In this episode, Dr. Eric Osansky talks with returning guest Dr. Izabella Wentz about her new book, IBS: Finding and Treating the Root Cause of Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Drawing from both personal experience and clinical insight, Dr. Wentz explains why IBS is often more than just a stress-related diagnosis and how it can serve as an early warning sign of deeper imbalances, including thyroid autoimmunity.

The conversation explores the difference between IBS and inflammatory bowel disease, why some people diagnosed with IBS may actually have celiac disease or IBD, and the many possible root causes behind chronic digestive symptoms. Dr. Wentz discusses food reactions, SIBO, parasites, H. pylori, medications, nutrient deficiencies, thyroid hormone imbalances, stress, and lifestyle factors that can all play a role in gut dysfunction. She also shares why testing matters, why symptom relief is not the same as true resolution, and why approaches like the low FODMAP diet may only be a short-term tool.

This episode gives listeners a broader, more practical understanding of how gut issues connect with immune dysregulation and thyroid health. If you want a clearer, more balanced understanding of IBS, IBD, and what these digestive symptoms may really be telling you, you’ll get a lot out of this episode.

Episode Timeline

00:00 – Introducing the episode and why IBS matters
01:26 – Post-episode topics: IBS vs. IBD, celiac, H. pylori, and more
02:22 – Meet Dr. Izabella Wentz
03:58 – Why Dr. Wentz wrote a book on IBS
06:15 – How IBS can precede autoimmune disease
08:13 – How common IBS is and how it’s typically diagnosed
09:25 – When IBS may actually be celiac disease or IBD
11:25 – Dr. Wentz’s husband’s ulcerative colitis story
14:18 – Is IBD autoimmune?
14:54 – The IBS and autoimmunity connection
18:09 – IBS-D vs. IBS-C and why treatment differs
19:59 – Root causes of IBS beyond stress and food sensitivities
24:37 – Medications that can disrupt gut health
26:12 – How to start identifying your IBS triggers
28:28 – Why testing matters for parasites and SIBO
32:24 – SIBO as a root cause or secondary issue
33:03 – Conventional care vs. a functional medicine approach
36:36 – What to do if you think you have IBS or IBD
40:52 – Surprising foods that can trigger IBS symptoms
42:14 – Concerns with the low FODMAP diet
45:20 – Where to learn more about Dr. Wentz and her new book
47:30 – Dr. Eric’s post-episode takeaways on IBS, IBD, celiac, H. pylori, and low FODMAP

About Dr. Izabella Wentz

Dr. Izabella Wentz is an integrative pharmacist, educator, and New York Times bestselling author known

Free resources for your thyroid health

Get your FREE Thyroid and Immune Health Restoration Action Points Checklist at SaveMyThyroidChecklist.com

High-Quality Nutritional Supplements For Hyperthyroidism and Hashimoto’ s
Have you checked out my new ThyroSave supplement line? These high-quality supplements can benefit those with hyperthyroidism and Hashimoto’s, and you can receive special offers, along with 10% off your first order, by signing up for emails and text messages when you visit ThyroSave.com.

Do You Want Help Saving Your Thyroid?

Get free access to hundreds of articles and blog posts: https://www.naturalendocrinesolutions.com/articles/all-other-articles

Watch Dr. Eric’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/NaturalThyroidDoctor/videos

Join Dr. Eric’s Graves’ disease and Hashimoto’s group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/saveyourthyroid

Take the Thyroid Saving Score Quiz: https://quiz.savemythyroidquiz.com/sf/237dc308

Read all of Dr. Eric’s published books:
http://savemythyroid.com/thyroidbooks

Work with Dr. Eric:
https://savemythyroid.com/work-with-dr-eric/

In this Q&A episode, Dr. Eric dives into the powerful connection between gut health and thyroid function. Recorded during a Substack livestream for his Healing Graves’ Naturally newsletter, he begins by explaining why the gut is such a central player in thyroid autoimmunity. With most immune system cells residing in the gut and about 20% of thyroid hormone conversion occurring in the gut microbiome, maintaining gut health is critical for those dealing with Graves’ disease, Hashimoto’s, or other thyroid conditions.

Throughout the episode, Dr. Eric answers listener questions about gut testing, including when to use comprehensive stool tests, SIBO breath tests, or organic acids testing. He also discusses leaky gut testing, parasites, H. pylori treatment options, histamine intolerance, and how gut imbalances can contribute to symptoms like bloating, gas, and constipation. He explains how diet, stress management, and proper digestive support can play a role in restoring gut balance.

Listeners will also learn about natural approaches to supporting stomach acid levels, the role of fiber in producing beneficial compounds like butyrate, and whether sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit affect the gut microbiome. If you want a clearer, more balanced understanding of the gut-thyroid connection and practical answers to common gut health questions, you’ll get a lot out of this episode.

Episode Timeline:

00:00 – Introduction to the Gut-Thyroid Q&A
02:16 – How the Gut Influences Thyroid Health
06:56 – Best Tests to Evaluate Gut Health
09:28 – Testing for Leaky Gut
11:36 – Parasites, Gas, and Bloating
13:42 – Crohn’s Disease and Thyroid Conditions
15:35 – Betaine HCL and Low Stomach Acid
19:03 – Managing Histamine Intolerance
20:32 – Should Everyone Do Parasite Cleanses?
23:43 – Natural Solutions for Constipation
28:05 – Monk Fruit vs. Stevia and Gut Health
29:47 – Natural vs. Antibiotic Treatment for H. pylori
32:41 – Can Healing the Gut Help Thyroid Eye Disease?
33:12 – Gluten-Free Grains and Gut Healing
35:14 – Functional Medicine vs. Gastroenterologists
37:31 – Mold and Gut Health
39:04 – Boosting Butyrate Production
41:33 – Ulcerative Colitis and Zinc Deficiency
45:04 – How to Increase Stomach Acid Naturally
46:33 – Herbal Teas and Gut Health
49:55 – Nuts, Seeds, and Gut-Friendly Options

Free resources for your thyroid health

Get your FREE Thyroid and Immune Health Restoration Action Points Checklist at SaveMyThyroidChecklist.com

High-Quality Nutritional Supplements For Hyperthyroidism and Hashimoto’ s
Have you checked out my new ThyroSave supplement line? These high-quality supplements can benefit those with hyperthyroidism and Hashimoto’s, and you can receive special offers, along with 10% off your first order, by signing up for emails and text messages when you visit ThyroSave.com.

Do You Want Help Saving Your Thyroid?

Get free access to hundreds of articles and blog posts: https://www.naturalendocrinesolutions.com/articles/all-other-articles

Watch Dr. Eric’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/NaturalThyroidDoctor/videos

Join Dr. Eric’s Graves’ disease and Hashimoto’s group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/saveyourthyroid

Take the Thyroid Saving Score Quiz: https://quiz.savemythyroidquiz.com/sf/237dc308

Read all of Dr. Eric’s published books:
http://savemythyroid.com/thyroidbooks

Work with Dr. Eric:
https://savemythyroid.com/work-with-dr-eric/

In this episode, Dr. Eric talks with certified nutritionist and menopause specialist Leah Vachani about blood sugar imbalances, insulin resistance, and how these issues often show up long before a diagnosis of prediabetes or type 2 diabetes. Leah shares how her work with women in perimenopause and menopause led her to see blood sugar as a major missing piece in hormone health, energy, sleep, and weight regulation.

Together, they explore why stress, poor sleep, processed foods, and hormone shifts can all contribute to unstable blood sugar. Leah also explains how continuous glucose monitors can help people see their individual patterns more clearly, from food triggers to stress spikes, while also discussing the limits of CGMs, fasting insulin, A1C, protein intake, apple cider vinegar, intermittent fasting, and exercise.

This conversation gives listeners a practical, realistic look at how to support better metabolic health without chasing perfection. If you want a clearer, more balanced understanding of blood sugar imbalances and insulin resistance, you’ll get a lot out of this episode.

Free resources for your thyroid health

Get your FREE Thyroid and Immune Health Restoration Action Points Checklist at SaveMyThyroidChecklist.com

High-Quality Nutritional Supplements For Hyperthyroidism and Hashimoto’ s
Have you checked out my new ThyroSave supplement line? These high-quality supplements can benefit those with hyperthyroidism and Hashimoto’s, and you can receive special offers, along with 10% off your first order, by signing up for emails and text messages when you visit ThyroSave.com.

Do You Want Help Saving Your Thyroid?

Get free access to hundreds of articles and blog posts: https://www.naturalendocrinesolutions.com/articles/all-other-articles

Watch Dr. Eric’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/NaturalThyroidDoctor/videos

Join Dr. Eric’s Graves’ disease and Hashimoto’s group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/saveyourthyroid

Take the Thyroid Saving Score Quiz: https://quiz.savemythyroidquiz.com/sf/237dc308

Read all of Dr. Eric’s published books:
http://savemythyroid.com/thyroidbooks

Work with Dr. Eric:
https://savemythyroid.com/work-with-dr-eric/