The conversation around hormone replacement therapy for menopause has been shaped for years by concerns that the evidence doesn't actually support, at least not the way patients have heard them.

Stress slowing digestion isn't new information. What's new is understanding exactly where in the gut it breaks down, and that restoring that pathway brought gut function back in preclinical models. A potential treatment target for IBS-C worth watching.

Endometriosis affects roughly 170 million women globally. On average, it takes 6.8 years to get a diagnosis. In the US, that number can stretch to 11 years. That's not a small gap; in fact, that's years of pain, disease progression, and in many cases, lost fertility.

Most people think celiac looks one way. In kids, it often doesn't. Subtle symptoms get missed, and the longer it goes undiagnosed, the higher the stakes. If something hasn't been explained, it's worth asking your doctor about celiac.

Pancreatic cancer is the 11th most common cancer in the U.S. right now. But based on current trends, it's projected to become the 2nd leading cause of cancer-related death by 2030. That gap between where it ranks and where it's heading is worth paying attention to.

In this study, insomnia affected over a third of IBS patients, but wasn’t driven mainly by GI symptoms; it was more closely tied to psychological distress and comorbidities. A great reminder that similar symptoms can mask very different lived experiences.

In chronic GI conditions, clinical success and lived experience are not always aligned. This celiac disease research reinforces that managing symptoms is only part of care—the daily burden of food, vigilance, and social navigation still deeply affects quality of life.

Below, Dr. Laura Williams and two patients discuss life with chronic illness beyond the clinical lens, showing that care improves through trust: https://www.bloodstreammedia.com/gut-matters-discoveries-and-innovations-episodes/finding-your-care-partner-patient-stories-that-break-the-stigma

Love this chart-- it's a great reminder that whether disabilities are visible or not, they impact the patient experience. Some helpful points to keep in mind below!

This research highlights an important point: patients don’t necessarily want “AI or human” interpretation. What they really want is communication that feels clear, timely, and appropriate for the moment. In healthcare, flexibility may sometimes matter more than standardization.

IBS is often framed as diet-related, but it’s far more complex. Food triggers vary widely, and without guidance, over-restriction can cause new issues. This study reinforces that structure and support—paired with digital tools—are key to effective, personalized IBS care.

Landmarks lit purple for #WorldIBSDay2026 were a powerful reminder of growing awareness for IBS-C. It's continued visibility like this that helps improve understanding, earlier diagnosis, and more empathetic conversations in care. Grateful for the Ardelyx team for making this happen!

This research reinforces that overeating is both behavioral and physiological. When gut-brain communication is disrupted, hunger and fullness signals change. That shifts the conversation from willpower to biology, and potentially to better treatment models.

Excited to share Rome V— the first major update since Rome IV, updating criteria for 33 disorders. Grateful for the opportunity to contribute a chapter on SDOH, sex vs gender, and hormones in IBS. Check out the link below for more information:

The gut microbiome may be another layer in how the body adapts to training alongside metabolism, inflammation, recovery, and hormones. Early data is still limited, but the takeaway is consistent: training, nutrition, and recovery likely work together to support both performance and gut health.

Even when GI conditions are clinically similar, the patient experience is not. That's why, though I wasn't able to make it this year, I want to take a moment to highlight the LGBT Workforce Conference's incredible work and impact.

1 in 4 Americans now use AI for health info before or after care. In GI, where conditions like IBS are complex and symptom-based, this is especially relevant. It reflects more informed patients, but also gaps in access, clarity, and validation in care.

Menopause can significantly affect gut health, yet symptoms like bloating and constipation are often treated separately from IBS. Hormonal, digestive, and lifestyle factors are deeply connected; care should reflect that integration.

Managing GI conditions is as much social as clinical. In our latest Gut Matters episode, we sat down with Ruthie and Jessica to discuss some of their solutions, including Belly Bestie Club and Tuut, a symptom-tracking app that turns daily experiences into actionable insights. Learn more below:

Evidence shows that most patients with IBS would give up 20% of their lifespan for one symptom-free year. Pairing this data with real patient experiences highlights the need for care that addresses both physical and emotional symptoms, making symptom relief a true measure of success.

IBS may not be visible, but its burden is constant. CBT offers practical ways to manage symptoms and improve quality of life, yet most patients never hear about it. Expanding access can help people live with greater comfort and confidence.

For people with celiac disease, fiber alone may not heal the gut. McMaster research shows the right gut bacteria, like Prevotellaceae, are needed to process fiber. Supporting gut health may require combining diet with microbiome-focused strategies, not just gluten avoidance.

Patients with GI conditions often need more than medication to manage their complex conditions. Integrated care with GI dietitians allows personalized nutrition support, improves outcomes, and helps gastroenterologists focus on complex medical management.

1 in 5 adults face GI conditions, yet care is often fragmented. Integrated virtual GI solutions can help patients manage symptoms, improve quality of life, and reduce unnecessary ER visits, all while supporting PCPs in delivering holistic care.

The Celiac Disease Foundation’s $15M Impact Fund is redefining philanthropy by investing in detection, education, prevention, and therapies. With most cases undiagnosed and research underfunded, this patient-focused, venture-driven approach aims to accelerate solutions that are sustainable.

“Compassion is a commitment,” as Brené Brown says. In gastroenterology, that choice shapes care every day. For patients with IBS, IBD, or celiac disease, feeling heard and supported drives trust and ultimately better outcomes.

AI in IBD generates massive data from endoscopy, histology, and wearable, but data alone doesn’t improve care. Its value comes when insights are actionable, integrated into workflows, and support clinicians in delivering the right treatment to the right patient at the right time.

Patient empowerment is often framed around access to information or digital tools, and for good reason. But while these are important factors, one of its most overlooked elements is much simpler: permission to ask questions.

Digestive symptoms like bloating or nausea are often dismissed as “just part of being a woman.” Yet IBS is 2–6x more common in women, and chronic constipation is twice as prevalent. Recognizing gender-specific GI patterns is key to ensuring symptoms are taken seriously and properly treated.

In the latest Gut Matters episode, Dr. Andrea Shin and I speak with advocate Katherine Wald about navigating IBS-C alongside autoimmune and autonomic conditions. Her story highlights the toll of misdiagnosis and how listening and clinician partnership can truly change outcomes.

College can be a minefield for students with celiac disease, but the Celiac Disease Foundation just released the first national recommendations to guide colleges on housing, dining, academics, and campus life—helping students stay safe, supported, and included: https://celiac.org/school-college/

Managing IBS is rarely straightforward. Diet often plays a central role, but with so many approaches, patients and clinicians can feel overwhelmed. A recent review in Nutrients highlights the key takeaways for dietary management:

Real-world health data hold huge potential for patient care, but remain fragmented and poorly governed. Treating them as public infrastructure with oversight and accountability could empower patients and advance research.

Video visits went from novelty to expectation in just a few years. Patients now want personalized, real-time care, and AI will push that further. Providers who think ahead and integrate tech thoughtfully will redefine the patient experience.

When symptoms overlap—oral ulcers, joint pain, GI inflammation—diagnosis isn’t always clear. But this recent case shows how early biopsy and multidisciplinary care prevented further complications and guided effective patient treatment.

The HUNT-GWAS study shows how genetics, including HLA-DQB1, can shape gut microbes like Agathobacter, potentially influencing celiac disease risk. It highlights the promise of integrating genomics and microbiome science to better understand disease and guide future precision medicine.

Social media offers support for people with celiac disease, but fear-driven content spreads fast. Balancing personal experience with credible advice helps patients manage gluten safely, with clinicians guiding them on how to use social media wisely.

GAHT in transgender adults with IBD didn’t raise overall flare risk, though flares were more common in those with active IBD at start or on testosterone. A great reminder that close monitoring is essential for patients' wellness and quality of life.

“Gut health” often feels vague, but a new consensus defines it as normal GI function without symptoms affecting quality of life, blending subjective experience with objective measures. A clearer framework for research and patient care.

Endometriosis and IBS often mimic each other. Awareness of the overlap, careful symptom tracking, and open conversations with healthcare providers can make the difference in getting the right diagnosis and treatment. #EndometriosisAwarenessDay

Disparities in IBS care highlight systemic inequities: fewer specialist referrals, more invasive procedures for ethnic minority patients. Improving outcomes means embedding equity and cultural competence in medicine.

A 12-week study shows time-restricted feeding (8-hr eating window) may reduce Crohn’s disease activity by 40%, abdominal discomfort by 50%, and improve inflammation, without cutting calories. Meal timing could be a practical, patient-centered tool alongside treatment as long as it is used safely.

It's nice to see a win. Very glad to share this good news!

Two-thirds of teens with IBS no longer meet criteria by 24. Persistence links to stress, sleep, diet, and family history—showing that early, broad interventions can change the trajectory of a condition often misunderstood.

New UCSF research links estrogen to gut pain, helping explain why women experience higher rates of IBS. By uncovering how hormones affect colon sensitivity, this work opens pathways for better therapies and highlights the importance of studying sex differences in biology.

Some people with IBS cope better, not because symptoms are milder, but because they’ve built resilience. A new study highlights how mental flexibility shapes well-being, underscoring why whole-person care is essential in chronic illness.

The future of patient experience blends digital, physical, and clinical care. Smarter tools and spaces reduce stress and support healing, reminding us that true innovation puts people first at every step.

In GI care, nutrition advice isn’t always built on the same level of evidence, and patients feel that gap. Stronger, more consistent dietary guidelines could improve care and make everyday decisions simpler for people living with IBS and IBD.

Time to Talk Day reminds us that mental health starts with being believed. Many with IBS hear their tests are “normal,” even when their symptoms aren’t, and shame often follows. Validation is a form of care. Let’s build spaces where people don’t have to hide their experience.

The FDA is seeking input on gluten labeling for rye, barley, and oats to protect people with celiac disease and sensitivities. This is a chance for patients, families, and stakeholders to help improve transparency, safety, and real-world guidance on packaged foods.