Thinking Outside of the Box with IBS: autonomic dysfunction, GLP-1s, vascular compression, and more
The Gut ShowShow Notes
MCAS. POTS. Hypermobility. GI symptoms that don't quite fit the usual boxes.
On this episode of The Gut Show, Dr. Alexis Cutchins joins us to unpack what cardiology has to do with GI—and why these systems are far more connected than most people realize.
We dive into the emerging overlap between cardiology, gastroenterology, and immune-driven conditions, exploring why these patterns so often show up together, what red flags clinicians should be watching for, and why GI symptoms may actually start far beyond the gut—especially when dysautonomia, heart palpitations, dizziness, and persistent fatigue are part of the picture.
Mentioned in this episode: MASTER Method Membership FREE IBS Warrior Summit Take the quiz: What's your poop personality? MCAS episode
About our guest:
Dr. Alexis Cutchins is a board-certified Cardiologist and founder of Cutchins Cardiovascular Medicine. I began this work after years of caring for patients with POTS, MCAS, hypermobility, and other conditions that many doctors were not prepared to manage. My dedication to this patient community is what led me to build a practice centered on their needs. I wanted to create something different for people who are often under-recognized and left without answers. At Cutchins Cardiovascular Medicine, we provide inclusive, high quality support for those living with complex chronic illness. Follow on Instagram
Thank you to our partners:
@imodifyhealth is the leader in evidence-based, medically-tailored meal delivery offering Monash Certified low FODMAP, Gluten free, and Mediterranean meals - expertly crafted to help you achieve better symptom control AND improve overall health.
The best part? They make it easy by doing all prep work for you. Simply choose the meals you want, stock your fridge or freezer when meals arrive at your door, then heat and enjoy when you're ready. Delicious meals. Less stress. Complete peace of mind.
Check out modifyhealth.com and save 35% off your first order plus free shipping across the US with code: THEGUTSHOW.
@fodzyme is the world's first enzyme supplement specialized to target FODMAPs.
When sprinkled on or mixed with high-FODMAP meals, FODZYME's novel patent-pending enzyme blend breaks down fructan, GOS and lactose before they can trigger bloating, gas and other digestive issues.
With FODZYME, enjoy garlic, onion, wheat, brussels sprouts, beans, dairy and more — worry free! Discover the power of FODZYME's digestive enzyme blend and eat the foods you love and miss.
Visit fodzyme.com and save 20% off your first order with code THEGUTSHOW. One use per customer.
@mbiotaelemental is the next generation of the elemental diet. Developed with leading gastroenterologists and food scientists, it's the first formula that's both clinically effective AND genuinely easy to drink.
If you're looking for an option to support SIBO or your gut, mBIOTA Elemental may be one to consider. Learn more at mbiota.com and save 20% on their two-week protocol with code GUTIVATE.
More from The Gut Show
What happens when you're constipated and feel like you've tried EVERYTHING? And at what point does surgery become an option? In this episode of The Gut Show, I'm joined by colorectal surgeon Dr. Carmen Fong to talk about chronic constipation from a surgeon's perspective. We're getting into the different types of constipation, how she decides which tests and treatments actually make sense, and what she considers when someone comes to her after medications, laxatives, and other treatments haven't worked. We also talk about colonics, defecography, and whether removing part or all of the colon can actually treat constipation.
Have you ever seen "redundant colon" on your colonoscopy report and wondered what it actually means, or whether it could explain your chronic constipation? In this episode of The Gut Show, I'm joined by Dr. Kyle Staller to unpack what a redundant colon actually is and, more importantly, whether it matters for your symptoms. We talk about what's considered a "normal" colon length, differences between men and women, and whether the extra twists and loops associated with a redundant colon are something to worry about. We also get into some of the biggest questions for people struggling with chronic constipation: Could a redundant colon be part of the reason stool just doesn't seem to move?
You may have seen Bryan Johnson talking about autoimmune gastritis (AIG), but what is it actually, and what does the research say? In this episode of The Gut Show, we're digging into autoimmune gastritis, including what happens in the stomach, symptoms, pernicious anemia, and what treatment actually looks like. We'll also take a closer look at some of the claims being shared online and separate what's backed by research from what might be getting a little ahead of the science. If Bryan Johnson's story has you wondering about AIG or questioning whether you should be worried about it, this episode will help you understand what we actually know.
Colon cancer rates are rising, especially among younger adults….but before you let that statistic stress you out, listen to this episode to learn what you actually need to know! In this episode of The Gut Show, I'm joined by Dr. Leybelis Padilla to talk about what we know about colon cancer, what may increase your risk, symptoms to pay attention to, and the different screening options available, including the misinformation surrounding them. In this episode, we cover: Introducing Dr. Leybelis Padilla [2:44] What is colon cancer? [4:00] What causes polyps? [6:19] Family history [8:13] Why are the numbers rising? [11:13] Can fiber be protective? [15:33] Signs of colon cancer [18:28] Colonoscopies and other options [26:23] Misinformation [29:17] Is colonoscopy prep harmful? [36:36] How to work with Dr. Leybelis Padilla [47:28]
Can digestive enzymes help with IBS symptoms? What about enzymes that target specific FODMAPs? In this episode of The Gut Show, we're talking with Jocelyn Wells from FODZYME about digestive enzymes and their role in breaking down FODMAPs. We'll explore what digestive enzymes are, how they work, and how targeted enzyme therapy may help with digestion and IBS symptoms. We'll take a closer look at enzymes designed to target specific FODMAPs, discuss whether using an enzyme supplement means you're actually deficient in that enzyme, and whether enzyme therapy can be effective when it doesn't target every FODMAP group. If you're a clinician wanting FODZYME samples and resources for your practice, you can request them here.