Bloating. Cramping. Urgency. Discomfort.

For something so physical, IBS is rarely just about the gut.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome, or IBS, affects nearly 1 in 10 people worldwide. But it’s still so often dismissed as “just a sensitive gut.” The reality? IBS isn’t only about food. It’s not all in your head either. It sits in that quiet, complicated space between the two.

This week's episode is a powerful roundtable of experts who are rewriting the script on gut health, not with quick fixes, but with evidence, nuance, and real-life wisdom. Because the truth is, we don't need more elimination diets or more shame. We need understanding. Compassion. And space to heal.

In this masterclass conversation, I’m joined by some of the world’s most respected voices in gut health, microbiome science, and the gut-brain connection including:

Dr. Will Bulsiewicz – New York Times bestselling author of Fiber Fueled, board-certified gastroenterologist, and microbiome researcher helping us understand the role of fibre, fermentation, and plant diversity in long-term digestive health.

Dr. James Kinross – Consultant surgeon and microbiome scientist exploring how gut bacteria influence inflammation, immunity, and disease risk.

Professor Felice Jacka – Global pioneer in nutritional psychiatry, uncovering how food and mental health are deeply connected through the gut.

Dr. Emeran Mayer – Neuroscientist, gastroenterologist, and author of The Mind-Gut-Immune Connection, Dr. Mayer brings over four decades of research into how emotions, microbes, and immunity shape the experience of IBS and beyond.

We explore:

• How stress and trauma shape gut-brain signalling

• Why the vagus nerve is a key player in digestion

• The misunderstood link between emotional health and IBS

• Whether FODMAP diets help or simply mask deeper issues

• And how to create a sense of calm in your body that supports long-term healing

This isn't just a masterclass. It's a myth-busting, life-affirming download that every person with IBS deserves to hear. You'll discover why your body reacts the way it does, and learn how to listen with more compassion. Because sometimes, what looks like bloating or discomfort… is your nervous system saying, I don't feel safe.

If IBS has made you feel frustrated, alone, or disconnected from your own body, I hope this episode brings you a sense of clarity and maybe even some relief. You deserve to feel at home in your body again.

Love,

Sarah Ann 💛

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The Gut-Mind Doctor: The Mind & Food Strategies That Can Heal Your Gut Microbiome | Dr. Emeran MayerIf you enjoyed this episode, you might also like:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yL5ZtoJAUBs

How to FIX Leaky Gut, Improve Health and Stop Cravings | Dr. James Kinrosshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YvupSI_S7_Q

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5AQNADbFTCs

How To Instantly Crush Stress And Find Serenity: Professor Felice Jacka How Food Affects Your Brain

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5AQNADbFTCs

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Science Simplified, Health Humanised. Join thousands in exploring actionable insights that prioritise compassion, clarity, and real-life impact. https://sarahmacklin.substack.com/

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Highlights:

Introduction (00:00)

Definition of a Healthy Gut (01:46)

Symptoms of Gut Dysfunction (04:00)

Can You Eat Fibre if You Have IBS? (11:04)

How Reliable Are Microbiome Tests? (21:39)

How Antibiotics Affect Your Gut (26:51)

Impact of Diet and Nutrition on Microbiome Health (31:58)

How the Microbiome Affects Drug Metabolism (37:58)

Gut-Brain Connection (40:49)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for IBS (55:42)

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The Ultimate IBS Guide: Gut Health, Emotions, Microbes, Trauma & the Gut-Brain Connection

Live Well Be Well with Sarah Ann Macklin | Health, Lifestyle, Nutrition