447: Leaky Gut, SIBO, the Fiber Crisis and the Wellness Habits Quietly Causing Bloating with Dr. Karan Rajan

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Mar 25, 2026

Dr. Karan Rajan, an NHS surgeon and gut health specialist who founded LOAM, breaks down why bloating and food reactions are so common. He tackles leaky gut as a symptom cluster, the fiber deficit and microbiome diversity loss, SIBO basics, and practical fiber strategies. You’ll hear myth-busting on probiotics, cleanses, GLP-1s, and simple habits that quietly trigger bloating.

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INSIGHT

Colon Microbes Produce Hormone‑Shaping Compounds

The gut microbiome mainly resides in the distal colon where fiber fermentation produces short‑chain fatty acids that influence hormones, immunity, brain and skin.
Feeding diverse fibers supports production of SCFAs that lower disease risk and modulate systemic health.

ADVICE

Use Low Dose Antidepressants For Gut‑Brain Relief

Low‑dose antidepressants can treat gut symptoms by modulating the gut‑brain axis.
Rajan cites amitriptyline used for IBS to act on enteric serotonin pathways, reducing gut pain and improving the brain–gut feedback loop.

INSIGHT

Microbiome Loss Can Be Passed Between Generations

Microbial communities transmit across generations, so low maternal diversity can perpetuate loss in children.
Birth route (vaginal vs C‑section) and maternal microbiome shape the infant's initial colonization, contributing to slow generational decay.

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Dr. Karan Rajan is an NHS surgeon, gut health specialist, founder of LOAM, and host of the Dr. Karan Explores podcast. He joins the show to explain why so many people are constantly bloated, reacting to foods, and being told it’s “normal”—and what’s actually going on in your gut.

We break down the truth about “leaky gut,” the fiber deficiency epidemic, and how your microbiome is directly influencing your hormones, mood, and skin. Dr. Rajan also shares why many gut health trends are overcomplicated or misguided—from over-reliance on probiotics to restrictive protocols like low FODMAP—and what actually moves the needle when it comes to digestion.

You can find Dr. Karan Rajan on Instagram @drkaranrajan and on TikTok @dr.karanr and Loam on Instagram and their website https://loamscience.com/

We also get into:

What healthy digestion actually looks like
How often you should be going to the bathroom
Common causes of bloating (including “healthy” foods)
The gut–brain connection and anxiety
How stress and hormones impact digestion
Why fiber is one of the most overlooked tools in health
The downside of probiotics for some people
SIBO, elimination diets, and when they go too far
Lemon water—does it actually help?
Parasite cleanses, microbiome trends, and fecal transplants
GLP-1 medications and gut health

If your gut feels off but you can’t figure out why—or you’ve tried everything and still feel stuck—this episode will give you clarity on what actually matters.

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This episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct, or indirect financial interest in products, or services referred to in this episode.

Produced by Dear Media

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