Megan Riehl, co-author of Mind Your Gut, discusses the brain-gut connection, stress's impact on GI symptoms, and the benefits of cognitive behavioral therapy for gut health. Learn about the Dream Team in GI care, hypnotherapy for IBS, and the risks of gut pseudoscience. Discover how a gentle diet cleanup can transform gut health and the potential of the gut microbiome in precision medicine.
Understanding the brain-gut connection is crucial for managing GI conditions effectively.
GI psychology and therapies play a significant role in managing gastrointestinal conditions, especially for children.
Hypnotherapy can be a scientifically supported treatment option for improving digestive symptoms and psychological well-being.
Deep dives
Overview of You Probably Think This Story's About You Podcast Episode
The first episode of the podcast You Probably Think This Story's About You delves into Britt's journey from a starry-eyed love story to the realization of a man's intricate lies. It explores themes of love, betrayal, and self-discovery as Britt uncovers the man's harmful actions and its impact on her and other women. The narrative delves deeper into a tale of love, loss, resilience, and sisterhood, transcending the initial deception. The episode also contains a disclaimer about addressing sensitive topics like suicide, murder, and drug use, urging listeners to engage with the compelling narrative.
Insights from Psychologists Off the Clock Episode
The Psychologists Off the Clock episode featuring Dr. Megan Reel highlights the importance of activating the parasympathetic system to manage symptoms of anxiety and gastrointestinal conditions effectively. The discussion emphasizes evidence-based strategies to promote relaxation and improve overall well-being. Dr. Reel's expertise as a clinical health psychologist sheds light on the connection between mental health, physical well-being, and the significance of understanding the brain-gut relationship for holistic health.
Importance of GI Psychology and Therapies in Health Podcast Episode
In the health podcast episode, the importance of GI psychology and therapies is underscored by Dr. Emily Edlin's expertise in therapies for gut health. The conversation delves into the significance of incorporating psychological interventions in managing gastrointestinal conditions, especially for children. Highlighting the role of GI psychologists in outpatient health psychology services, the episode emphasizes the interplay between mental health, physical health, and the impact on individuals' overall well-being.
Role of Hypnotherapy in Gastrointestinal Conditions
Hypnotherapy is discussed as a scientifically supported treatment option for gastrointestinal conditions, offering insights into stage hypnosis versus clinical hypnotherapy. Dr. Reel elaborates on the process of hypnotherapy sessions, emphasizing the relaxation, visualization, and cognitive restructuring techniques involved. The conversation stresses the effectiveness of gut-directed hypnotherapy in improving digestive symptoms and psychological well-being, offering a valuable alternative for individuals seeking holistic and evidence-based interventions.
Navigating Dietary Interventions for GI Health
The podcast episode addresses the complexity of dietary interventions for gastrointestinal health, emphasizing the significance of a gentle diet cleanup before delving into restrictive diets. The importance of addressing food fears and psychological considerations in introducing dietary changes is highlighted. Dr. Reel advocates for seeking support from registered dietitians specialized in GI health to ensure balanced nutrition and avoid potentially harmful food restriction practices.
Insights on Gut Microbiome in Health and Wellness
The discussion explores the trend of gut microbiome in popular culture and acknowledges the limitations of current scientific understanding. Dr. Reel emphasizes the importance of dietary diversity, natural remedies, and cautious approach to supplements in supporting gut health. The conversation underscores the need for practical and evidence-based approaches to gut health amid the influx of pseudoscientific claims and emphasizes the emerging role of precision medicine in personalized gut health interventions.
If you want the best guidance for your GI issues without exclusive access to a top-tier medical team, join us in this episode with Megan Riehl, co-author of Mind Your Gut: The Science-Based Whole-body Guide to Living Well. You’ll discover how this book brings science-based strategies, and exercises straight to your home, offering tools rooted in cognitive behavioral therapy to manage GI symptoms effectively. Learn about accessible resources and the profound impact of a multidisciplinary team on your health. Tune in to unlock these valuable insights and improve your well-being!
Listen and learn:
The expansive scope of the gastrointestinal (GI) system and the spectrum of GI conditions
Why the gut is often called the second brain, and how its powerful connection with the brain influences our health in surprising ways
How stress and anxiety fuel GI symptoms and create a cycle of worsening health
The "Dream Team" of GI care
Treating GI with cognitive reframing and decreasing behavioral avoidance
Is clinical hypnotherapy effective for treating IBS and how does it work?
How a "gentle diet cleanup" can transform gut health—before you dive into restrictive diets
The risks of gut pseudoscience on your gut health
How the gut microbiome could revolutionize precision medicine
Dr. Megan Riehl is a clinical health psychologist, an Associate Professor of Medicine and Director of GI Behavioral Health at the University of Michigan. Her research and passion for education have resulted in numerous peer-reviewed publications, leadership roles, and lectures. This year, together with digestive health expert Kate Scarlata, they co-authored Mind Your Gut: The Science-based, Whole-body Guide to Living Well with IBS and launched The Gut Health Podcast.
