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Ep 47: Symptom Expectancy and Food Sensitivity
Jan 4, 2024 | XX minutes

Food sensitivity is rarely a simple cause and effect. Biological and psychological factors interplay to produce symptoms. We will talk about the role of symptom expectancy (i.e., nocebo response) in exacerbating symptom severity and how minimizing expectancy can dramatically improve quality of life.
Dr. Simons is a GI psychologist in the Digestive Disease and Surgery Institute at the Cleveland Clinic and specializes in treating motility related gastrointestinal conditions. She is particularly interested in the precipitants and consequences of dietary modification in digestive disease and the overlap between gynecologic and gastrointestinal conditions.
Listeners can contact Dr. Simons via email at simonsm3@ccf.org.
Ep 46: Calming the Gut-Brain Axis
Nov 2, 2023 | XX minutes

We will discuss how signals between the gut and the brain (gut-brain access) become amplified in irritable bowel syndrome and strategies for calming this communication. The brain similarly communicates with other body parts, so the concepts and strategies apply to symptoms throughout the body.
Joanna Baker is a Dietitian & a Nurse who loves food. Her passion for digestive health stems from a long history of living with gut problems. Joanna knows first-hand how debilitating gut problems can be, but also how much better life is when its well managed. At Everyday Nutrition she works with a team of amazing dietitians who love to support people to resolve digestive issues and make peace with food.
You can reach Jo at EveryDayNutrition.com
Ep 45: The Journey to Wellness – One Road at a Time
Sept 7, 2023 | 31 minutes

When there is no clear treatment path for your symptoms, you may feel lost or confused by the contradicting treatment options. The frustration often leads to not doing anything (being stuck) or jumping from one thing to the next. Amy will talk about her journey exploring one road at a time.
Amy Slabaugh is a registered dietitian nutritionist specializing in intuitive eating and the dietary management of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). In my practice, I love working with people to foster a positive relationship with food and learn to nourish their bodies in a way that promotes health. For those who are experiencing adverse reactions in response to food, my goal is to help you work toward minimizing your symptoms and improving your quality of life. Providing counseling for clients as they work through the FAST Freedom Program is a great way to do this.
You can reach Amy at AmySlabaugh.com.
Ep 44: Food Exposure Can Improve Symptoms
July 6, 2023 | 25 minutes

You are probably familiar with the vicious cycle of food avoidance leading to additional sensitivities. Dr. Burton Murray will share her clinical experience, and research showing this cycle can be reversed! She describes avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) and how cognitive behaviour therapy can help patients regain a full quality of life.
Dr. Helen Burton Murray is the Director of GI Behavioral Health in the Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Neurointestinal Health. Dr. Burton Murray specializes in psychogastroenterology, specifically in the intersection of gastrointestinal conditions and eating disorders. She has a particular expertise in the treatment of rumination syndrome and avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder.
To learn more about the GI behavioural Health clinic at the Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Neurointestinal Health, please call 617-726-5565.
Ep 43: Becoming Proactive when Feeling Helpless and Other Lessons from Gut Feelings: The Patient’s Story
May 4, 2023 | 37minutes

When patients do not have a diagnosis and concrete management plan for their symptoms, they typically feel helpless and out of control. Johannah Ruddy shares her story of working with Dr. Drossman to take charge of her health.
Johannah Ruddy is a doctoral student in the School of Pharmacy & Health Sciences at Campbell University and her research is focused on the impact of stigma in chronic illness and gender based health care inequalities. She is also the Chief Operating Officer and Executive Director of the Rome Foundation. In addition to her professional experience, she is a digestive health patient and patient advocate.
Dr. Douglas Drossman is trained in both gastroenterology and psychiatry. He is professor emeritus of medicine and psychiatry at the University of North Carolina, President Emeritus and chief executive officer of the Rome Foundation and president of the center for education and practice of biopsychosocial care and DrossmanCare.
Dr. Drossman and Johannah have co-authored two books in their Gut Feelings Series: Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction and the Patient-Doctor Relationship and The Patient’s Story. Personal Accounts of the Illness Journey.
Ep 42: Getting Away from Labelling Food as Safe or Unsafe
March 2 2023, | 35 minutes

Language around food sensitivities is often black-and-white, and foods get labelled as “safe” or “unsafe.” Dédé Wilson and I will talk about the impact of this black-and-white approach. Softening your language can change your relationship with food and make space for freedom.
Dédé Wilson, co-founder of the low FODMAP resource website FODMAP Everyday® is a Monash University trained and FODMAP Friendly Accredited FODMAP diet educator, who lives with irritable bowel syndrome herself. She is also a professional recipe developer and author of The Low FODMAP Diet Step-by-Step and devotes her time to helping others learn to THRIVE on the low FODMAP diet. She will help you learn how to become IBS symptom-free – while eating deliciously. You can connect with Dédé through the contact us box on the home page of FODMAP Everyday .