years and 230 episodes since launching in October 2020 after connecting in August 2020. They explain ending the show because they feel they’ve covered core IBS topics and lack bandwidth to continue, especially with a guest-heavy format, while focusing on other projects. They discuss how the podcast improved their clinical work, including Nikki’s shift toward nutrition tracking and recognizing widespread nutrient insufficiencies, and Amy’s deeper understanding of fear, compulsions, and nervous system dysregulation in IBS. They emphasize IBS as a disorder of gut-brain interaction, the need to tolerate discomfort during reintroductions, and the limits of microbiome obsession. They share favorite episodes and memories, invite listener comments, outline where to find them online, mention possible reunion content, and note Nikki’s upcoming 40th birthday.

00:00 Final Episode Welcome
01:01 How The Podcast Began
02:56 Why We Are Wrapping Up
05:15 Growth As Practitioners
07:36 Nutrition Tracking Breakthrough
12:09 Mindset And Food Fear
14:42 Reintroductions And Exposure
21:29 Nervous System Over Microbes
23:57 When Patients Reject Stress Talk
30:44 Hard Truths About Recovery
35:09 Gym Analogy For Healing
37:51 Health Anxiety And ER Emails
39:50 Poop Anxiety Spectrum
40:42 Gut Brain Balance
42:06 Favorite Guest Episodes
45:05 Nutrition Episodes Love
48:10 Undereating Reality Check
51:07 Funniest Podcast Moments
54:31 Reunion Tour Plans
58:09 Future Platforms Shift
59:37 Substack Over Instagram
01:02:02 Book Progress And Grace
01:03:25 Regenerative Work Seasons
01:05:01 Winter After Harvest
01:06:39 Rejecting Hustle Culture
01:08:18 Social Media Burnout
01:12:43 No AI In Practice
01:15:40 Where To Find Us
01:18:25 New Website New Offers
01:23:51 Microbiome Not The Star
01:27:51 Writing A Nervous System Book
01:32:11 Turning 40 And Farewell

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Nikki's Info:
- Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/TriangleHolisticGutHealth
- Instagram: @Gut.Microbiome.Queen
- FODMAP Freedom in 90 Days: https://www.fodmapfreedom.com/enroll
- Private Appts: https://infinityholistichealth.com/

Amy's Info:
- Practice: https://sibodiaries.com/
- Instagram: @Amy_Hollenkamp_RD

In this episode of the IBS Freedom Podcast, hosts Amy and Nikki explore how the internet - from social media and Reddit threads to Google, YouTube, and AI tools - can unintentionally keep people stuck in fear, urgency, and over-research. They reflect on how screen time has shifted from a more communal experience into something much more isolated and compulsive, and how that disconnection can be especially hard on people dealing with IBS, SIBO, gut symptoms, health anxiety, or nervous system dysregulation.

Amy and Nikki caution against using the internet as a constant symptom-solving tool, explaining how researching every flare, reading disease-specific forums, or asking AI to “figure out” your gut health can reinforce the belief that your body is unsafe. While they acknowledge that AI can be useful for simple support tasks, like meal planning or preparing questions for a doctor, they emphasize that real progress usually comes from stepping away from the noise, unfollowing symptom-focused content, limiting screen time, rebuilding real-life connection, and taking consistent action on the basics.

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Be sure to LIKE it and SUBSCRIBE :)

Nikki's Info:
- Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/TriangleHolisticGutHealth
- Instagram: @Gut.Microbiome.Queen
- FODMAP Freedom in 90 Days: https://www.fodmapfreedom.com/enroll
- Private Appts: https://infinityholistichealth.com/

Amy's Info:
- Practice: https://sibodiaries.com/
- Instagram: @Amy_Hollenkamp_RD

In this episode of IBS Freedom Podcast, Nikki and Amy sit down with somatic coach Mitch Webb to explore the powerful connection between the nervous system, chronic digestive symptoms, and the pursuit of “perfect” health. Mitch shares his personal journey through IBS, food sensitivities, restrictive diets, biohacking, and wellness obsession, explaining how his relentless search for the perfect protocol ultimately kept him stuck. Together, they discuss how symptom tracking, health anxiety, and constant attempts to control the body can reinforce nervous system dysregulation rather than resolve it. The conversation dives into neuroplasticity, somatic healing, emotional awareness, and why focusing on symptoms may actually strengthen the very patterns people are trying to overcome.

The discussion also challenges common messages found in the wellness and functional medicine spaces, emphasizing resilience over perfection and capacity over symptom elimination. Mitch explains why healing often comes from learning to tolerate uncertainty, respond differently to discomfort, and gradually re-engage with life—even when symptoms are present. Listeners will learn practical insights about nervous system regulation, self-compassion, compulsive symptom-checking, food fears, and the importance of building a life centered around values rather than symptoms. The episode offers a refreshing perspective for anyone struggling with IBS, SIBO, health anxiety, or chronic symptoms who feels trapped in an endless cycle of searching for the next diet, supplement, or solution.

Love this episode?
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Nikki's Info:
- Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/TriangleHolisticGutHealth
- Instagram: @Gut.Microbiome.Queen
- FODMAP Freedom in 90 Days: https://www.fodmapfreedom.com/enroll
- Private Appts: https://infinityholistichealth.com/

Amy's Info:
- Practice: https://sibodiaries.com/
- Instagram: @Amy_Hollenkamp_RD

Nikki and Amy continue their parasites discussion with a warning for listeners prone to health anxiety, then Amy shares a raccoon-latrine scare after finding raccoon poop in a window well and researching raccoon roundworm risk, noting severe illness is rare and typically requires ingestion, with exposure and parasite load affecting symptom likelihood. They discuss how everyday life with pets and kids increases exposure, the hygiene hypothesis, and microbiome changes with travel and traditional lifestyles. 

The hosts emphasize that many parasite infections are asymptomatic, that PCR-based stool tests may be overly sensitive, yield false positives, and sometimes misidentify organisms, and that parasite load seen on microscopy may better correlate with symptoms. They criticize indiscriminate functional testing and prolonged supplement “cleanses,” recommend CDC-based evaluation, and suggest short conventional treatments (e.g., albendazole) when appropriate; they also cover pinworms’ typical symptoms and tape testing.

00:00 Parasites Part Two Begins
01:22 Raccoon Latrine Scare
04:07 Roundworm Risk Reality Check
06:45 Kids Pets and Poop Exposure
10:04 Hygiene Hypothesis and Microbes
12:07 Tribal Microbiome Stories
16:41 Parasites Nuance and Fear
21:45 Testing Pitfalls and PCR
30:18 When to Treat and Move On
31:27 Worms Load and IBS Symptoms
32:57 Symptoms Are Rare
34:51 Parasite Cleanse Pitfalls
35:09 Four Month Horror Story
38:10 Herbs Versus Prescriptions
41:02 GI Map Reliability Issues
43:34 Parasite Testing Red Flags
46:22 Pinworms In Kids
49:50 Worms And IBS Evidence
53:24 Microbiome And Worm Synergy
59:37 Prevention And Wrap Up

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Nikki's Info:
- Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/TriangleHolisticGutHealth
- Instagram: @Gut.Microbiome.Queen
- FODMAP Freedom in 90 Days: https://www.fodmapfreedom.com/enroll
- Private Appts: https://infinityholistichealth.com/

Amy's Info:
- Practice: https://sibodiaries.com/
- Instagram: @Amy_Hollenkamp_RD

After 226 episodes, Amy and Nikki finally tackle parasites, noting the “ick” factor and fecal–oral transmission taboo, and explaining why they’ve avoided a messy topic polarized between holistic claims (everyone has parasites and needs cleanses) and conventional under-testing. They argue stool-test findings can be incidental, advise treating a suspected parasite once or twice but reassessing if symptoms don’t improve, and criticize expensive, extreme protocols and test over-interpretation (including skepticism about GI-MAP accuracy). 

They discuss post-infectious IBS research suggesting higher rates after parasitic infections than bacterial gastroenteritis, proposing mechanisms like dysbiosis, leaky gut, and unresolved inflammation rather than chronic infection. They cover Blastocystis hominis as controversial (17 subtypes; sometimes linked to diversity; symptoms and treatment effects vary; one study favored Saccharomyces boulardii over metronidazole), then review Giardia and Cryptosporidium transmission patterns and risks, ending with a tease for a worms-and-testing follow-up episode.

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Be sure to LIKE it and SUBSCRIBE :)

Nikki's Info:
- Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/TriangleHolisticGutHealth
- Instagram: @Gut.Microbiome.Queen
- FODMAP Freedom in 90 Days: https://www.fodmapfreedom.com/enroll
- Private Appts: https://infinityholistichealth.com/

Amy's Info:
- Practice: https://sibodiaries.com/
- Instagram: @Amy_Hollenkamp_RD

Nikki and Amy discuss how increasing food intake can feel overwhelming for people who struggle with gut issues, especially after a period of underfueling. It describes working with a patient who averaged about 1300 calories per day but likely needed at least 2000 calories based on activity level; they were only able to increase her intake to about 1800. The speaker notes that a 700-calorie increase can feel like a lot, and that the gut may need time to adjust, making progress feel like an uphill battle until consistent intake is maintained and symptoms improve.

Love this episode?
Be sure to LIKE it and SUBSCRIBE :)

Nikki's Info:
- Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/TriangleHolisticGutHealth
- Instagram: @Gut.Microbiome.Queen
- FODMAP Freedom in 90 Days: https://www.fodmapfreedom.com/enroll
- Private Appts: https://infinityholistichealth.com/

Amy's Info:
- Practice: https://sibodiaries.com/
- Instagram: @Amy_Hollenkamp_RD

Vitamin E for IBS: Food Sources, Deficiency Rates, and Gut Barrier Benefits

On the IBS Freedom Podcast, Amy and Nikki discuss vitamin E in their single-nutrient series, opening with jokes and then covering practical food sources such as wheat germ, sunflower seeds, almonds, hazelnuts, peanuts, and various seed oils, while noting wheat avoidance and gluten-free diets can make intake harder.

00:00 Vitamin E Kickoff Joke
01:50 Real Food Sources
02:49 Wheat Germ Mishap
05:45 Seed Oils Debate
07:59 How Common Deficiency Is
10:27 IBS and IBD Evidence
15:21 Limits of Nutrition Research
21:25 What Vitamin E Does
24:04 Deficiency Signs and Fertility
27:13 Nutrient Interactions
28:53 Vitamin E Supplement Risks
31:11 Goldilocks Dosing Principle
36:53 Vitamin D Toxicity Caution
38:59 Who Should Supplement Vitamin E
43:45 Food Sources and Palm Oil
46:05 RDA and PUFA Ratio Debate
51:07 Vitamin E and Gut Microbiome
54:47 Final Summary and Wrap Up

Love this episode?
Be sure to LIKE it and SUBSCRIBE :)

Nikki's Info:
- Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/TriangleHolisticGutHealth
- Instagram: @Gut.Microbiome.Queen
- FODMAP Freedom in 90 Days: https://www.fodmapfreedom.com/enroll
- Private Appts: https://infinityholistichealth.com/

Amy's Info:
- Practice: https://sibodiaries.com/
- Instagram: @Amy_Hollenkamp_RD

Nitric Oxide, Dietary Nitrates, and Gut Health (IBS Freedom Podcast with Cathy Eason)

Nikki and Amy host Cathy Eason, a functional nutritional therapy practitioner with over 20 years of experience, autoimmune specialist, and Chief Science Officer at Berkeley Life, to discuss the role of nitric oxide in gut health and overall physiology. 

00:00 Welcome Back + Meet Kathy (Functional Medicine & Berkeley Life)
01:16 A Nitric Oxide Horror Story: The ‘Nitric Balance’ Flush
04:49 Nitric Oxide 101: What It Is, Why It Matters for Blood Flow & Gut Health
12:40 Why NO Runs Low: Enzymes, Nutrient Cofactors, Aging & Oxidative Stress
14:34 The Nitrate-to-NO Pathway: Oral Microbiome, Chewing & Stomach Acid (PPIs)
18:33 Gut Payoffs: Motility, Barrier Repair, SIBO Risk & Why Diversity Beats Restriction
26:00 Beyond Food: Trauma, Vagus Nerve, Nasal Breathing & Nervous System Balance
31:31 Morning nitric oxide boost: grounding, sunlight & nasal breathing
32:04 Mitochondria, energy, and why dietary nitrates matter for fatigue
33:08 Weight balance & the 'unsexy basics' (moderate habits over overtraining)
34:48 Food first: why a multivitamin can’t replace nitrates & polyphenols
38:07 Supplement overload & the psychology of feeling 'broken'
41:38 Smart off-ramps: using supplements strategically (and when to stop)
43:23 Long-game heart health: aging, blood flow, and monitoring BP/pulse
48:17 Bridging restricted diets: parallels with butyrate + nitrate support
50:45 Protect your oral microbiome: mouthwash, smoking, and tongue scraping
55:10 Closing Q&A setup + practical starting steps & Berkeley Life resources

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Be sure to LIKE it and SUBSCRIBE :)

Nikki's Info:
- Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/TriangleHolisticGutHealth
- Instagram: @Gut.Microbiome.Queen
- FODMAP Freedom in 90 Days: https://www.fodmapfreedom.com/enroll
- Private Appts: https://infinityholistichealth.com/

Amy's Info:
- Practice: https://sibodiaries.com/
- Instagram: @Amy_Hollenkamp_RD

In this episode of the IBS Freedom Podcast, Nikki and Amy transition from discussing water-soluble vitamins to exploring the world of fat-soluble vitamins, starting with Vitamin A. They delve into the underappreciated role of Vitamin A in gut health, its synergy with other nutrients, and its widespread deficiency within the population. The hosts also discuss signs of Vitamin A deficiency, its sources in food, and the importance of a balanced intake of fat-soluble vitamins. 

Practical tips on enhancing dietary Vitamin A and cautionary notes about supplementation are provided. Additionally, Nikki shares a humorous story about an encounter with a multi-level marketing company pitching a photonic scanner measuring carotenoids. Tune in for an insightful conversation on why Vitamin A deserves more attention in your diet.

00:00 Introduction to Fat-Soluble Vitamins
00:30 The Importance of Vitamin A
01:03 Clinical Observations and Deficiency Risks
04:22 Safety Warnings and Supplementation
05:48 Beta-Carotene vs. Retinol
08:10 Absorption and Bioavailability
10:57 Personal Experiences and Genetic Factors
14:59 Vitamin A Deficiency Symptoms
19:08 Interactions with Other Nutrients
35:08 Vitamin A Deficiency and Iron Intake
35:51 The Importance of Iron for Taller Women
37:20 Vitamin A and Gut Health
38:11 Vitamin A's Role in Immune Function
43:39 Nutritional Status and Microbial Regulation
45:53 Vitamin A Deficiency and GI Infections
51:46 Digestive Function and Vitamin A Absorption
56:40 Sources of Vitamin A in Food
59:10 A Funny Story About Carotenoid Scanners
01:05:49 Conclusion and Next Episode Teaser

Love this episode?
Be sure to LIKE it and SUBSCRIBE :)

Nikki's Info:
- Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/TriangleHolisticGutHealth
- Instagram: @Gut.Microbiome.Queen
- FODMAP Freedom in 90 Days: https://www.fodmapfreedom.com/enroll
- Private Appts: https://infinityholistichealth.com/

Amy's Info:
- Practice: https://sibodiaries.com/
- Instagram: @Amy_Hollenkamp_RD

In this episode, Amy and Nikki discuss the impact of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) on gut health, specifically focusing on their relation to the development of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). They cover what PPIs are, common brands, and why they are prescribed. The conversation highlights the controversy surrounding PPIs, noting that while they can be necessary for certain conditions like gastritis and esophagitis, they are often overprescribed or used inappropriately, leading to various health risks. 

They emphasize the importance of gradual tapering off PPIs to avoid rebound reflux and discuss the potential for PPIs to cause dysbiosis in the small intestine. They also mention strategies for mitigating the negative effects of PPIs, such as probiotics and prokinetics, and underline the importance of balancing the benefits and risks of these medications.

00:00 Welcome Back and New Year Greetings
00:19 Introduction to PPIs
02:23 Controversies and Risks of PPIs
03:32 PPIs and IBS Connection
05:29 Proper Use and Tapering Off PPIs
09:49 Prevalence and Impact of PPI Use
11:38 Understanding Stomach Acid and Microbiome
15:37 Microbiology and Real-World Applications
19:09 Understanding Stomach pH and PPIs
19:43 Impact of PPIs on the Microbiome
20:47 Studies Linking PPIs to IBS
25:14 Mitigation Strategies for PPI-Induced IBS
31:18 Realistic Expectations for Managing IBS and Autoimmunity
35:46 Concluding Thoughts and Future Topics

Love this episode?
Be sure to LIKE it and SUBSCRIBE :)

Nikki's Info:
- Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/TriangleHolisticGutHealth
- Instagram: @Gut.Microbiome.Queen
- FODMAP Freedom in 90 Days: https://www.fodmapfreedom.com/enroll
- Private Appts: https://infinityholistichealth.com/

Amy's Info:
- Practice: https://sibodiaries.com/
- Instagram: @Amy_Hollenkamp_RD