168: IBS, Hashimoto's, and the Hidden Gut Triggers Women Are Often Missing with Dr. Izabella Wentz

Irritable Bowel Syndrome, or IBS, is one of the most common digestive diagnoses women receive — but what if it's not the full story?

In this episode, Dr. Shawn Tassone sits down with Dr. Izabella Wentz to unpack the deeper root causes behind IBS, gut symptoms, food sensitivities, and the connection between digestive health and autoimmune disease.

Dr. Wentz shares her own personal journey with IBS and Hashimoto's, including how conventional medicine often stops at symptom management instead of asking why the gut is struggling in the first place. Together, Dr. Tassone and Dr. Wentz explore what "normal" digestion should actually look like, why IBS is frequently diagnosed based on symptoms alone, and why many women are left searching for answers when standard treatments don't work.

This conversation dives into the role of dietary triggers like gluten, dairy, and food additives, as well as nutritional deficiencies such as magnesium and zinc that may contribute to bloating, constipation, diarrhea, discomfort, and ongoing digestive issues. Dr. Wentz also explains how intestinal permeability — often referred to as "leaky gut" — may play a role in autoimmune conditions and why infections like SIBO and H. pylori are commonly found in women with IBS symptoms.

You'll also hear why medications, environmental toxins, and hidden inflammatory triggers may worsen gut health, plus how functional testing can help uncover what is actually driving symptoms instead of masking them.

Whether you've been diagnosed with IBS, struggle with bloating or unpredictable digestion, have Hashimoto's or another autoimmune condition, or feel like your symptoms have been dismissed as "normal," this episode offers a more empowering way to understand your gut.

In This Episode, You'll Learn:

• Why IBS is often diagnosed without strict testing criteria
• What healthy digestive function should actually look like
• The most common dietary triggers behind IBS symptoms
• How gluten, dairy, and food additives may impact gut health
• Why magnesium, zinc, and other nutritional deficiencies matter
• The connection between intestinal permeability and autoimmune disease
• How SIBO, H. pylori, and infections can worsen IBS symptoms
• Why some medications and environmental toxins may disrupt the gut
• How functional medicine testing can help identify root causes
• Why women are more likely to experience IBS and gut-related symptoms
• The role genetics and family history may play in IBS susceptibility

If you've been told your gut symptoms are "just IBS" but you still don't feel better, this episode is for you. Listen now to learn what may be driving your digestive symptoms — and what questions to ask next.

About Dr. Izabella Wentz, Pharm.D., FASCP

Dr. Izabella Wentz, Pharm.D., FASCP, is a clinical pharmacist, functional medicine expert, and New York Times bestselling author specializing in Hashimoto's, thyroid health, adrenal health, and root-cause approaches to chronic symptoms.

After being diagnosed with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis in 2009, Dr. Wentz dedicated her work to helping patients uncover the lifestyle, nutritional, environmental, and functional medicine factors that contribute to autoimmune thyroid disease and related symptoms.

She is the author of Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, Hashimoto's Protocol, Hashimoto's Food Pharmacology, and Adrenal Transformation Protocol, and the creator of the documentary series The Thyroid Secret. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Fox News, and MindBodyGreen.

Connect with Dr. Wentz

Support your gut health journey with the IBS Book (available now!)

Get the Adrenal Transformation Protocol book
Learn more about the Hashimoto's Food Pharmacology cookbook
Learn more about the Hashimoto's Protocol book
Learn more about the Root Cause book
Take the Hashimoto's Self-Management Program
Learn more about supplements
Own your copy of The Thyroid Secret

Episode Resources:

Work with Dr. Tassone | Tassone Advanced Gynecology

Dr. Tassone's Book | The Hormone Balance Bible

Dr. Tassone's Integrative Hormonal Archetype Quiz | Learn Your Hormonal Archetype

Medical Disclaimer
This podcast and website represent the opinions of Dr. Shawn Tassone and his guests. The content here should not be taken as medical advice and is for informational purposes only. Because each person is so unique, please consult your health care professional for any medical questions.