In today's world, GI problems are at an all-time high, and more people than ever are dealing with bloating, reflux, constipation, food reactions, irregular bowel habits, and even full-on gut disorders that disrupt daily life. 

But gut health (or lack thereof) isn't random. Your gut reflects the state of your lifestyle, stress levels, hormones, diet, medications, and the microbial environment inside you. When those systems fall out of balance, your gut is the first place it shows up, and the last place most doctors look deeper.

Unfortunately, gut health is one area where the traditional medical system falls short, and this is something Dr. Radha Tamarisa knows all too well. 

She's a gastroenterologist who bridges traditional GI medicine with a deeper understanding of microbiome science, immune pathways, and functional patterns that don't show up on standard scopes or labs. She's the clinician patients often find after years of being told "everything looks fine," even when they feel anything but.

The truth about gut health is that the real causes rarely show up on colonoscopies, ultrasounds, or routine bloodwork. SIBO hides behind an IBS diagnosis. Long-term PPI use can quietly reshape the microbiome. Stress and ultra-processed foods can weaken the gut barrier. 

So why are gut problems exploding right now? How do you rebuild a gut that's been inflamed, slowed down, or overwhelmed for years?

In this episode, we talk about what people are rarely told about their gut, and why root causes, not symptoms, should guide treatment. We also break down the most confusing topics in gut health, and why your symptoms may have nothing to do with food and everything to do with stress, sleep, or motility.

Things You'll Learn In This Episode 

Why gut symptoms are exploding right now
What's really driving today's rise in bloating, IBS symptoms, and inflammatory gut issues, and which pieces of this puzzle can you start improving right away?

The effects of long-term PPI use
PPIs help in the short term, but years of acid suppression can weaken digestion and alter bacterial balance. What's the safest way to transition off them if you no longer need them?

When microbiome and specialty gut testing actually helps
Scopes and scans often miss functional issues like dysbiosis, low stomach acid, or motility problems. What can newer testing approaches reveal, and how do you use that information without overdiagnosing yourself?

How GLP-1 medications impact the gut
GLP-1s reshape appetite and metabolism, but they also slow motility and change digestive rhythm. How can you manage these side effects so the medication supports your health instead of disrupting it?

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About the Guest

Dr. Radha Tamerisa is a board-certified gastroenterologist and the founder of KatyIntegrative Gastroenterology. She has spent more than a decade helping patients finally understand the gut issues that standard testing often overlooks. Her work blends traditional GI medicine with a deeper understanding of microbiome health, motility, inflammation, hormones, stress, and the lifestyle factors that quietly shape digestive function. She's the doctor people end up seeing when they've been told "everything looks normal", even though nothing feels normal, and she's helped thousands of patients get real answers and real relief. To learn more, go to https://www.katygastrodoctor.com/. 

About Your Host

Steve Hoffart is an award-winning pharmacist, entrepreneur, speaker, and podcaster. As the visionary founder of Magnolia Pharmacy, Steve saw a need for a more personal pharmacy that could make a bigger impact. Today, Steve and his team of experts deliver on that promise, working with patients and their physicians to solve medication problems and offer personalized solutions to achieve better health and wellness. As host of The Trusted Pharmacist podcast and through his combined reach of over 250,000 on social media, Steve shares actionable advice on nutrition, supplements, and wellness strategies while advocating for meaningful change in healthcare.

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