In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Trisha Pasricha, a Harvard-trained gastroenterologist who directs the Gut-Brain Research Lab at Beth Israel, to reveal why IBS isn’t “all in your head” and how specialized antibody testing can uncover autoimmune attacks on gut neurons. We explore the IBS-fibromyalgia overlap, why one in three people develop IBS after infections, and her groundbreaking research showing smartphone scrolling in bathrooms increases hemorrhoid risk by 46%.

Dr. Pasricha shares evidence-based treatments including peppermint oil and psyllium fiber while debunking probiotic myths, and explains why constipation may be an early Parkinson’s warning sign. This conversation validates patients dismissed by doctors and proves these conditions have real pathology requiring collaborative care across specialties.

Key Takeaways

1. IBS is NOT “all in your head”—pathology lives in the deep enteric nervous system where standard tests can’t reach
2. 90% of gut-brain communication flows UPWARD through the vagus nerve, not downward from stress
3. One in three people who get gastroenteritis will develop IBS from “scarring” of gut neurons
4. The Mayo Paraneoplastic Panel can detect autoimmune antibodies attacking gut neurons (specialized test)
5. Many IBS patients also have fibromyalgia—treatments often overlap (SNRIs, peppermint oil, fiber)
6. Psyllium fiber (25g women, 38g men daily) works for BOTH constipation and diarrhea—it’s a “shapeshifter”
7. Probiotics are NOT recommended by gastroenterology guidelines—feed your microbiome with fiber and fermented foods instead
8. Smartphone scrolling in the bathroom increases hemorrhoid risk by 46%—limit to 5 minutes maximum
9. Constipation may be an early Parkinson’s warning sign—the disease likely begins in the gut
10. H. pylori is abnormally prevalent in Parkinson’s patients and treating it can improve tremors by enhancing levodopa absorption

 

Chapters & Timestamps

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Trisha Pasricha & Gut-Brain Research
02:00 What Is IBS & Why It’s Not “All in Your Head”
04:00 The Enteric Nervous System: Our “Second Brain”
07:00 The Autoimmune Connection to IBS
10:00 IBS-Fibromyalgia Overlap & Treatment Crossover
13:00 Mayo Paraneoplastic Panel: Testing for Autoimmune IBS
16:00 Getting Second Opinions & Finding Neuro-GI Specialists
19:00 Social Media Education: Benefits & Rabbit Holes
21:00 Evidence-Based Treatments: Peppermint Oil & Psyllium Fiber
26:00 The Truth About Probiotics: Not Recommended
29:00 Fiber Diversity & the Mediterranean Diet Connection
33:00 Groundbreaking Research: Smartphones & Hemorrhoids (46% Risk)
36:00 Parkinson’s Disease Begins in the Gut
38:00 The GI-Neuro Parkinson’s Clinic Model
42:00 H. Pylori Connection to Parkinson’s & Rheumatic Diseases
45:00 Post-Infectious IBS & Reactive Arthritis Parallels
47:00 Dr. Pasricha’s Book & Where to Find Her

Guest Details

Dr. Trisha S. Pasricha, MD
Board-Certified Gastroenterologist & Neuro-GI Specialist

Credentials & Training:
Board Certified in Gastroenterology
Harvard Medical School trained
Johns Hopkins trained
Fellowship in Neuro-Gastroenterology (Gut-Brain Connection & Motility)
Director of Gut-Brain Research Lab at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston
Medical Columnist, The Washington Post (weekly Monday column)

Research & Publications:
Published in New England Journal of Medicine, JAMA, Nature Reviews
Leading research on IBS, gut-brain axis, and Parkinson’s disease gut origins
Groundbreaking studies on smartphone use and GI health
Expert in autoimmune causes of GI motility disorders

Specializations:
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and its autoimmune etiologies
Neuro-gastroenterology and enteric nervous system disorders
Gut-brain connection and vagus nerve communication
Parkinson’s disease gastrointestinal manifestations
Gastroparesis and GI motility disorders
Fibromyalgia-IBS overlap syndrome
Post-infectious IBS and reactive gut disorders
Joint hypermobility syndromes with GI involvement
Interdisciplinary care for complex patients

Author: “You’ve Been Pooping All Wrong” (Release date: April 7, 2026)

Clinical Philosophy: Dr. Pasricha is passionate about validating patients who’ve been dismissed with “it’s all in your head” and proving that IBS and related conditions have real, measurable pathology in the deep layers of gut tissue that standard tests can’t reach. She emphasizes that 90% of gut-brain communication flows upward from the gut through the vagus nerve, not downward from stress, and she takes exhaustive patient histories to uncover triggers like infections, autoimmune connections, or trauma. She strongly advocates for second opinions, encourages social media education (with medical guidance), and believes in treating pain at both the peripheral (gut) and central (brain) levels while being transparent about why certain medications like SNRIs work for pain independent of mental health. Her research lab is pioneering work on how Parkinson’s disease may begin in the gut years before motor symptoms appear, and she runs an innovative interdisciplinary clinic with neurologists to treat the whole patient.

Connect with Dr. Trisha Pasricha

Instagram: @trishapasrichamd
Column: The Washington Post (Mondays)
Book: “You’ve Been Pooping All Wrong” (Available April 7, 2026)
Practice: Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA

Note: Due to high demand, securing an appointment may be challenging. Dr. Pasricha recommends finding a neuro-gastroenterologist or motility specialist closer to home who can partner with you on your care journey.

About Your Hosts:

Micah Yu, MD, MHA, MS, ABOIM, DipABLM, IFMCP

Dr. Micah Yu is a triple board-certified integrative rheumatologist who blends conventional medicine with holistic, nutrition-based healing to treat autoimmune and chronic inflammatory conditions. A patient himself, Dr. Yu brings a deeply personal perspective to his work, having reversed his own autoimmune arthritis through lifestyle and integrative medicine. He is certified in internal medicine, rheumatology, integrative medicine, lifestyle medicine, and functional medicine. As the founder of MyAutoimmuneMD and co-founder of Dr. Lifestyle Clinic, Dr. Yu empowers patients to address the root causes of illness and reclaim their health from the inside out.

Melissa Mondala, MD, MHA, MS, DipABLM

Dr. Melissa Mondala is a dual board-certified physician in Family and Lifestyle Medicine, with advanced training in Integrative Psychiatry and Integrative Medicine. As President of Dr. Lifestyle Clinic in Newport Beach—recognized by UC Irvine as a Public Health Site of Excellence—she pioneers a holistic, patient-centered approach to chronic disease. Dr. Mondala is a nationally recognized Lifestyle Medicine Intensivist, core faculty at Loma Linda University’s Preventive Medicine Department, and a passionate advocate for plant-based nutrition, mental health, and women’s wellness. A sought-after speaker and educator, she combines cutting-edge science with deep compassion to empower lasting healing, especially for those silently suffering from autoimmune, mental health, and long COVID conditions. She shares practical inspiration for healthy living and cooking at @drmelissaskitchen.

About AutoImmune Alchemy Podcast

Mission: Blending science with soul to transform autoimmune struggles into healing alchemy

AutoImmune Alchemy is a podcast dedicated to the autoimmune community, offering hope, validation, and evidence-based solutions for those struggling with complex autoimmune conditions. Hosted by the dynamic duo Dr. Melissa Mondala and Dr. Micah Yu, the show features expert interviews exploring root causes like hormonal imbalances, leaky gut, and inflammation that traditional medicine often overlooks. Each episode empowers listeners to take proactive control of their health through lifestyle medicine, nutrition, and integrative approaches.

Connect with AutoImmune Alchemy:

• Website: MyautoimmunemdHome – New
• Instagram: @myautoimmunemd
• Facebook: @MYAutoimmuneMD
• YouTube: @myautoimmunemd
• Email: contact@myautoimmunemd.com

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For more information, please visitMyautoimmunemdMyAutoImmuneMD | Autoimmunity Redefined .

 

This episode is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with your qualified healthcare provider before starting any new treatment or making changes to your hormone therapy. Individual results may vary.