Jen “Gutgalz” (@gutgalz)

#stitch with @paige all of the details you need to know about #miralax #constipation #constipationrelief #laxatives #constipated

Why does your food feel like it’s getting stuck in your throat? 👀 Let’s talk EoE (Eosinophilic Esophagitis) — the chronic allergic inflammation of the esophagus you didn’t know you had. 🎯 Scope shows trachealization (“feline esophagus”) + biopsy confirms eosinophils (>15/hpf). #gutgalz #eoe #eosinophilicesophagitis #guthealth #gastroenterology

Here are the facts on early onset, colorectal, cancer, and why you should care #coloncancerawareness #coloncancer #colorectacancer #colonoscopy #guthealthtiktok #gastroenterology

If you have chronic GI symptoms and hyper flexibility, discuss the #beightonscale with your #healthcareprovider A screening score is not a diagnosis. Positive screen: Consider a comprehensive clinical assessment. Negative screen, but strong clinical suspicion: Need to consider historical context and joints that are not assessed by the Beighton score. Next steps: Clinical evaluation for hEDS, HSD, or another relevant condition is pertinent. This is not meant as a means self-diagnosis. #GutHealth #ehlersdanlos #hypermobility

Constipation isn't always the same traffic issue… Which one is your gut dealing with? #Constipation #GutHealth #ibs #pelvicfloor #DigestiveHealth

Tortuous or redundant colon on your colonoscopy report? It can contribute to constipation, but it doesn’t automatically explain it. Shape ≠ function. #Constipation #constipated #Colonoscopy #GutHealth #ibs

When you’re having a bowel movement, you need to create enough pressure to move stool forward while your pelvic floor and sphincter relax. A long, low vocalization encourages a slow, open-glottis exhale rather than holding your breath and bearing down hard. That breathing pattern may make it easier to avoid the reflexive tightening that can happen when you strain. It’s hard to think about breathing when you’re trying to go! Think of this as a simple cue to help coordinate “breathe out + relax” rather than “hold your breath + squeeze.” If you regularly feel like you can't relax or empty completely, that's worth discussing with your GI clinician or a pelvic floor physical therapist. 🐮💩 #constipation #guthealth #pelvicfloor #constipated #gastroenterology

As a GI provider, that statement always makes me ask a few more questions. Because “I haven’t pooped in a month” can mean very different things clinically. Are you: Not having a spontaneous bowel movement without medication? Passing small amounts but never feeling like you fully emptied? Having liquid stool that you don't consider a “real” bowel movement? Or truly having no stool AND no gas? That last scenario is called obstipation and can be a sign of a bowel obstruction, particularly when someone is acutely ill or has symptoms such as significant abdominal pain, distension, vomiting, or worsening illness. The words we use to describe our bowel movements matter. “I’m constipated” isn't always enough information to figure out what is actually happening. If you're struggling with bowel movements, talk with your healthcare provider about exactly what you're experiencing. #constipation #ibs #constipated #guthealth #gastroenterology

Pyloric Botox isn't the gastroparesis treatment that everyone may make it sound like. The theory makes sense. The problem is what happens when we test that theory in controlled trials. Unfortunately the data just isn’t there. And this is an important reminder that “it improved my gastric emptying” and “it improved my gastroparesis” are not necessarily the same thing. This isn’t to say that some haven’t found it helpful! The pylorus is still an important area of research. We just don't yet have a reliable way to identify every patient who might benefit. #Gastroparesis #GastroparesisAwarenessMonth #nausea #dysmotility #botox

5 things I want my gastroparesis patients to know as a GI NP Gastroparesis doesn't look the same for everyone and treatment shouldn't either. From medication safety to nutrition, we have to treat the patient, not just the gastric emptying result. And one of the most important things to remember: you can be malnourished at any body size. Weight alone doesn't tell us whether you're meeting your nutritional needs. What do you wish more people understood about gastroparesis? #Gastroparesis #GastroparesisAwarenessMonth #Gutgalz #nausea #dysmotility

Delayed gastric emptying is part of the diagnosis, but symptoms can also be influenced by antral contractions, pyloric function, gastric accommodation, and visceral sensitivity. That’s why two people with similar gastric emptying results can experience very different symptoms. The test matters to confirm that it is there, but the number doesn't tell the whole story. #Gastroparesis #GastroparesisAwarenessMonth #Gastroenterology #guthealth #nausea

That's actually where the evaluation starts…not where it ends. As a GI NP, before jumping straight to a gastric emptying study, I want to understand: -What symptoms are you having? -When do they occur in relation to eating? -Are you actually vomiting? -Are you losing weight or struggling with nutrition? -What medications are you taking? -Do you have diabetes? -Have you had prior abdominal surgery? -Could another condition be causing similar symptoms? -Has mechanical obstruction been excluded? Medications deserve particular attention because opioids, anticholinergic medications, cannabis, and GLP-1 receptor agonists can delay gastric emptying and/or cause symptoms that overlap with gastroparesis. Once other causes have been considered, objective testing is an important part of establishing the diagnosis. The point: I'm not trying to talk you out of your diagnosis. I'm trying to make sure we're treating the right diagnosis. Because “nausea + bloating + feeling full quickly” can have more than one explanation. #gastroparesis #nausea #gastroparesiswarrior #vomiting #bloating

When the week ahead intimidates me, I like to start things out by eating the rainbow. Here’s a quick, easy way to reset! 🌈✨ Here is the breakdown: The Veggies: I roasted red cabbage, zucchini, tomatoes, and yellow peppers using @wearebrightland extra virgin olive oil and @thespicehouse Lake Shore Drive shallot & herb seasoning (courtesy of one of the best gift givers I know 😘). The Base: Made a batch of Israeli couscous. The Secret Sauce: Took some of the roasted veggies (zucchini, tomatoes, and peppers) and blended them with lentils and cottage cheese to create a creamy, protein-packed sauce. The Finish: Tossed the warm couscous and blended veggie-cottage cheese sauce together, then topped it all off with fresh basil, and Parmesan for the ultimate cozy, warm pasta salad. How do you tackle an intimidating week? 💛 #EatTheRainbow #MealPrep #HealthyComfortFood #guthealth #plantbased

If you’re constantly bloated, dealing with stomach pain, or struggling with constipation… this is your reminder: you don’t have to just “live with it.” I’m a GI nurse practitioner who likes to break down what’s normal, what’s not, and what you can actually do about it. Follow for evidence-based gut health education without the nonsense. 💙 #bloating #constipation #IBS #guthealth #digestivehealth

#stitch with @radionatalie Ever feel like you're about to pass out on the toilet? 🚽 You're not alone! It's called defecation syncope, and can be very common. Severe cramps, gas, or straining can trigger your vagus nerve, causing your blood pressure and heart rate to drop suddenly. #GutHealth #VagusNerve #ibs #vasovagalsyncope

Not all reflux treatments work by reducing stomach acid. Alginates form a gel-like "raft" that floats on top of your stomach contents, creating a physical barrier to help reduce reflux into the esophagus. A meta-analysis of 2,000+ patients found alginates were 4× more likely to relieve reflux symptoms than placebo. They may be especially helpful for post-meal heartburn and breakthrough symptoms despite a PPI. Have you tried an alginate? 👇 comment below your experience! #GERD #AcidReflux #Heartburn #alginate ##gerdrelief

Has it ever taken a really long time for corn to come out? You may have slow transit constipation. Colonic inertia is the term for a slow transit of the colon. The muscles and nerves creates sluggish movement which can cause delay in the time it takes you to go to the bathroom. Watch this video on how we diagnose it. #c#constipationp#pelvicfloordysfunctionc#constipatedi#ibsg#guthealth

People ask all the time why I’m a GI nurse practitioner. My answer is simple: because GI isn’t. The gastrointestinal system is incredibly complex. There are so many possibilities, and while over-the-counter options can be great when they’re the right tool, gut health is rarely as simple as the internet makes it seem. I love the figuring out. The underlying cause behind the symptoms. Finding the missing piece. That’s my why #mywhy #thatsmywhy #guthealth #gastroenterology #gutgalz

Addressing constipation can be complicated. People can have different causes and symptoms of constipation that may indicate irritable bowel syndrome, slow transit constipation, or pelvic floor dysfunction. Keep in mind that there are different types of constipation and they need to be approached not just individually but sometimes with overlap. Some medications may treat some but not other forms. Other modalities may be important if a patient is having ongoing constipation and not improving with medications. #guthealth #constipation #ibs #pelvicfloor #healthcare

For the zucchini: 3 zucchini, halved/scored and sliced into 1/2 inch pieces Salt Olive oil For the oil: 3 tbsp olive oil 1/4 cup chopped pistachios 1/4 cup finely chopped basil Juice of one lemon 1 tablespoons Miso 1 tablespoon Honey clove garlic, grated 1/2 tsp salt For the salad: Large handful of arugula 1/3 cup feta Preheat the oven to 425. Place a cast iron or oven-safe skillet in the oven for 15-20 minutes. Prep the zucchini. Add the zucchini to a plate and top liberally with salt. Let the zucchini sit for 15 minutes then pat dry with paper towels. Do not rinse. While the zucchini sits, make the oil. Add the olive oil, honey, miso, pistachios, basil, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt and to a small. Score the zucchini and drizzle olive oil. Then place the zucchini face down on baking sheet. Place in the oven for 3 minutes, flipping halfway. When the zucchini is done, allow it to cool for a few minutes then assemble the salad. Add the arugula, zucchini, most of feta and a few spoonfuls of the oil to a bowl. Toss gently to coat. Serve topped with extra feta and oil, if desired.inspired by @Caitlin Latessa-Greene #guthealth #prebiotics #probiotics #mealideas

Colorectal cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in people under the age of 50. There are several ways to check for colon cancer, blood test, stool studies, CT colonography, and colonoscopy. Screening starts at age 45. Check out the @American Cancer Soc. Updates for more information. #guthealth #coloncancer #coloncancerawareness #colonoscopy #colorectalcancer

Not all gut supplements are created equal. These are 5 over-the-counter gut treatments that have actual clinical evidence behind them. Which one surprised you most? #guthealth #ibs #constipation #bloating #gastroenterology

It's World Eosinophilic esophagitis Awareness Day! 🌍💜 Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic allergic condition that creating inflammation in the esophagus causing painful, difficult swallowing or causing food to get stuck. Did you know that asthma, allergies, and eczema are all connected to EoE? Over 60% of patients who have EoE also have eczema, food allergies, or asthma. ⚠️ Know the signs: -Difficulty swallowing -Food getting stuck -Chest/stomach pain -In kids: trouble eating, vomiting, poor growth 🗣️ ⚠️If you or someone you know struggles with swallowing especially if they have allergies, eczema or asthma please talk to your pro. Early diagnosis changes lives. 💜 #dysphagia #EoE #EosinophilicEsophagitis #difficultyswallowing #allergies

🚫 Save your money on "food sensitivity" tests. Don’t fall for this scam. Food sensitivity test that include IgG food panels are not currently validated. These are not normally recommended by GI or an allergist. Here's the truth: ✅ IgG antibodies to food = normal exposure, NOT disease ❌ False positives → unnecessary restriction → nutritional harm No test replaces a good clinical history + guided elimination diet Bottom line: The best food sensitivity test is still a conversation with your provider and dietitian not spending money on a kit that can cause food fear. #diarrhea #Guthealth #foodsensitivity #ibs #foodintolerance

#stitch with @GenZ MD | Fam Med💫🌈 with fibers like these who needs enemies? Resistant tapioca and corn fiber are fine in moderation, however too much, too quickly can definitely cause worsening G.I. symptoms, including abdominal pain, gas, bloating, and diarrhea. #fibermaxxing #bloating #gas #diarrhea

One of the most common abnormal findings on a colonoscopy is diverticulosis. About 50% of adults over the age of 50 have this condition. What is the difference between diverticulosis and diverticulitis? Watch this video for more information. #diverticulitis #diverticulosis #abdominalpain #colonoscopy #guthealth

When you’re dealing with a complex gut health issue, one perspective often isn’t enough. True healing happens when we stop looking at the gut in one symptom or issue at a time and start looking at the whole person. This takes a multidisciplinary approach. In a collaborative care model, your team works like a well-oiled machine. Here is how each “player” on your team brings something unique to the table: The Gastroenterologist: The coach of the team. They’re looking into the internal issues, calling the plays. This may be using scopes and imaging to identify structural issues, inflammation, or disease. 🧑‍⚕️ 🩺 Advanced Practice Provider (NP or PA): The quarterback, running plays. We dive deep into the clinical management, symptom tracking, and the long-term plan, ensuring your treatment fits into your actual life. Continue to monitor and tweak therapies to help manage your care. Nurse 👩🏻‍⚕️ The GI Dietitian: The special teams. They move beyond “avoidance” to help you find a sustainable way to eat that nourishes your body without triggering a flare. 🍎 The GI Psychologist: The offense or the brain-gut specialist. They help manage the literal “nervous system” of the gut, addressing how stress and the brain-gut axis impact your physical symptoms. 🧠 The patient: Team owner. The one who has final say, and has input on how the team is working together to deliver results. When we communicate and collaborate, you get better results, faster. Does your current care plan include a multidisciplinary team? Tell us how your specialists have made a difference in your journey below! 👇 #guthealth #patientadvocacy #gatroenterology #gicare #fyp @socalgastrodoc @gutsygirlMD @Jessie, IBS & FODMAP Dietitian

That’s a wrap on DDW 2026! Continuing education isn’t just a requirement; it’s a responsibility. Being in Chicago with the best minds in GI was the perfect reminder that staying at the forefront of science is how we provide the high-quality care our patients deserve. Feeling completely re-energized by the power of our professional community! Stay tuned for more information and recap on what I learned. #gastroenterology #ibs #colorectalcancer #gutmicrobiome #guthealth @socalgastrodoc @gutsygirlMD @IBgard and FDgard @Yi Min, IBD/GI Dietitian @Jessie, IBS & FODMAP Dietitian

Brain fog isn’t just feeling off… -Up to 89–95% of celiac/NCGS patients report neurocognitive symptoms -one study found 54% of IBS/gastroparesis patients experience brain fog • Measurable deficits in attention, memory, and processing speed have been documented This is a real, underrecognized part of GI disease, but one we should be talking about more #brainfog #gastroparesis #ibs #celiac #celiacdisease

Is irritable bowel syndrome dangerous? #ibs #ibstok #guthealthtiktok #guthealth #guthealthtips