Tests Say Normal, IBS Symptoms Say Otherwise (with guests Laurie Keefer, PhD and Darren Brenner, MD)

Tired of hearing “it’s just stress”?  IBS experts Drs. Laurie Keefer and Darren Brenner join Kate Scarlata and Dr. Megan Riehl to set the record straight on irritable bowel syndrome.

IBS is a real, biologically based disorder involving the gut–brain axis, the microbiome, immune function, and nervous system signaling. Understanding how these systems interact reshapes how we diagnose, personalize treatment, and support long-term symptom relief.

If you’ve felt dismissed, confused, or stuck in trial-and-error care, this episode will help you feel validated, informed, and empowered with a clearer, science-backed path forward.

Together we break down:

• The value of a positive diagnosis (not endless testing)
• The impact of trauma and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on gut sensitivity 
• Using diet to support symptom relief without unnecessary food restriction
• How to comprehensively match treatment to your triggers

Support & Professional Resources

If you’ve experienced ACEs or trauma and want support from a GI psychologist or trauma-informed provider, these directories can help: 

• GI Psychology (virtual services available)
• Rome Foundation GastroPsych Provider Directory
• Trauma-Informed Mental Health Provider Directory

Partnering with a clinician trained in gut–brain disorders and trauma-informed care can safely address both physical symptoms and nervous system patterns. 

• Aggeletopoulou et al. Unraveling the Pathophysiology of Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Mechanisms and Insights. Int J Mol Sci, 2025.
• Keefer L et al. The Role of Resilience in IBS and Other Chronic GI Conditions. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol, 2021.
• Chang L et al. Sex, Anxiety, and Resilience in the Association Between Adverse Childhood Experiences and IBS. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol, 2025.
• Dong et al (UCLA Church Lab). Experiences of discrimination are associated with microbiome and transcriptome alterations in the gut. Front Microbiol, 2024.
• Scarlata K et al. Utilization of Dietitians in the Management of Irritable Bowel Syndrome by Members of the American College of Gastroenterology. Am J Gastroenterol, 2022.
  •  How Kate Does It: Low-FODMAP Diet (AJG)

This episode is sponsored by Ardelyx. 

Learn more about Kate and Dr. Riehl:

Website: www.katescarlata.com and www.drriehl.com
Instagram: @katescarlata @drriehl and @theguthealthpodcast

Order Kate and Dr. Riehl's book, Mind Your Gut: The Science-Based, Whole-body Guide to Living Well with IBS.  

The information included in this podcast is not a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis or treatment.  Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider before starting any new treatment or making changes to existing treatment.