Video Gallery
May 6, 2026
Why IBS-C Treatments Work Differently for Everyone: What Patients Should Know
Why does one IBS-C treatment work for someone else—but not for you? In this episode of the Gastro Girl podcast, leading gastroenterologist Darren M. Brenner. MD, FACG, of Northwestern Medicine, explains why treating IBS-C (irritable bowel syndrome with constipation) is not one-size-fits-all. Using a real-world patient scenario, Dr. Brenner breaks down what may actually be happening inside the body—from gut motility and visceral sensitivity to the brain-gut connection—and why different therapies target different symptoms and pathways. In this episode, you’ll learn: – Why some IBS-C treatments don’t work—or stop working over time – How over-the-counter and prescription therapies differ – What newer treatment approaches are designed to do – Why bloating, pain, and constipation may require different strategies – The role of diet, pelvic floor therapy, and gut-brain interventions – How patients can work with their healthcare team to find the right treatment plan If you’ve ever felt frustrated, stuck, or unsure about your IBS-C treatment journey, this episode offers practical insights to help you better understand your options and feel more empowered in your care. This episode is part of an educational program made possible by support from Ardelyx.
April 15, 2026
IBS-C Bloating Explained: Why It Happens & How to Find Relief
IBS-C bloating can feel constant—but why does it happen, and what actually helps? If you’re living with irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C), bloating is often one of the most frustrating symptoms. In this episode of Gastro Girl, leading gastroenterologist Dr. Brian Lacy (Mayo Clinic Jacksonville) explains the real causes of bloating in IBS-C and what patients need to know to find relief. What You’ll Learn: – Why bloating is so common in IBS-C – What’s happening in your gut when you feel bloated – The role of constipation in driving bloating – Common myths about IBS-C and bloating – Treatment options that may help relieve symptoms – Why a personalized approach is key to managing IBS-C Dr. Lacy also breaks down what different therapies can (and can’t) do—and how to work with your healthcare provider to find the right approach. Takeaway: IBS-C bloating is complex—but there are evidence-based ways to manage it. This episode is part of an educational program brought to you with support from Ardelyx.
December 16, 2025
How Fear Impacts IBS-C and Strategies to Take Control
Living with IBS-C isn’t just about managing physical symptoms, it’s also about navigating the fear, worry, and emotional toll that often come with the condition. In this powerful episode, host Jacqueline Gaulin is joined by Dr. Sarah Ballou, clinical psychologist and Director of the GI Psychology Service at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, to explore how fear shows up along the IBS-C journey and what you can do to face it with confidence and support. In this episode, you’ll learn: – The most common fears IBS-C patients experience and how they influence daily life and treatment decisions – Why fear can sometimes hold you back from finding relief – Practical tools to help you feel more in control, confident, and hopeful – How to talk openly with your provider about the fears that affect your care Whether you’re newly diagnosed or feeling stuck after years of symptoms, this episode offers real-world guidance, emotional validation, and a reminder that you’re not alone on this journey. This episode is sponsored by Ardelyx.
October 22, 2025
IBS-C Treatment: What to Expect on the Road to Symptom Relief
Starting a new IBS-C treatment can bring a mix of hope and uncertainty. How soon will it work? What if side effects appear? Should you keep going or call your doctor? Host Jacqueline Gaulin sits down with Dr. Brian Lacy, gastroenterologist at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, FL, to answer the real questions patients ask when starting treatment. In this episode, we discuss: – What patients can realistically expect in the first days and weeks of treatment – What “feeling better” truly means for each individual – Common challenges and side effects patients may experience – How to stay encouraged and avoid stopping treatment too soon without consulting your doctor Relief takes time—and you’re not alone on this journey. This episode is made possible with support from Ardelyx.
September 4, 2025
Beyond Medications: Complementary Therapies for Managing IBS-C
Living with IBS-C often requires more than just medications. In this episode, host Jacqueline Gaulin is joined by Dr. Kumkum Patel, a board-certified gastroenterologist in Newport Beach, CA, who specializes in treating IBS patients (find her at kumkumpatelmd.com or @dr.gut_motility). Together, they explore how to integrate complementary therapies into your care plan to help you feel and function better. You’ll learn: – How nutrition can support IBS-C management—and where to start – Why stress can make symptoms worse – What emerging research says about the gut microbiome and probiotics – How to figure out which therapies are right for you – Why shared-decision making with your healthcare provider is key This episode is made possible with support from Ardelyx.
June 25, 2025
IBS-C Treatment Tips: How to Find Relief Without Losing Progress
IBS-C (Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation) is a chronic condition that disrupts how your gut works—causing abdominal pain, bloating, and infrequent, hard-to-pass stools. It can seriously impact your quality of life, and finding the right treatment is often a journey filled with ups and downs. So, how do you get relief from IBS-C symptoms without feeling like you’re back at square one? In this episode, we welcome back Dr. Bryan Curtin, Director of The Center for Neurogastroenterology and GI Motility at The Melissa L. Posner Institute for Digestive Health & Liver Disease at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore, MD. Together, we discuss: – Why managing IBS-C often requires some trial and error – What to do when progress isn’t perfect – Signs it might be time to adjust your treatment plan – Practical tips to prepare for your next appointment—so you can have more productive conversations with your provider This episode is made possible with support from Ardelyx.
April 8, 2025
IBS-C’s Emotional Toll and How Gut-Brain Therapy Helps You Take Back Your Life
Living with IBS-C often means silently dealing with more than just constipation. From missing social events to navigating daily stress and anxiety, the emotional toll can feel overwhelming. In this eye-opening episode of the Gastro Girl Podcast, host Jacqueline Gaulin talks with Dr. Sarah Ballou, Director of GI Behavioral Health at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Assistant Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Ballou shares insights from her groundbreaking research on what IBS-C patients are willing to sacrifice for symptom relief—and why the answer often lies in the gut-brain connection. We also explore the power of multidisciplinary care in IBS-C management. For many patients, the best outcomes come from combining medications, nutrition strategies, and gut-brain behavioral therapy—a team-based approach that treats the whole person, not just the symptoms. Dr. Ballou explains how GI psychologists work alongside gastroenterologists, dietitians, and other specialists to create personalized care plans that help patients feel heard, supported, and empowered. Whether you’re living with IBS-C or supporting someone who is, this episode offers real hope, expert guidance, and practical strategies for managing symptoms without giving up the things you love. Sponsored by Ardelyx
February 25, 2025
Oh My ‘Gogues! IBS-C Treatments Explained: Secretagogues & Retainagogues
Finding the right treatment for Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation (IBS-C) can feel overwhelming, but understanding how different therapies work can make all the difference. In this episode, we dive deep into two key treatment categories: secretagogues and retainagogues—what they are, how they work, and why they matter for IBS-C patients. Joining us is Dr. Darren Brenner, a leading expert in neurogastroenterology and motility disorders from Northwestern University. He breaks down the science behind these treatments, shares expert insights, and helps us understand when and why providers may recommend them. Don’t miss this expert-led conversation that makes IBS-C treatments clearer than ever! This episode is made possible with support from Ardelyx.
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