Expert Tips to Ease IBS and Constipation

Video Description

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. 00:00 Introduction 02:40 What is a GI Psychologist? 05:22 Role of GI Psychologist on the Care Team 07:18 Can a GI Psychologist Help Me? 10:49 Emotional burden of IBS and IBS-C 12:28 Impact on quality of life 17:45 Breaking the cycle of rituals, behaviors 19:48 Misconceptions about IBS C 25:25 Tips for Patients and Providers About the Gastro Girl Podcast In each episode, host Jacqueline Gaulin, podcast creator, longtime patient advocate and the Founder of Gastro Girl, will tackle topics that go beyond the basic mainstream coverage of GI health to educate, inform and empower patients and their caregivers. If you crave the inside scoop on the latest news, research and resources related to gastroenterology, and want it all delivered in an engaging, friendly, nonjudgmental and educational way that features leading GI experts, inspiring patients and positive vibes, this podcast is also for you. Gastro Girl, an official patient-education partner of The American College of Gastroenterology, is committed to providing actionable and evidence-based health information to help empower patients to better health. Have a question or a digestive health-related topic you'd like us to address on an upcoming episode? Are you a patient who wants to share their story? Please email us [email protected]   Looking for expert-backed digestive health support? The Ask Gastro Girl App is your trusted AI-powered companion, offering quick answers, symptom tracking, personalized nutrition plans, and more. Download now to take charge of your gut health: https://gastrogirl.com/ask-gg-app/ Disclaimer: The sole purpose of the Gastro Girl podcast is to provide educational and informational content. Gastro Girl, Inc., American College of Gastroenterology, The Gastro Girl Podcast, host, Jacqueline Gaulin, and any and all guests appearing on any Gastro Girl podcast episode [Collectively the Service Provider] do not provide any medical advice and the Information will not be so construed or used as medical advice. Using, accessing and/or listening to the Gastro Girl Podcast and/or providing personal or medical information to the Service Provider does not create a clinician-patient relationship between the Service Provider and you or your patients. Nothing contained in this or any Gastro Girl Podcast episode is intended to create a clinician-patient relationship, and you will not rely on anything contained in any podcast episode in diagnosing or treating yourself or anyone else. THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THESE PODCAST EPISODES IS PROVIDED FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NO WAY INTENDED TO DIAGNOSE, CURE OR TREAT ANY MEDICAL OR OTHER CONDITION. PLEASE CONTACT YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER WITH ANY QUESTIONS RELATED TO YOUR HEALTH AND WELLBEING. If YOU ARE EXPERIENCING A HEALTH Emergency Please CALL 911 00:00 Introduction 02:40 What is a GI Psychologist? 05:22 Role of GI Psychologist on the Care Team 07:18 Can a GI Psychologist Help Me? 10:49 Emotional burden of IBS and IBS-C 12:28 Impact on quality of life 17:45 Breaking the cycle of rituals, behaviors 19:48 Misconceptions about IBS C 25:25 Tips for Patients and Providers