Living with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) can often feel isolating, unpredictable, and exhausting. But you don’t have to navigate it alone.

Join us for an inspiring, open, and honest panel discussion featuring eight individuals who live with IBS every day. In this intimate webinar, our patient panelists will share their personal journeys—from the frustration of early symptoms and getting a diagnosis, to finding the unique coping strategies, mindsets, and daily routines that helped them take back control of their lives.

Whether you were recently diagnosed, have been managing IBS for years, or are supporting a loved one, come listen, connect, and gain practical insights from a community that truly understands.

This independent medical educational webinar is supported by Ardelyx.

Learn more about Tuesday Night IBS at TuesdayNightIBS.com

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.

Click to view

Food Sensitivity and Tools to Live Better Webinar - Tuesday Night IBS

Kate Scarlata, MPH, RDN who is a clinical expert in the research and practical use of FODMAP for managing GI symptoms, invited four companies to speak about their products to help you make food choices easier.

This independent medical educational webinar is supported by Intoleran, Gourmend Foods, tuut Inc, and Verve Market

https://vimeo.com/1213664329 or on the TuesdayNightIBS.com website.

On May 27, 2026, Ironwood Pharmaceuticals' linaclotide (Linzess) received expanded approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for pediatric patients aged ≥2 years with functional constipation (FC).

Previously approved for FC in children aged ≥6 years, the expanded indication extends access to linaclotide for children aged 2–5 years with FC. Linaclotide remains the only FDA-approved prescription therapy for pediatric FC.

“Functional constipation is one of the most common conditions we treat, and younger children unfortunately have very limited evidence-based treatment options across multiple disorders and diseases,” Julie Khlevner, MD, a pediatric gastroenterologist at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons and an associate professor at Columbia University Medical Center, said in an interview with HCPLive. “This is especially important for functional constipation when dietary changes, behavioral interventions, and over-the-counter laxatives are just not enough.”

FC in pediatric patients accounts for roughly 3% of general pediatric visits and up to 25% of pediatric gastroenterology referrals. Peak incidence occurs between ages 2 and 4 years and affects up to 35% of children aged <6 years.

Linaclotide is a guanylate cyclase-C agonist designed to increase intestinal fluid secretion, accelerate intestinal transit, and decrease the activity of pain-sensing nerves in the intestine.

The FDA approval for children aged 2–5 years was supported by data from a 12-week phase 3 randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial evaluating linaclotide in pediatric patients with FC. In the study, linaclotide 72 mcg demonstrated improvement in spontaneous bowel movement frequency compared with placebo.

The safety profile of linaclotide observed in the trial was generally consistent with the established safety profile seen in adults with chronic idiopathic constipation and older pediatric patients with FC. Khlevner emphasized the importance of clinicians discussing potential adverse events with patients and caregivers.

“Counseling families on the possible side effects is always important. Caregivers should understand both the expected therapeutic effects and the signs that warrant medical attention. Providing clear guidance on when to contact the healthcare team can help ensure prompt management of any adverse event.”

View the full article

Rezaie explains how IBS care has shifted from symptom-based treatment to targeted, mechanism-driven strategies.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) remains one of the most common but complex disorders in gastroenterology, historically characterized by a symptom-based diagnosis and broad treatment strategies. However, growing insight into its diverse underlying mechanisms has prompted a shift in how clinicians approach management.

In an interview with HCPLive, Ali Rezaie, MD, highlighted how instead of relying solely on empiric, symptom-driven care, today’s paradigm increasingly emphasizes careful evaluation, patient-specific factors, and targeted therapies that reflect a deeper understanding of IBS as a heterogeneous condition rather than a single disease entity.

View the full article

Management of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) has undergone a notable evolution in recent decades, shifting from largely empirical, symptom-based treatment toward a more nuanced, mechanism-driven approach. However, as clinicians increasingly rely on long-term pharmacotherapy for a condition often diagnosed in early adulthood, questions around the durability and safety of these treatments have come into sharper focus.

A recent large-scale study led by Ali Rezaie, MD, medical director of the GI Motility Program at Cedars-Sinai, sought to address a critical gap in the literature surrounding the long-term mortality risk associated with commonly used IBS medications. His research utilized nearly 2 decades of electronic health records from > 650,000 US adults with IBS, making it the largest real-world study to examine the long-term safety of IBS treatments.

“One important thing about the irritable bowel syndrome is that a lot of patients are diagnosed in their 20s, 30s, or 40s. If you start them on a medication, this is not necessarily a curable disease, so they will be on that medication for years and decades,” Rezaie explained. “The issue is that when we do clinical trials using medications, they have a limited timeframe and they're generally small, so a rare side effect or long-term side effects will not pop up in those types of research. It's very important when we are treating patients with a specific medication to know whether there are risks associated with it.”

He and colleagues performed a retrospective cohort study using a nationwide US electronic health record database from January 2005 to January 2023. Their 1:1 propensity score-matched cohort included 669,083 adults with IBS. Patients were grouped by pharmacotherapy use, with subgroup analyses for IBS with diarrhea (IBS-D) and IBS with constipation (IBS-C). Rezaie noted the analysis accounted for more than 50 variables—including comorbidities, concomitant medications, demographics, and lifestyle factors—to minimize confounding.

Results showed antidepressant use was associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 1.35; 95% CI, 1.26–1.45; mortality rate, 1.6% vs 1.0%) and remained consistent across antidepressant subclasses and demographic subgroups.

View the full article

Most people think serotonin lives in the brain—but about 90% of it is made in the gut! In this video, Dr. Stephen Wangen explains how the gut and microbiome regulate serotonin, how this affects mood and digestion, and what you can do to naturally support both your gut and your mental well-being. Learn how the gut-brain connection truly works and why healing your gut may be the key to better emotional health.

View the full article

A large Italian study finds that nearly 30% of young adults with irritable bowel syndrome also report noncebiac gluten sensitivity, with more who-body symptoms and higher use of gluten-free diets.

View the full article

"How often do you poop?" might sound like a very personal question, but your answer could reveal quite a lot about your overall health.

A study published in 2024 investigated how often people had bowel movements and compared those stats to their demographic, genetic, and health data.

The healthiest people among the 1,425 participants reported pooping once or twice a day – a 'Goldilocks zone' of bowel movement frequency.

Pooping too often or too rarely was associated with different underlying health issues, the team led by researchers at the Institute for Systems Biology (ISB) found.

"This study shows how bowel movement frequency can influence all body systems, and how aberrant bowel movement frequency may be an important risk factor in the development of chronic diseases," said ISB microbiologist Sean Gibbons, the corresponding author of the report.

View the full article

The role of probiotics in the care of IBS and other GI conditions

Probiotics could help manage IBS symptoms like bloating, gas, and abdominal pain by balancing gut flora, strengthening the gut barrier, and improving motility, Benefits vary by strain and individual.

Our GI experts: John Damianos MD a clinical fellow in Gastroenterology and Hepatology at the Mayo Clinic who also serves on the Scientific Advisory Committee of the Alliance for Education on Probiotics and Kate Scarlata MPH, RDN a clinical expert in the research and practical use of diet and FODMAP for managing GI symptoms, will be discussing this topic.

>> Watch recording

Are gravity and IBS related? We had a discussion about a new theory related to gravity and how could it be shaping our guts, minds and stomachs. Dr. Spiegel was joined by Dr. Megan Riehl, PsyD and Kate Scarlata, MPH, RDN to unravel if gravity could actually be shaping our guts, minds and stomachs and might IBS be a symptom of this dysregulation.

>> Watch recording

For years, scientists have known that women are far more likely than men to suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)-a chronic disorder marked by abdominal pain, bloating, and digestive distress. But why has remained a mystery. Now, researchers from UC San Francisco may have found the answer. In a study published in Science, the team discovered that estrogen directly activates pain pathways in the colon, making the female gut more sensitive to certain foods and inflammation.

Working with mouse models, the team led by Dr. Holly Ingraham and Nobel laureate Dr. David Julius began by tracing where estrogen acts in the gut. They expected to find receptors in enterochromaffin (EC) cells—the usual suspects in transmitting pain signals from the gut to the nervous system. Instead, they found that estrogen receptors cluster in a different cell type called L cells, particularly in the lower colon. This discovery led to a deeper exploration of how L cells might contribute to gut sensitivity.

Through a series of molecular and behavioral experiments, the researchers uncovered a chain reaction triggered by estrogen. When the hormone binds to L cells, they release peptide YY (PYY)—a hormone once thought to primarily suppress appetite. PYY, in turn, stimulates neighboring EC cells to release serotonin, which then activates pain sensing nerve fibers in the colon. When researchers removed the ovaries or blocked estrogen, serotonin, or PYY in female mice, their gut pain responses dropped to male like levels. Injecting estrogen into male mice, however, amplified gut sensitivity—matching that seen in females.

The study also identified another molecule, Olfr78, that becomes more active in response to estrogen. This receptor detects short chain fatty acids produced when gut bacteria digest certain carbohydrates. More Olfr78 means L cells become hypersensitive to these metabolites, producing even more PYY—and therefore more pain signaling.

This “double hit” of estrogen and microbial metabolites explains why low FODMAP diets, which reduce fermentable carbohydrates, often relieve IBS symptoms—especially in women. It also sheds light on why menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or hormone therapies can influence gut sensitivity.

“These findings move us beyond speculation to mechanism,” said Ingraham. “We can now see exactly how hormones tune gut pain pathways, opening new doors for gender specific IBS treatments.” The team is now exploring how targeting PYY or Olfr78 could lead to safer, easier to follow alternatives to restrictive diets for gut pain disorders.

REFERENCE: Venkataraman, A., et al. (2025). A cellular basis for heightened gut sensitivity in females. Science. doi: 10.1126/science.adz1398. https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adz1398

View the full article

Brenner describes shortcomings of pharmacologic CIC options and reviews real-world data on the Vibrant System’s benefits in this context.

Chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) remains one of the most challenging and heterogenous disorders encountered in GI practice. While clinicians today have a wide therapeutic armamentarium, including osmotic and stimulant laxatives, secretagogues, and prokinetic agents, each option carries limitations and side effects that impede adherence and patient satisfaction.

Against this backdrop, the vibrating capsule (Vibrant System) represents a novel, device-based therapeutic approach designed to enhance colonic motility without pharmacologic action. New real-world evidence published adds meaningful long-term data showing patients using the device for 3 and 6 months experienced improvements across multiple clinically relevant endpoints, including increased complete spontaneous bowel movements, reduced straining, and greater frequency of complete evacuation.

“Vibrant has a couple of different benefits. Number one, we know that it works,” Darren Brenner, MD, a professor of medicine and surgery in the division of gastroenterology at Northwestern University and serves as director of the Neurogastromotility and Interdisciplinary Bowel Dysfunction programs, told HCPLive. “We now have multiple data points showing that this can be effective, from the phase 3 trials that show that it could significantly improve one to two complete spontaneous bowel moments a week in patients to now our data showing that 3 to 6 months later, people are doing very well for multiple endpoints.”

View the full article

Tuesday Night IBS was joined by two gastroenterologists to discuss the IBS-C Treatment and Management in adults and children. The webinar featured Dr. Kyle Staller, an adult gastroenterologist, and Dr. Thomas Wallach, a pediatric gastroenterologist. Learn more about how IBS-C is being managed in adults and children and whether you should discuss new treatments with your own doctor.

>> Watch recording

We understand that talking to your doctor about IBS is uncomfortable, because we are patients too, but having open and honest communication with your care team is incredibly important. If you aren’t sure where to start, in partnership with Tuesday Night IBS we have prepared some videos to help you make the most of your appointments.

>> View the complete video series

SIBO, IBS, Constipation and Diarrhea - Tuesday Night IBS

Sharing new insights, research, testing advances, and treatment approaches

Watch: https://vimeo.com/1139641467

Recorded on: November 19, 2025

Guest expert: Dr. Mark Pimentel, Cedars-Sinai, Los Angeles

Moderated by: Jeffrey Roberts MSEd, BSc

This independent medical educational webinar was supported by Ardelyx, Inc.

Dr. Lacy Anderson explains sudden, short-term nausea and vomiting signal a stomach virus, while long-lasting bowel issues point to IBS, which may require treatment and further evaluation.

View the full article

Pediatric gastroenterologists now have a newly approved treatment option for children and adolescents with irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) following the FDA’s recent approval of linaclotide (Linzess) capsules for patients ≥7 years of age. This approval marks the first pharmacologic therapy for IBS-C in this population, expanding on linaclotide’s prior approvals for chronic idiopathic constipation and functional constipation in children.

Julie Khlevner, MD, AGAF, associate professor of Pediatrics at Columbia University Medical Center; chair, NASPGHAN Neurogastroenterology and Motility Committee, discussed news of the approval at the 2025 North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (NASPGHAN), describing the approval as “Exciting! We have been looking for treatment options for these patients for a really long time, so it’s nice to have an FDA approval in the pharmacological space at this time."

View the full article

At the 2025 North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (NASPGHAN), held in Chicago, Illinois, investigators presented new interim safety findings from the phase 3 R-ALLY trial and its open-label extension evaluating tenapanor in pediatric patients with irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C). Preliminary data demonstrated that tenapanor, a first-in-class sodium/hydrogen exchanger isoform 3 (NHE3) inhibitor, was safe and well-tolerated among adolescents, with no serious treatment-related adverse events reported.

“Tenapanor is a novel laxative that is generally thought to have some additional support for intestinal barrier function,” said Thomas Wallach, MD, Chief, Pediatric Gastroenterology, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, New York, New York. “It works by blocking something called NHE3, which allows... the colon to secrete more liquid into the intestine.”

View the full article

• Hormonal impact on GI motility and reflux: Elevated estrogen and progesterone during pregnancy relax GI smooth muscle, slowing intestinal transit and relaxing the lower esophageal sphincter. This leads to early-onset constipation and GERD symptoms—often beginning by the end of the first trimester, independent of uterine size.

• IBS and pregnancy outcomes: Limited data show women with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may have a ~20% higher miscarriage risk versus non-IBS controls, but most experience stable or improved symptoms during pregnancy. Further research is needed to clarify IBS course and outcomes in pregnancy.

• Constipation management in pregnancy: First-line therapies include fiber (psyllium), magnesium-based osmotic laxatives, and polyethylene glycol (Miralax). Lactulose may be used but can cause bloating. Prescription options such as lubiprostone or linaclotide are generally reserved when benefits outweigh risks; prucalopride is not recommended. For IBS with diarrhea, short-term loperamide is acceptable. SSRIs (sertraline, citalopram) and SNRIs (duloxetine) may be used for comorbid mood or pain symptoms under OBGYN guidance, prioritizing maternal health

View the full article

Erin Mauney, MD, of Tufts Medicine, discusses her pioneering work applying psilocybin-assisted therapy to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and other gut-brain disorders. Drawing from both emerging clinical trial evidence and the lived experiences of patients, Dr. Mauney explains how psychedelics may help individuals process trauma, reconnect with their bodies, and reduce chronic pain symptoms. Although widespread clinical use in the US may still be years away, her team’s research is opening new doors for mind-body approaches to gastrointestinal and obesity medicine.

View the full article

Amber Tresca had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Katie Dunleavy, a gastroenterologist from Boston who specializes in IBD. Dr. Dunleavy’s journey from operatic performance to medicine is as fascinating as her insights into IBD are invaluable.

Topics discussed on this episode:

✅ Definition and overview of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

✅ Differences between IBD and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

✅ Types of IBD: Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, indeterminate colitis, and microscopic colitis

✅ Common symptoms associated with IBD

✅ Diagnostic processes and tests for IBD

✅ Treatment options and the importance of personalized care

✅ Role of diet and lifestyle changes in managing IBD

✅ Importance of mental health and stress management in IBD care

✅ Ongoing monitoring and screening for colorectal cancer in IBD patients

✅ Advocacy for patient-centered care and the need for multidisciplinary approaches in IBD management

Cutting Edge Science: Dietary Treatment of IBS

Dr. Heinz Hammer, MD

Associate Professor of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Medical University Graz, Austria

Cutting Edge Science: The Which of Dietary Treatment of IBS

Dr. Heinz Hammer, MD

Associate Professor of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Medical University Graz, Austria

Cutting Edge Science: The What of Dietary Treatment of IBS

Dr. Heinz Hammer, MD

Associate Professor of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Medical University Graz, Austria

This study shows that anxiety about digestive symptoms is a real and measurable problem—not just in irritable bowel syndrome

Celiac.com 08/19/2025 - Many people with digestive conditions, such as irritable bowel syndromeor celiac disease, experience more than physical symptoms. They also deal with anxiety tied to those symptoms—like fear of eating certain foods or going to places without easy restroom access. This kind of anxiety is known as gastrointestinal symptom-specific anxiety. To measure it, researchers often use a tool called the Visceral Sensitivity Index.

This study set out to test how well the Hungarian version of this tool works. It also explored how anxiety related to digestive symptoms affects people with self-reported irritable bowel syndrome and those with gluten-related disorders like celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity.

View the full article