The Gut Health Podcast

What if your mouth could reveal more about your overall health than you realize? Your oral microbiome affects more than the well-being of your teeth and gums, with emerging research linking oral bacteria to  gut health, chronic inflammation, and disease.
Kate and Dr. Riehl sit down with dentist and dental faculty member Dr. Eugene Antenucci to explore the oral-gut connection, the signs of oral health problems you shouldn't ignore, and what your mouth may reveal about your health. From the surprising relationship between gum disease and systemic conditions to practical habits that support a healthier mouth and gut, you'll learn what the science tells us—and what you can do about it.
In this episode, we explore:
The oral-gut connection: What happens to the billions of microbes we swallow every day, and how oral bacteria may influence gut health.
Beyond a bright smile: Why white teeth and an absence of pain don't necessarily mean your mouth is healthy.
The inflammation connection: How gum disease is linked to systemic inflammation, cardiovascular disease risk, and diabetes.
What your mouth can reveal: Oral signs that may point to nutritional deficiencies, celiac disease, diabetes, and other health conditions.
Oral bacteria and colorectal cancer: What emerging research suggests about the relationship.
Oral health and digestive conditions: What people with IBD and celiac disease and those experiencing recurrent canker sores should know.
Everyday habits that make a difference: From brushing and cleaning between your teeth to tongue "raking"  and reducing frequent sugar exposure.
Making the most of dental visits: What a thorough dental exam should include and why preventive care matters.
Your mouth is connected to the rest of your body in ways you may not expect. Tune in to learn how small, consistent changes to your oral care routine can support your overall health.
Enjoying the show? Subscribe, rate, and leave us a review or comment. Follow The Gut Health Podcast on social media and share your thoughts, questions, and experiences with us!
References: 
Campisi G, Di Liberto C, Carroccio A, Compilato D, Iacono G, Procaccini M, Di Fede G, Lo Muzio L, Craxi A, Catassi C, Scully C. Coeliac disease: oral ulcer prevalence, assessment of risk and association with gluten-free diet in children. Dig Liver Dis. 20
Botelho J, Singh S, Varenne B, Rendell N, Harada Y, Proença L, Machado V, Valentim Bitencourt F. Oral health and diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Lancet Public Health. 2026 Aug;11(8):e555-e566.
Baker JL, Mark Welch JL, Kauffman KM, McLean JS, He X. The oral microbiome: diversity, biogeography and human health. Nat Rev Microbiol. 2024 Feb;22(2):89-104.
Pedrazzi V, Sato S, de Mattos Mda G, Lara EH, Panzeri H. Tongue-cleaning methods: a comparative clinical trial employing a toothbrush and a tongue scraper. J Periodontol. 2004 Jul;75(7):1009-12.
Saadeh M, Donohue S, Ailawadi S, Hong G, Johnson DA. Oral microbiome and inflammatory bowel disease: New understanding and call to action. World J Gastroenterol. 2025 Oct 14;31(38):111210.
The Connection Between Oral Health and Heart Health

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.

Your bones aren’t stones, and osteoporosis isn’t just a calcium problem. Bone is living tissue that continuously remodels, and the signals that guide that process may start in an unexpected place: your gut. We dig into the gut–bone axis and the emerging field of osteomicrobiology with Dr. Laura McCabe.
We discuss:
• How bones are living tissue that continuously remodels
• Osteoporosis as a common silent disease—and why fractures are often the first sign. 
• Osteomicrobiology and how the gut–bone axis may influence inflammation, immune signaling, and hormones
• Fiber fermentation and short-chain fatty acids that may support calcium absorption and gut barrier health
• The gut microbiome, vitamin K, and its role in bone mineralization
• Prunes as a whole-food intervention and the evidence behind six prunes per day
• Fermented foods like yogurt and kefir, plus the importance of protein for muscle and bone health
• Menopause, estrogen loss, changes in the gut barrier, and inflammation linked to accelerated bone loss
• Calcium from food first, caution with high-dose supplements, and practical dairy options including lactose-free choices
• Weight-bearing exercise, strength training, and yoga as bone-loading signals and how exercise may also affect the microbiome
• Why people respond differently based on genetics, lifestyle, medications, and steroid exposure
• Where the science is heading, from metabolomics to more personalized nutrition approaches
We hope you’ll share this episode and help spread the word about bone health!
This episode was sponsored by Activia.
References:
De Martinis M, Sirufo MM, Polsinelli M, Placidi G, Di Silvestre D, Ginaldi L. Gender Differences in Osteoporosis: A Single-Center Observational Study. World J Mens Health. 2021 Oct;39(4):750-759.
 
De Souza MJ, Strock NCA, Williams NI, Lee H, Koltun KJ, Rogers C, Ferruzzi MG, Nakatsu CH, Weaver C. Prunes preserve hip bone mineral density in a 12-month randomized controlled trial in postmenopausal women: the Prune Study. Am J Clin Nutr. 2022 Oct 6;11
 
McCabe LR, Irwin R, Schaefer L, Britton RA. Probiotic use decreases intestinal inflammation and increases bone density in healthy male but not female mice. J Cell Physiol. 2013 Aug;228(8):1793-8. 
 
Pang Y, Chen Z, Ju Y, Yang B, Hou J, Zheng S, Li Z, Liu T, Xia H, Xia M, Zhong Y, Li J, Li Z, Jiang X. Association between dietary fiber intake and bone mineral density: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies. Eur J Nutr. 2026 Feb
 
Learn more about our guest, Laura McCabe, PhD

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a comment. 
You can also follow us on social media @TheGutHealthPodcast, where we’d love for you to share your thoughts, questions, and experiences. 

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.

What happens when the stress of being a first responder doesn’t just stay in your head but starts showing up in your gut?
Today, we’re joined by Police Chief Michael Assad Jr. of the Rochester, Massachusetts Police Department for an honest conversation about the often-overlooked connection between first responder stress, gut health, IBS, and nutrition.
From high-pressure calls and long shifts to those unexpected “code brown” moments, chronic stress can take a serious toll on the digestive system. We’ll talk about recognizing those warning signs, why gut health deserves more attention in the first responder community, and how nutrition, stress management and everyday habits can play a role in feeling better and performing at your best.
This is a conversation about stress, resilience, and taking care of the part of your body that may be trying to tell you it’s time to slow down and pay attention.
We share practical ways to build a culture where officers can recover from adrenaline, fuel better on shift, and get support without stigma. 
• why shift work and disrupted routines can trigger IBS symptoms 
• the “SHIT” acronym: shift work, high octane habits, irregular nutrition, tactical stress 
• how energy drinks, dehydration, and gas station food can backfire fast 
• simple leadership moves that normalize wellness and real help seeking 
• fitness incentives, workout on duty, and building a wellness room 
• on scene tools like box breathing and diaphragmatic breathing 
• gentle diet cleanup basics: adjusting caffeine, alcohol, hydration, and fiber, per tolerance
• nicotine pouches and stress habits that can worsen gut symptoms 
• when to see a doctor and what red flags to watch for 
• why a clear diagnosis can lower stress and improve symptoms 

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave us a comment. You can also follow us on social media @TheGutHealthPodcast, where we'd love for you to share your thoughts, questions, and experiences. 
This podcast was sponsored by Ardelyx.
Sorry for Kate’s raspy voice, she’s just getting over a cold! And a big thank-you to Megan for holding down the fort. ❤️
References:
Hartley TA, Violanti JM, Mnatsakanova A, Andrew ME, Burchfiel CM. Military experience and levels of stress and coping in police officers. Int J Emerg Ment Health. 2013;15(4):229-39. PMID: 24707586; PMCID: PMC4734366.
Shin A, Xu H, Imperiale TF. The Prevalence, Humanistic Burden, and Health Care Impact of Irritable Bowel Syndrome Among United States Veterans. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2023 Apr;21(4):1061-1069.e1. doi: 10.1016/j.cgh.2022.08.005. Epub 2022 Aug 11. PMID: 35964894; PMCID: PMC9918609.
Demo of diaphragmatic breathing.

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.

If eating has become a source of fear because of digestive symptoms, you're not alone. For many people living with IBS, IBD, and other GI conditions, repeated eating-related symptom flares create powerful food–symptom associations that make avoiding certain foods feel like the safest choice. Over time, however, this understandable protective response can become restrictive, limiting nutrition, social connection, and overall quality of life.
In this episode, we're joined by digestive health and eating disorder dietitian expert, Janelle Smith, RDN, and GI psychologist Dr. Madison Simons to explore the overlap between gastrointestinal disorders, food fear, and disordered eating.
Together, we explore how fear around eating develops, how healthcare providers tell the difference between healthy caution and fear that's limiting daily life, and how people can gradually rebuild confidence with eating through compassionate, evidence-based care. We also explain why working with a team—including a gastroenterologist, GI dietitian, and GI psychologist—can make all the difference in helping people feel more comfortable with food, expand their diets, and get back to living life more fully.
In this episode, we discuss:
Why progressively restricting foods can worsen fatigue, anxiety, nutrition, and overall quality of life
Why avoiding foods because of GI symptoms can be an adaptive response, your brain is trying to help you, and this isn't inherently "pathological"
How the amygdala, your body's alarm system, and visceral hypersensitivity create powerful food-symptom associations
Signs that food avoidance is no longer serving you and may be driven by fear
How clinicians use open-ended conversations and screening tools to identify disordered eating and ARFID risk
When dietary therapies like the low FODMAP diet are appropriate and when they're not
Least-restrictive nutrition strategies, including gentle food swaps and stepwise reintroduction
Which evidence-based supplements may help manage symptoms without adding unnecessary diet restriction
How exposure ladders, "micro-dosing" feared foods, and coping strategies can reduce anticipatory anxiety
Why reframing symptoms as sensations and separating discomfort from danger is a powerful part of recovery
How a collaborative care team can help people regain confidence, nourish their bodies, and expand their lives—not just their diets.
f you or someone you love has ever felt overwhelmed by food fear because of digestive symptoms, this conversation offers reassurance, practical strategies, and hope. While some dietary changes may be appropriate to manage GI conditions, recovery is about learning to distinguish necessary restrictions from fear-driven avoidance, rebuilding trust in your body, and finding the right support so food can become a source of nourishment and enjoyment again.
This episode has been sponsored by Ardelyx.
Reference:
Simons M, Issokson K. From Food Fears to Food Freedom: How Do We Best Manage Restrictive Eating in Inflammatory Bowel Disease? Crohns Colitis 360. 2025
Scarlata K, Zickgraf HF, Satherley RM, et al. A Call to Action: Unraveling the Nuance of Adapted Eating Behaviors in Individuals With Gastrointestinal Conditions. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2025;23(6):893-901.e2. doi:10.1016/j.cgh.2024.11.010
Riehl ME, Scarlata K. Understanding Disordered Eating Risks in Patients with Gastrointestinal Conditions. J Acad Nutr Diet. 2022;122(3):491-499. doi:10.1016/j.jand.2021.03.001
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.

Gut health trends are everywhere, but which ones deserve a closer look, and which ones need a reality check?
In this episode, we break down the biggest gut health trends getting clicks, likes, and follows online. From our "hard no" to "I'm curious," we share where each trend lands on our hype scale and explain the science, physiology, and gut-brain connection behind our take.
We explore what actually helps symptoms like constipation, bloating, and digestive discomfort without fueling anxiety, wasting money, or creating unnecessary health risks.
From viral wellness trends to evidence-based advice, here's what we're discussing:
Does the viral chia seed "internal shower" actually cleanse your colon or is that just clever marketing?
Are colonics and coffee enemas detox heroes, or do they go against how your gut is designed to work?
Can lemon water and apple cider vinegar really "wake up" your digestion first thing in the morning?
Can a simple self-care routine improve your gut symptoms, even if it doesn't "heal" your digestive system?
Are fermented foods always packed with probiotics or is there more to the story? (Tune in for a revisit of Episode 20!)
Can you make colonoscopy prep more tolerable with "prep mocktails" without interfering with the procedure?
Can you have too much of a good thing? What happens when "fibermaxxing" goes too far?
Are gut-healing protocols and at-home microbiome tests helping you understand your gut or making you more confused and anxious?
Do lactose intolerance patches actually work, or does the science tell a different story?
Are castor oil packs a legitimate digestive therapy?
Whether you're tempted to try the latest gut health hack or just wondering what's worth your attention, this episode will help you separate science from social media. 
Resources:
Chia seeds (Salvia hispanica L.): A therapeutic weapon in metabolic disorders. Food Sci Nutr. 2022 Dec 15;11(1):3-16. doi: 10.1002/fsn3.3035.
Guide to Utilization of the Microbiology Laboratory for Diagnosis of Infectious Diseases: 2024 Update by the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) and the American Society for Microbiology (ASM). Clin Infect Dis. 2024. doi: 10.1093/cid/ciae104.
Fermented Foods via ISAPP
Misselwitz B, Butter M, Verbeke K, Fox MR. Update on lactose malabsorption and intolerance: pathogenesis, diagnosis and clinical management. Gut. 2019 Nov;68(11):2080-2091. doi: 10.1136/gutjnl-2019-318404. Epub 2019 Aug 19. PMID: 31427404; PMCID: PMC6839734.

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.