Dr. Iris Wang of the Mayo Clinic shares cutting-edge insights on gut health across the lifespan, including advancements in pharmacogenomics for personalized medication selection and innovative breathing techniques to relieve abdominal distension. She busts common myths about bloating, revealing how diaphragmatic dysfunction rather than excess gas may be the culprit. Dr. Wang also emphasizes the importance of starting gut health education early, helping kids and parents alike understand that pooping shouldn't be painful or forced. 

• How pharmacogenomics helps identify why some patients metabolize medications differently, leading to better medication choices with exploration on the hope and/or hype of precision medicine in the GI world (Wang et al 2019)

• Explanation of abdomino-phrenic dyssynergia (APD) – when the diaphragm moves downward instead of upward, causing visible abdominal distention

• Specialized breathing technique developed in Barcelona that retrain the diaphragm for bloating relief (Barba E et al 2024) - see video link below

• The importance of normalizing healthy pooping habits from childhood through education & tools like toileting stools (e.g. Squatty Potty)

• Warning signs for parents about childhood constipation – including stool leakage, straining, & urinary problems (Tran DL et al 2023)

• How yoga can support gut health through mindful movement, core engagement, & stress reduction

Yoga videos:

Yoga For Digestion Flow| Yoga With Adriene (26 mins)

Yoga for Bloating, Digestion, Ulcerative Colitis, IBD & IBS (12 mins)

Check out Dr. Wang's children's book Boo Can't Poo, which helps normalize healthy pooping habits for kids while educating parents too.

References:

Wang XJ, Camilleri M. Personalized medicine in functional gastrointestinal disorders: Understanding pathogenesis to increase diagnostic and treatment efficacy. World J Gastroenterol. 2019 Mar 14;25(10):1185-1196.

Barba E, Livovsky DM, Accarino A, Azpiroz F. Thoracoabdominal Wall Motion-Guided Biofeedback Treatment of Abdominal Distention: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial. Gastroenterology. 2024;167(3):538-546.e1.

Specialized breathing technique for abdominal distention: Video Demonstration

Tran DL, Sintusek P. Functional constipation in children: What physicians should know. World J Gastroenterol. 2023 Feb 28;29(8):1261-1288.

Learn more about Kate and Dr. Riehl:

Website: www.katescarlata.com and www.drriehl.com
Instagram: @katescarlata @drriehl and @theguthealthpodcast

Order Kate and Dr. Riehl's book, Mind Your Gut: The Science-Based, Whole-body Guide to Living Well with IBS.

The information included in this podcast is not a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider before starting any new treatment or making changes to existing treatment.