ZOE Science & Nutrition

The brain-gut mystery: what’s really causing your IBS? with Dr. Will Bulsiewicz

Apr 24, 2025

Join Dr. Will Bulsiewicz, a board-certified gastroenterologist and bestselling author, as he unravels the mysteries of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). He explains why IBS is notoriously difficult to diagnose and how modern lifestyles and stress amplify symptoms. Discover the crucial gut-brain connection and why women are disproportionately affected. Dr. Will shares practical strategies, from dietary changes to innovative treatments, offering hope and insights for those struggling with IBS and anyone curious about gut health.

01:03:57

Episode guests

William Bulsiewicz

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

IBS is driven by a complex interaction between the gut and brain, emphasizing the role of emotional well-being in its management.

The gut microbiome significantly influences IBS symptoms, and a diverse, plant-based diet is crucial for maintaining gut health.

Addressing underlying stress and emotional trauma is essential for effectively managing IBS, highlighting the need for a holistic treatment approach.

Deep dives

Understanding IBS and Its Symptoms

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal condition characterized by abdominal discomfort and a change in bowel habits. Symptoms may include bloating, pain, and variations in stool consistency, which range from diarrhea to constipation. The diagnosis of IBS is symptom-based, and currently, there are no specific tests to confirm its presence. Despite its prevalence, there is still much misunderstanding around the condition, often leading to ineffective treatment focused on alleviating symptoms rather than addressing underlying causes.

Intro

2min

Understanding IBS: Misconceptions and Core Symptoms

3min

The Prevalence of Gut Issues: Understanding IBS and Beyond

2min

Understanding Digestive Health and IBS

13min

The Gut-Brain Connection

22min

Transforming Gut Health Through Dietary Changes

3min

The Gut-Brain Connection: Healing IBS

12min

The Gut-Mood Connection: Improving Health Through Dietary Diversity

4min

IBS affects over 300 million people globally, yet remains one of the most misunderstood gut conditions. In this episode, we explore the latest science uncovering the real drivers behind IBS - and why your gut microbiome may hold the key to understanding it.

Joining us is Dr. Will Bulsiewicz, a board-certified gastroenterologist and ZOE’s U.S. Medical Director. Dr. Will breaks down why IBS is so difficult to diagnose, how stress and modern lifestyles are making symptoms more common, and what “problematic” poo can tell us.

We then dive into the science: how the gut-brain axis influences everything from pain to food intolerances, why women are disproportionately affected, and how a disrupted microbiome plays a central role in IBS.

Finally, Dr. Will shares practical strategies backed by the latest research - from dietary changes to cutting-edge treatments - offering hope for healing and prevention.

Whether you're living with IBS or simply want to understand your gut better, this episode is packed with insights into one of the most common yet elusive health conditions of our time.

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The Food For Life Cookbook

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Mentioned in today's episode

Irritable Bowel Syndrome and the Gut Microbiome: A Comprehensive Review (2023)