33. IBS and the Gut-Brain Connection: 3 Nervous System Tools for Relief with Dr. Megan Riehl

Send us Fan Mail Do you get sweaty, dizzy, clammy feeling on the toilet? If your scopes came back "normal" but your symptoms are very real, this episode is for you. GI psychologist Dr. Megan Riehl joins Jessie to unpack why IBS is now classified as a Disorder of Gut-Brain Interaction (DGBI), what the vasovagal response has to do with your flare-ups, and how your autonomic nervous system may be driving cramping, urgency, and that clammy "oh no" bathroom feeling. You'll learn: - What DGBI actually means and why the name change matters - The science behind the gut-brain axis and vasovagal reactions - When to consider working with a GI psychologist - 3 evidence-based tools you can use today: diaphragmatic breathing, body scanning, and gentle movement Dr. Riehl is Director of the GI Behavioral Health Program at the University of Michigan and co-author of *Mind Your Gut*. Tune in for validating science and practical relief you can start using today. **Resources Mentioned:** - Mind Your Gut book by Dr. Megan Riehl & Kate Scarlata - Dr. Riehl's diaphragmatic breathing YouTube video - The Gut Health Podcast **Episode Timestamps:** - **00:54** — Introduction: Why Your "Normal" Scopes Don't Mean It's All in Your Head - **03:05** — What Is a DGBI? The Shift from "Functional" GI Disorders to Gut-Brain Interaction - **05:56** — Common Symptoms Driven by the Gut-Brain Connection - **06:54** — Vasovagal Reactions Explained: The Sweaty, Dizzy Bathroom Feeling - **08:42** — Your Autonomic Nervous System: Sympathetic vs. Parasympathetic - **11:49** — When to Work with a GI Psychologist (and How It's Different from General Therapy) - **15:21** — Tool #1: Diaphragmatic Breathing to Calm Your Gut - **18:02** — Tool #2: Body Scanning to Release Hidden Tension - **22:08** — Tool #3: Gentle Movement Without the All-or-Nothing Mindset - **24:49** — Rapid Fire: Weeknight Dinners, Coffee, and Dr. Riehl's 60-Second Nervous System Reset **Get our help:** 🌟 Join IBS Freedom Program - https://ibsdietitian.com/group-program/ 👩🏻‍⚕️ Make an appointment https://ibsdietitian.com/1-1-appointments/ 🖥️ Affordable IBS Self-Paced Course https://ibsdietitian.com/ibs-freedom/ **🔔 Stay Connected & Get More Support** 📷 Follow us on Instagram: @ibs.dietitian 💬 Join our Facebook Community: IBS Support For Women **Free Resources:** 🖥️ Free IBS Relief Masterclass: https://ibsdietitian.com/masterclass 📋 Free Symptom Tracker – Start tracking your symptoms today: https://poopedia.org/resources 🔗 Download your FREE Low FODMAP Starter Guide (grocery list, meal plan, and food swaps): https://ibsdietitian.com/resources/