Love & Guts

#324 You've probably heard serotonin called "the happy chemical." But over 90% of the serotonin in your body isn't made in your brain at all — it's made in your gut, and it does a completely different job there. In this episode, I walk through what gut serotonin actually does for motility, why gut and brain serotonin are largely separate systems (even though your gut and brain are still deeply connected, just through other pathways), what can cause reduced gut serotonin production, and what the newest research says about the gut bacteria that may influence it. I'm upfront about what's genuinely proven and what's still early-stage animal research—including a promising, evidence-backed link between fibre, short-chain fatty acids, and serotonin production that ties right back to why fibre matters. Links:

#323 Fibremaxxing is having a real moment right now — and while I'm all for people increasing their fibre intake to support their microbiome, "eat more fibre" isn't universal advice for constipation. For a specific group of people, more fibre doesn't just fail to help. It genuinely makes things worse. In this episode, I walk through exactly who fibre can backfire for and why — including SIBO and IMO, pelvic floor dysfunction (dyssynergic defecation), and slow transit constipation. I cover the real mechanisms behind how fibre works, why fluid intake changes the equation, what the research actually shows about low FODMAP diets (and what it doesn't), and why I don't believe in long-term fibre or FODMAP restriction. If you've increased your fibre, done everything "right," and either nothing's changed, or you've gotten worse — this episode explains why that's not failure; it's information. Links:

#322 Constipation in children is one of the most common — and most misunderstood — issues parents bring to a practitioner's door. What if the medication your child has been prescribed isn't actually teaching their bowel how to work? My guest today is Sonya Reynolds, a Sydney-based, degree-qualified Nutritionist and Life Coach with over 17 years of experience. Sonya specialises in gut health, digestive disorders, and paediatric nutrition, with a particular focus on natural epilepsy management, something that stems from her own family's journey after her daughter's epilepsy diagnosis in 2012. Sonya is also the founder of Paediatrics in Practice, a practitioner education summit for those working in children's health. In this episode, we cover the real drivers of childhood constipation, why osmotic laxatives don't teach the bowel to work on their own, and how food, hydration, magnesium, and targeted probiotics can be layered in alongside conventional treatment. In this episode, you'll discover: ✅ The most common

#321 If you've been told to take magnesium for your constipation, there's a good chance you were handed magnesium oxide — it's cheap, it's everywhere, and it does work. But once you understand what actually happens to it in your body, there's a compelling reason I don't reach for it first with my clients. In this episode, I walk through the real mechanism behind how magnesium moves your bowels, what the research actually shows about magnesium oxide's effectiveness, and why its conversion process may work against you if methane-driven constipation (SIBO-methane or IMO) is part of your picture. I'll also share the dose used in the research for magnesium citrate, my clinical approach to titrating it safely, and the red flags that tell you it's time to stop self-prescribing and get your case properly investigated. ⚠️ If you're on medications, have kidney issues, or are unsure if magnesium is appropriate for you, please check with your practitioner before supplementing. If you've been taking magnesium and it's jus

#320 Travel is one of the most common gut disruptors I hear about in clinic — and one of the most preventable. In this episode, I'm sharing exactly what I pack to keep my gut moving when I travel, what the whole family takes, and why every single choice is backed by research. Whether you're someone who has no issues at home but completely shuts down the moment you board a plane, or someone who already deals with sluggish bowels and knows travel makes it significantly worse — this one is for you. I walk you through the six key reasons travel disrupts your bowels, and then get into my bare minimum gut travel toolkit: the four things I never leave home without, plus the two free foundations that make everything else work better. We cover GOS — the prebiotic I start seven days before travel that research shows may significantly reduce the incidence and duration of traveller's diarrhoea, and that also supports gut motility. I explain how to dose it, which form has the strongest research behind it, and important

#319 Last week I saw a patient who had been on a low FODMAP diet for 12 years. Self-prescribed. No reintroduction. No professional guidance. His story is far more common than most people realise — and it's exactly why I recorded this episode. Low FODMAP, keto, and carnivore diets all have legitimate therapeutic applications. But when they're self-prescribed, followed indefinitely, and used without ever investigating the underlying cause of symptoms, they can cause their own harm — quietly, progressively, and in ways that are very difficult to reverse. In this episode, I'm drawing on my extensive experience working with constipation and gut health to talk specifically about what these diets do to your bowel — the microbiome changes, the impact on butyrate and serotonin production, the loss of mechanical stimulation, and why constipation is one of the most commonly reported and least discussed consequences of long-term dietary restriction. I also cover the conditions — including SIBO, where a low FODMAP app

#318 What if the gut symptoms no one can explain are connected to something your gastroenterologist was never trained to look for? Dr. Susan Trachman is a board-certified psychiatrist with over 30 years of experience treating medically unexplained illness — and the gut shows up at the centre of those mystery cases more often than you'd think. In this episode, we explore the bidirectional relationship between the brain and gut, why chronic stress and unresolved trauma can silently reshape the microbiome, and what it takes to break the cycle of symptoms that won't respond to conventional treatment. You'll discover: What alexithymia is and why it keeps gut symptoms stuck How early childhood trauma wires the gut for dysfunction decades later Why anxiety and gut distress feed each other — and which one comes first Dr. Trachman's MENDS framework: Medication, Exercise, Nutrition, Dhyana, Sleep Why exercise may be the single most underrated gut health tool The threshold effect of over-exercise on the microbiome What

#317 I'm a degree-qualified naturopath with over 20 years of clinical experience, with a primary focus on complex gut health conditions — and in this video, I'm doing something I've never done before. I'm turning the lens on myself. I recently got my own gut microbiome tested, and I want to walk you through every single result. I didn't get tested because I had gut symptoms — my bowels are actually moving beautifully. I got tested because I'd been dealing with over a year of persistent rosacea and wanted to know: could what's happening in my gut be connected to what's showing up on my skin? I also wanted to show you exactly what this test looks like when it's interpreted by someone who does this for a living. We cover every section of the report — the pathogen panel, the diagnostic GI markers, microbiome diversity and richness, short-chain fatty acids, TMA, emerging metabolites, the species table, and more. I also share the result that was flagged as severely abnormal — and why, in context, it almost certainl

#316 Chloe Turner has lived with Crohn's disease for 25 years. She's also a degree-qualified naturopath and clinical microbiome consultant at Microba — one of Australia's most advanced gut microbiome testing companies. In this conversation, she brings both worlds together: the science of what microbiome testing actually reveals in IBD, and the deeply human experience of living inside a body that can turn on you without warning. Chloe talks candidly about the psychological weight of waiting for the next flare, why clinical remission doesn't always mean your microbiome is safe, and how shotgun metagenomics testing is catching things that colonoscopies and blood tests simply miss — including stealth pathogens like EPEC quietly driving inflammation while everything else looks stable.   In this episode, you'll discover: What gut microbiome testing reveals that conventional IBD workups cannot How EPEC and E. coli species silently fuel flares — and what to do about it Why clinical remission doesn't mean your

#315 Should you test your baby's microbiome — and if so, when? In this episode, I sit down with naturopath, herbalist, lactation consultant, and infant microbiome expert Dawn Whitten to take a critical and balanced look at the new wave of paediatric microbiome testing. Dawn brings over 20 years of clinical experience in perinatal and early life health, and in this conversation, she covers what these tests get right, where they fall short, and the very real risk of over-interpreting a rapidly changing ecosystem. In this episode, you'll discover: What "normal" actually looks like in the infant microbiome across the first two to three years of life Why the infant microbiome can shift dramatically in just a few weeks without any intervention The clinical risk of testing too early and acting too fast Why Bifidobacterium is the keystone genus of the infant gut — and which species matter most The age grouping problem with current paediatric tests Why organisms like Blastocystis and Dientamoeba in a baby's r

#314 What if chronic constipation, gut dysbiosis, and microbial imbalance were early warning signs of Parkinson's disease — appearing up to 20 years before a diagnosis? In this episode, I sit down with microbiome researcher and founder of The BioCollective, Martha Carlin, whose journey into Parkinson's research began when her husband John was diagnosed at just 44 years old. Martha spent over two decades studying the gut-brain connection in Parkinson's, building one of the first independent IRB-approved human microbiome research initiatives in the world. In this episode, you'll discover: Why chronic constipation can precede a Parkinson's diagnosis by 20+ years — and why it is never normal The two phenotypes of Parkinson's disease and how gut bacteria can distinguish between them The role of hydrogen sulphide, LPS endotoxins, and leaky gut in Parkinson's pathology The mycobacteria connection to Parkinson's that almost nobody is talking about How glyphosate is decimating the good bacteria we need most

#313 You've been told to take probiotics. But nobody told you how — or whether what you're taking is actually doing anything. Probiotics are one of the most talked-about tools in gut health, and one of the most misused. In this solo episode, Lynda busts 7 of the most common probiotic myths she sees in clinic and online — and by the end, you'll understand probiotics at a level most people never do. You'll discover: Why probiotics don't permanently colonise your gut — and what that means for how you take them - Why "a probiotic is a probiotic" is one of the most misleading claims in the supplement industry - Why more strains in a bottle doesn't mean more effective - Why you should absolutely take probiotics during antibiotic treatment — and what the research actually shows - Why taking probiotics on an empty stomach is outdated advice - Why kefir and kombucha won't reliably restore your gut after antibiotics — and what will - Why probiotics are not the automatic answer to every gut condition If you've been

#312 Shame around our bodies — including gut symptoms like bloating and constipation — can quietly erode desire, intimacy, and our relationship with ourselves. In this episode, I'm joined by Rebecca Levy, Somatic Sexologist, Sex Educator and Relationship Counsellor, to explore the hidden link between gut health, body shame and sexual desire. We discuss how nervous system dysregulation impacts both digestion and desire, what somatic sexology actually is, and simple practices you can start today to rebuild body awareness and reconnect with pleasure. If you've ever felt disconnected from your body or struggled with intimacy because of how you feel in your skin — this one is for you.   CONNECT WITH REBECCA LEVY Website: www.rebeccalevy.com.au  Find her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rebeccalevy_somaticsexologist/   WORK WITH LYNDA Book a 1:1 Consultation: https://www.lyndagriparic.com/book-an... Shop BetterMe Tea (Digestive Support): https://www.lyndagriparic.com/shop/ Website: https://lyndagriparic.com

#311 If you've been drinking the water, eating the fibre, taking the  magnesium and prebiotics — and you're still constipated — this episode is for you. Chronic constipation is rarely just a lifestyle problem. In most cases, there is a deeper, physiological root cause that hasn't been properly investigated. In this solo episode, Lynda walks you through five of the most commonly missed drivers of chronic constipation, what the research says, and why getting the right investigation changes everything. You'll discover: - Why do methane-producing gut organisms (IMO) physically slow down your bowel movement — and why fibre and resistant starch can make it worse - Dyssynergic defecation — when your pelvic floor tightens instead of releasing - Secondary medical causes that are frequently overlooked, including thyroid dysfunction and medications - What advanced microbiome testing reveals that standard tests simply miss - How chronic stress, nervous system dysregulation, and trauma keep you stuck - Why chronic constip

#310 Udo Erasmus, the legendary "oil guy" and author of Fats That Heal, Fats That Kill, sets the record straight on the seed oil controversy. After being poisoned by pesticides in 1980, Udo dedicated his life to understanding fats and oils—and what he discovered will change how you think about omega-6. In this episode, you'll discover: ✅ Why industrial processing—not omega-6 itself—is destroying your health ✅ The shocking truth: 60 quintillion damaged molecules in ONE tablespoon of processed oil ✅ How to distinguish between healthy whole-food omega-6 (like walnuts) vs toxic processed oils ✅ What the 2024 colon cancer study REALLY shows about seed oils ✅ Why olive oil and sunflower oil aren't created equal ✅ The optimal omega-6 to omega-3 ratio your body actually needs ✅ How pesticides, plastic bottles, and heat destroy even "healthy" oils #SeedOils #Omega6 #UdoErasmus #GutHealth #DigestiveHealth #HealthyFats #OmegaFattyAcids #ProcessedFoods #NaturalHealth ——————————————————— ⏰ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Introduction

The hidden link between light exposure and gut health revealed! In this episode, I explore the fascinating connection between circadian rhythms, light exposure, and digestive health with regenerative health expert Dr. Max Gulhane. Unfortunately, we experienced a technical issue during recording, so I'll be walking through the first half of our conversation from my prepared notes before we dive into the recorded interview with Max. In this episode, you'll discover: ✅ Why light exposure is more than just vitamin D for gut health ✅ The gut microbiome's circadian rhythm and how 15-20% of bacteria fluctuate in a 24-hour cycle ✅ How light signals affect your gut barrier, permeability, and immune function ✅ The SCFA-circadian feedback loop and why it matters for healing ✅ Why midnight phone scrolling disrupts your gut (and what happens when you do) ✅ The role of melatonin produced in your gut (not your brain) ✅ How to optimize light exposure for gut health—safely for Australian conditions ✅ Why fixing circadian disr

#307 Raul Pastrana is a degree-qualified naturopath specializing in fertility and reproductive health, with a particular focus on male fertility—an area that's often overlooked in the fertility conversation. He works closely with individuals and couples through preconception care, IVF preparation, and natural conception, creating tailored treatment plans based on semen analysis, blood pathology, and each person's unique circumstances. Raul is the author of The Male Factor: Fertility is a Shared Responsibility, where he explores how men can actively influence fertility outcomes and provides practical strategies to improve sperm health. Drawing on his background as both a naturopath and personal trainer, Raul has a gift for translating complex health information into actionable changes that people can actually integrate into their daily lives. He is passionate about shifting the narrative around fertility from being solely a "women's issue" to recognising it as a shared responsibility that requires equal inves

#306 Guy and I sit down (while the kids are upstairs!) on his podcast "Let It In with Guy Lawrence" to reflect on our 2025—the messy, the profound, and everything in between. We talk about: How we navigate showing up for clients when we're facing our own challenges—Guy facilitating consciousness retreats during intense spiritual experiences, me supporting gut health clients while dealing with rosacea The reality of being practitioners who are also deeply human What it actually looks like to integrate spiritual experiences while parenting two young kids How we support each other through the unfolding (and when we can't fully relate) The balance between doing all the things and actually letting go What we're welcoming into 2026 A real conversation about the paradox of holding space for others while navigating our own transformations. No polish, just honest. WORK WITH ME: Book a 1:1 Consultation: https://www.lyndagriparic.com/book-an-appointment/ Shop BetterMe Tea: https://www.lyndagriparic.com/shop/ Website

#305 Stuck on a restrictive diet and scared to eat more foods? This conversation will change everything. Erin Harner and I discuss how to rebuild microbiome resilience, overcome food fear, and safely transition from elimination diets to diverse, gut-friendly eating. In this episode, you'll discover: - Why restrictive diets can weaken your microbiome (and how to reverse it) - The truth about fiber diversity for sensitive guts - Practical strategies to overcome food fear and intolerances - How polyphenols support gut healing without triggering symptoms - The Gut Balance Method for transitioning to food diversity FEATURED GUEST: Erin Harner Erin Harner is an integrative registered dietician, functional nutritionist, and health coach with over 15 years of experience and a background in biomedical engineering. She specializes in using food as medicine to restore microbiome balance and help clients transition from restrictive eating patterns to diverse, gut-friendly nutrition. Erin's website: https://www.erinharner

#304 Join us for an enlightening conversation on the Love and Guts Podcast with Dr. Sharon Erdrich as we delve into the intricate link between fibromyalgia and gut health. Dr. Sharon, a nurse, naturopath, herbalist, and nutritionist, discusses her extensive research involving the digestive functions and microbiome of women living with fibromyalgia. Discover why diet, oral health, and gut microbiome alterations are pivotal in understanding and managing fibromyalgia symptoms. Learn practical insights for health practitioners on integrating digestive investigations into fibromyalgia workups and the potential of dietary and lifestyle changes in alleviating chronic pain. Whether you're a practitioner or someone eager to explore health connections, this episode is packed with valuable content you don't want to miss!   Host: Lynda Griparic: https://www.lyndagriparic.com/ https://www.instagram.com/lynda_gripa...   Guest: Dr. Sharon Erdrich: https://www.instagram.com/lynda_gripa...