Episode 76: Why Wheat Triggers IBS & IBD Symptoms: GMO Wheat, Glyphosate, and Mold Explained

Episode 76: Why Wheat Triggers IBS & IBD Symptoms: GMO Wheat, Glyphosate, and Mold Explained

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2437692/fan_mail/new] If you struggle with bloating, loose stools, acid reflux, or constant bathroom urgency, wheat may be playing a bigger role in your symptoms than you realize. In this final episode of my 4-part series on wheat and gut health, we go beyond gluten to uncover some of the hidden factors that make modern wheat particularly problematic for people with IBS, IBD, and chronic digestive issues. Many people believe that only those with celiac disease need to avoid wheat. But the truth is that modern wheat often carries additional gut stressors—including pesticide residues, mold toxins, and changes from industrial farming practices—that can disrupt the microbiome and trigger inflammation. If you’ve ever wondered why your gut symptoms persist even when tests come back “normal,” this episode will help you understand why wheat can still be a major driver of digestive dysfunction. In This Episode You’ll Learn ✔ Why modern wheat is different from the wheat our ancestors ate ✔ How GMO crops and hybridized grains may impact the gut microbiome ✔ The role of glyphosate (Roundup) in disrupting healthy gut bacteria ✔ How pesticide exposure may contribute to leaky gut and inflammation ✔ Why grain storage practices can promote mold and mycotoxin exposure ✔ The connection between wheat, microbiome disruption, and IBS or IBD symptoms ✔ Simple first steps you can take if you're considering reducing or eliminating wheat Free Mini Course: How to Go Wheat-Free Successfully One of the biggest challenges I see in my practice is people thinking they are wheat-free… only to discover hidden exposure. I created a step-by-step mini course to help you confidently eliminate wheat and avoid the common pitfalls that keep people reacting. 👉 Grab the mini course here:  https://go.courtneycowie.com/payment-link/692df7d3bbe21907f0466fe8 [https://go.courtneycowie.com/payment-link/692df7d3bbe21907f0466fe8] Link to my free training “The Root Cause Approach to Gut Healing”—my step-by-step framework to stop guessing and start healing [https://vsl.courtneycowie.com/ibs-ibd-training-registration] Link to a free 30 minute Gut Check Call [https://gutcheckcall.courtneycowie.com/questionnaire] Link to my website [http://www.courtneycowie.com] Disclaimer: None of the content discussed is meant to be taken as medical advice. All information presented is for educational purposes only and listeners and viewers assume all responsibility around implementing any changes to their health and medical regimen.

Episode 75: Hidden Gluten Exposure: Why “Mostly Gluten-Free” Isn’t Enough for IBS, IBD, and Leaky Gut

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2437692/fan_mail/new] If you’ve gone gluten-free or wheat-free but still struggle with IBS, IBD, bloating, urgency, loose stools, reflux, or leaky gut symptoms, hidden exposure may be the missing piece. In this episode of Resolve IBS and IBD Naturally, Courtney breaks down why “mostly gluten-free” often isn’t enough for people with chronic gut inflammation, autoimmune issues, or ongoing digestive symptoms. She explains how accidental wheat exposure can happen through foods, supplements, and even body care products — and why these small exposures can keep the immune system activated and make it harder to calm inflammation. Courtney also shares why the Wheat Zoomer is one of her favorite tools for identifying wheat sensitivity, how it differs from standard food sensitivity testing, and why so many people think they’re avoiding wheat when they’re actually still being exposed. If you’ve been doing your best but still not seeing progress, this episode will help you uncover the hidden blind spots. In This Episode, You’ll Learn * Why hidden gluten and wheat exposure can keep IBS and IBD symptoms going * Why being “mostly gluten-free” is often not enough to calm inflammation * The difference between standard food sensitivity testing and the Wheat Zoomer * Why IgG and IgA food sensitivity tests can miss important wheat reactions * How the Wheat Zoomer helps identify immune reactivity to smaller wheat peptides * Common hidden sources of wheat in food, supplements, and personal care products * Why accidental exposure can happen even when you think you’re doing everything right * How mindset, habits, and behavior change affect success with a fully wheat-free lifestyle Resources Mentioned If you want step-by-step help learning how to remove wheat successfully and avoid the hidden exposures that keep triggering symptoms, Courtney’s mini course goes much deeper into this topic. How to Go Wheat-Free Successfully Mini Course This training covers hidden sources of wheat, common mistakes, how to assess exposure, and how Courtney uses the Wheat Zoomer to help clients get clear answers. Register here:  https://go.courtneycowie.com/payment-link/692df7d3bbe21907f0466fe8 [https://go.courtneycowie.com/payment-link/692df7d3bbe21907f0466fe8] Link to my free training “The Root Cause Approach to Gut Healing”—my step-by-step framework to stop guessing and start healing [https://vsl.courtneycowie.com/ibs-ibd-training-registration] Link to a free 30 minute Gut Check Call [https://gutcheckcall.courtneycowie.com/questionnaire] Link to my website [http://www.courtneycowie.com] Disclaimer: None of the content discussed is meant to be taken as medical advice. All information presented is for educational purposes only and listeners and viewers assume all responsibility around implementing any changes to their health and medical regimen.

Episode 74: Is Sourdough Safe for IBS or IBD? The Truth About Wheat Sensitivity, Gluten, and Gut Inflammation

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2437692/fan_mail/new] If you’ve been told that sourdough is easier to digest or that it’s a safer option when you have IBS, IBD, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, or gut inflammation, this episode is for you. In this episode of Resolve IBS and IBD Naturally, Courtney Cowie breaks down one of the most common misconceptions she hears from people struggling with digestive symptoms: that switching from regular bread to sourdough is enough to solve a wheat sensitivity problem. She explains why sourdough is still often a trigger, why many people with gut issues continue reacting to wheat in all forms, and why symptom patterns can be more complex than they seem. Courtney also explores how modern wheat differs from traditional wheat, how pesticides, mold, mycotoxins, and gut barrier damage may all contribute to immune reactivity, and why people with IBS or IBD often need a more complete approach than simply swapping one bread for another. If you’ve been wondering whether sourdough is actually okay for your gut, this episode will give you clarity. In This Episode, You’ll Learn * Why sourdough bread is not necessarily safe for people with IBS or IBD * The connection between wheat sensitivity, gut inflammation, and immune activation * Why modern wheat may be more problematic than many people realize * How glyphosate, mold, and mycotoxins may add to the burden on a weakened gut * Why you may not always feel an immediate reaction to wheat, even if it is still harming your body * Why food sensitivities often become clearer after a period of full elimination * How specialized testing can reveal ongoing immune reactivity to wheat peptides * Why going fully wheat-free for a period of time may be an important step in reducing symptoms Resources Mentioned If you’re trying to remove wheat from your diet but want help doing it thoroughly and successfully, check out Courtney’s mini course: How to Go Wheat-Free Successfully Mini Course This training walks you through hidden sources of wheat, common mistakes people make, and how to confidently reduce accidental exposures. Register here:  https://go.courtneycowie.com/payment-link/692df7d3bbe21907f0466fe8 [https://go.courtneycowie.com/payment-link/692df7d3bbe21907f0466fe8] Link to my free training “The Root Cause Approach to Gut Healing”—my step-by-step framework to stop guessing and start healing [https://vsl.courtneycowie.com/ibs-ibd-training-registration] Link to a free 30 minute Gut Check Call [https://gutcheckcall.courtneycowie.com/questionnaire] Link to my website [http://www.courtneycowie.com] Disclaimer: None of the content discussed is meant to be taken as medical advice. All information presented is for educational purposes only and listeners and viewers assume all responsibility around implementing any changes to their health and medical regimen.

Episode 73: Wheat Sensitivity, IBS & IBD: Why Gluten Might Be Triggering Your Gut Symptoms (Even If You Tested Negative for Celiac)

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2437692/fan_mail/new] If you’re struggling with IBS, IBD, bloating, urgency, loose stools, or chronic digestive inflammation, one of the most overlooked root causes may be wheat sensitivity. But here’s the problem: many people are told wheat isn’t an issue simply because they tested negative for celiac disease. In this episode, functional nutrition practitioner Courtney Cowie, NTP, FDN-P, breaks down the critical differences between celiac disease, wheat allergy, and wheat sensitivity — and explains why wheat can still trigger digestive symptoms even when standard medical tests say everything is “normal.” This episode is the first in a 4-part series on wheat and gut health, where you’ll learn how wheat can silently drive inflammation, worsen IBS and IBD symptoms, and disrupt your immune system. Courtney also explains why many people believe they are wheat-free but are still getting hidden exposures that continue to trigger gut inflammation. If you’ve been dealing with chronic digestive symptoms that no one can explain, this episode will help you understand why wheat may still be playing a role — and what to do about it. In This Episode You'll Learn • The difference between celiac disease, wheat allergy, and wheat sensitivity • Why testing negative for celiac does NOT mean wheat isn’t affecting your gut • How wheat can trigger bloating, urgency, diarrhea, fatigue, brain fog, and inflammation • Why many people believe they are wheat-free but are still getting hidden exposures • How wheat sensitivities can contribute to autoimmune conditions and IBS/IBD symptoms • Why eliminating wheat alone sometimes doesn’t fully resolve symptoms • How keeping a food and symptom journal can help uncover hidden triggers Resources Mentioned If you suspect wheat may be contributing to your digestive symptoms but aren’t sure how to remove it successfully, Courtney created a step-by-step mini course to guide you. 👉 How to Go Wheat-Free Successfully Mini Course Learn how to identify hidden wheat exposures, avoid common mistakes, and remove wheat in a way that actually helps your gut heal. Access the mini course here:  https://go.courtneycowie.com/payment-link/692df7d3bbe21907f0466fe8 [https://go.courtneycowie.com/payment-link/692df7d3bbe21907f0466fe8] Link to my free training “The Root Cause Approach to Gut Healing”—my step-by-step framework to stop guessing and start healing [https://vsl.courtneycowie.com/ibs-ibd-training-registration] Link to a free 30 minute Gut Check Call [https://gutcheckcall.courtneycowie.com/questionnaire] Link to my website [http://www.courtneycowie.com] Disclaimer: None of the content discussed is meant to be taken as medical advice. All information presented is for educational purposes only and listeners and viewers assume all responsibility around implementing any changes to their health and medical regimen.

Episode 72: Sluggish Liver Symptoms & Detox Myths, with Maria Horstmann

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2437692/fan_mail/new] Is your liver really “sluggish”… or have detox trends just confused the conversation? In this grounded and myth-busting episode, Courtney sits down with Maria Horstmann to unpack what liver detoxification actually means — and why quick cleanses and extreme programs often miss the point. They explore the difference between true liver congestion and trendy detox culture, and explain why lasting liver health requires sustainable daily habits, not short-term restriction. Inside this conversation, you’ll learn: * Common signs of sluggish liver function (fatigue, weight gain, PMS, cravings, brain fog, skin issues, odor sensitivity) * Why modern toxin exposure is higher than previous generations * How environmental pollutants impact liver detox pathways * The role of bile flow and dietary fat in proper detoxification * Why liver flushes and cleanses require preparation and professional guidance * The difference between Phase 1 and Phase 2 detoxification * How stress impacts liver gene expression and hormone metabolism * Why alcohol, processed foods, and chronic stress compound congestion * How hydration, cruciferous vegetables, movement, and sweating support detox naturally * Why discipline + flexibility creates sustainable results * Holiday liver strategies that actually work Maria describes the liver as your body’s “metabolic COO” — regulating glucose, hormones, fat metabolism, and detoxification. When it’s overloaded, symptoms ripple through digestion, hormones, mood, and energy. Courtney and Maria also discuss: * Why many hormone “imbalances” are actually detox bottlenecks * How testing like the DUTCH can reveal detox pathway slowdowns * The importance of balanced nutrition (not extreme restriction) * The mindset shift required to move from quick fixes to long-term resilience This episode is especially relevant during the holiday season — when indulgence, alcohol, stress, and social obligations can strain metabolic capacity. You’ll walk away with a realistic, science-informed framework for supporting liver health — without falling into detox fads. Follow and connect with Maria on IG: @maria_horstmann_official Link to my free training “The Root Cause Approach to Gut Healing”—my step-by-step framework to stop guessing and start healing [https://vsl.courtneycowie.com/ibs-ibd-training-registration] Link to a free 30 minute Gut Check Call [https://gutcheckcall.courtneycowie.com/questionnaire] Link to my website [http://www.courtneycowie.com] Disclaimer: None of the content discussed is meant to be taken as medical advice. All information presented is for educational purposes only and listeners and viewers assume all responsibility around implementing any changes to their health and medical regimen.