Everyday Wellness: Midlife Hormones, Menopause, and Science for Women 35+

Ep. 568 "It’s Not Just Stress!” – The Two 'Red Flag' Symptoms You Should Never Ignore with Dr. Izabella Wentz | Menopause, Perimenopause & Gut Health

Mar 18, 2026

Dr. Izabella Wentz, clinical pharmacist and bestselling author focused on thyroid and gut root causes, discusses when IBS is dismissed and what other conditions can hide behind IBS symptoms. She highlights surprising dietary triggers, key red-flag signs that need urgent evaluation, the role of fiber and short-chain fatty acids, and how stress and the nervous system shape gut health.

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ANECDOTE

Cynthia Found Gluten After Years Of 'Stress' Diagnosis

Cynthia Thurlow shared being told in college her IBS was just stress until she later identified gluten as a driver of symptoms.
Her experience illustrates delayed diagnosis and the value of elimination diets to find triggers.

ADVICE

Take Blood In Stools Or Weight Loss As Red Flags

Treat red flags seriously: seek evaluation for blood in stools, unexplained weight loss, fever, or symptoms starting after age 40.
These signs may indicate inflammatory bowel disease or colorectal cancer rather than IBS and need prompt workup.

INSIGHT

Low Digestive Fire Can Lead To SIBO

Poor digestive 'fire' (low stomach acid, enzyme or bile deficiencies) can cause undigested food to fuel bacterial overgrowth like SIBO.
Wentz explains SIBO often arises from low hydrochloric acid, pancreatic enzymes, or bile issues, worsening IBS symptoms.

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I am thrilled to reconnect with Dr. Izabella Wentz today. She is a pioneering clinical pharmacist and best-selling author, with a passion for identifying the root causes of complex health conditions. She has consulted on 1000s of difficult cases, and her upcoming book is called IBS: Finding and Treating the Root Cause of Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

In today’s conversation, we explore relevant statistics, dietary triggers, and specific labs that can be helpful when navigating an IBS diagnosis. We highlight red flags, examine the impact of fiber, the intricate connection between short-chain fatty acids and thyroid health, and how stress, trauma, and the nervous system affect gut health. Dr. Wentz also offers some practical strategies and answers a series of rapid-fire questions.

Dr. Wentz’s latest book offers a fascinating exploration of IBS, guiding readers through diagnosis and treatment options, and empowering them to advocate for themselves.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN:

How IBS is often given as a diagnosis without any lab testing or further investigation
Some of the lesser-known dietary IBS triggers, and how IBS-type symptoms can sometimes signal an entirely different underlying condition
How digestive dysfunction can drive IBS symptoms
Why fiber is essential, and how to increase your fiber intake slowly to avoid any digestive distress
How stress can exacerbate IBS symptoms
Constipation as a symptom of IBS
Why most women tend to have a leaky gut
Challenges of restrictive diets and the need for a balanced approach to gut health
First steps to take when treating IBS

Connect with Cynthia Thurlow

Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn
Check out Cynthia’s website
Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com.
Join other like-minded women in a supportive, nurturing community: The Midlife Pause/Cynthia Thurlow.
Cynthia’s Menopause Gut Book is on presale now!
Cynthia’s Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book
The Midlife Pause Supplement Line

Connect with Dr. Izabella Wentz

On Instagram

Dr. Wentz’s latest book, Finding and Treating the Root Cause of Irritable Bowel Syndrome, will be available for purchase on Amazon and in any reputable bookstore on March 17th.