IBS Freedom Podcast

Dr. Nicole DiNezza, DC, NTP and Amy Hollenkamp, RD
  • 4.5 (75)
  • Alternative Health
  • Updated Weekly

You can treat your gut without restrictive, awful diets... You can trust us to show you how! Whether you're newly diagnosed with IBS or a veteran, the IBS Freedom Podcast will provide clarity for your healing journey. Each week your IBS experts will cover topics within the world of IBS including small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), leaky gut syndrome, dysbiosis, the low FODMAP diet, candida, and so much more.Meet your hosts!- Dr. Nicole DiNezza, DC, NTP is a functional medicine doctor and nutritional therapy practitioner from Chapel Hill, NC.- Amy Hollenkamp, RD is a registered dietitian from Cincinnati, OH.

  1. 3h ago

    Somatic Therapy with Mitch - IBS Freedom Podcast #228

    In this episode of IBS Freedom Podcast, Nikki and Amy sit down with somatic coach Mitch Webb to explore the powerful connection between the nervous system, chronic digestive symptoms, and the pursuit of “perfect” health. Mitch shares his personal journey through IBS, food sensitivities, restrictive diets, biohacking, and wellness obsession, explaining how his relentless search for the perfect protocol ultimately kept him stuck. Together, they discuss how symptom tracking, health anxiety, and constant attempts to control the body can reinforce nervous system dysregulation rather than resolve it. The conversation dives into neuroplasticity, somatic healing, emotional awareness, and why focusing on symptoms may actually strengthen the very patterns people are trying to overcome. The discussion also challenges common messages found in the wellness and functional medicine spaces, emphasizing resilience over perfection and capacity over symptom elimination. Mitch explains why healing often comes from learning to tolerate uncertainty, respond differently to discomfort, and gradually re-engage with life—even when symptoms are present. Listeners will learn practical insights about nervous system regulation, self-compassion, compulsive symptom-checking, food fears, and the importance of building a life centered around values rather than symptoms. The episode offers a refreshing perspective for anyone struggling with IBS, SIBO, health anxiety, or chronic symptoms who feels trapped in an endless cycle of searching for the next diet, supplement, or solution. Love this episode? Be sure to LIKE it and SUBSCRIBE :) Nikki's Info: - Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/TriangleHolisticGutHealth - Instagram: @Gut.Microbiome.Queen - FODMAP Freedom in 90 Days: https://www.fodmapfreedom.com/enroll - Private Appts: https://infinityholistichealth.com/ Amy's Info: - Practice: https://sibodiaries.com/ - Instagram: @Amy_Hollenkamp_RD

    1h 39m

  2. Jun 8

    Parasites Part 2 - IBS Freedom Podcast #227

    Nikki and Amy continue their parasites discussion with a warning for listeners prone to health anxiety, then Amy shares a raccoon-latrine scare after finding raccoon poop in a window well and researching raccoon roundworm risk, noting severe illness is rare and typically requires ingestion, with exposure and parasite load affecting symptom likelihood. They discuss how everyday life with pets and kids increases exposure, the hygiene hypothesis, and microbiome changes with travel and traditional lifestyles.  The hosts emphasize that many parasite infections are asymptomatic, that PCR-based stool tests may be overly sensitive, yield false positives, and sometimes misidentify organisms, and that parasite load seen on microscopy may better correlate with symptoms. They criticize indiscriminate functional testing and prolonged supplement “cleanses,” recommend CDC-based evaluation, and suggest short conventional treatments (e.g., albendazole) when appropriate; they also cover pinworms’ typical symptoms and tape testing. 00:00 Parasites Part Two Begins 01:22 Raccoon Latrine Scare 04:07 Roundworm Risk Reality Check 06:45 Kids Pets and Poop Exposure 10:04 Hygiene Hypothesis and Microbes 12:07 Tribal Microbiome Stories 16:41 Parasites Nuance and Fear 21:45 Testing Pitfalls and PCR 30:18 When to Treat and Move On 31:27 Worms Load and IBS Symptoms 32:57 Symptoms Are Rare 34:51 Parasite Cleanse Pitfalls 35:09 Four Month Horror Story 38:10 Herbs Versus Prescriptions 41:02 GI Map Reliability Issues 43:34 Parasite Testing Red Flags 46:22 Pinworms In Kids 49:50 Worms And IBS Evidence 53:24 Microbiome And Worm Synergy 59:37 Prevention And Wrap Up Love this episode? Be sure to LIKE it and SUBSCRIBE :) Nikki's Info: - Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/TriangleHolisticGutHealth - Instagram: @Gut.Microbiome.Queen - FODMAP Freedom in 90 Days: https://www.fodmapfreedom.com/enroll - Private Appts: https://infinityholistichealth.com/ Amy's Info: - Practice: https://sibodiaries.com/ - Instagram: @Amy_Hollenkamp_RD

    1h 4m

  3. May 25

    Parasites Part 1 - IBS Freedom Podcast #226

    After 226 episodes, Amy and Nikki finally tackle parasites, noting the “ick” factor and fecal–oral transmission taboo, and explaining why they’ve avoided a messy topic polarized between holistic claims (everyone has parasites and needs cleanses) and conventional under-testing. They argue stool-test findings can be incidental, advise treating a suspected parasite once or twice but reassessing if symptoms don’t improve, and criticize expensive, extreme protocols and test over-interpretation (including skepticism about GI-MAP accuracy).  They discuss post-infectious IBS research suggesting higher rates after parasitic infections than bacterial gastroenteritis, proposing mechanisms like dysbiosis, leaky gut, and unresolved inflammation rather than chronic infection. They cover Blastocystis hominis as controversial (17 subtypes; sometimes linked to diversity; symptoms and treatment effects vary; one study favored Saccharomyces boulardii over metronidazole), then review Giardia and Cryptosporidium transmission patterns and risks, ending with a tease for a worms-and-testing follow-up episode. Love this episode? Be sure to LIKE it and SUBSCRIBE :) Nikki's Info: - Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/TriangleHolisticGutHealth - Instagram: @Gut.Microbiome.Queen - FODMAP Freedom in 90 Days: https://www.fodmapfreedom.com/enroll - Private Appts: https://infinityholistichealth.com/ Amy's Info: - Practice: https://sibodiaries.com/ - Instagram: @Amy_Hollenkamp_RD

    1h 17m

  4. Apr 27

    Weight Loss, Weight Gain - IBS Freedom Podcast #225

    Nikki and Amy discuss how increasing food intake can feel overwhelming for people who struggle with gut issues, especially after a period of underfueling. It describes working with a patient who averaged about 1300 calories per day but likely needed at least 2000 calories based on activity level; they were only able to increase her intake to about 1800. The speaker notes that a 700-calorie increase can feel like a lot, and that the gut may need time to adjust, making progress feel like an uphill battle until consistent intake is maintained and symptoms improve. Love this episode? Be sure to LIKE it and SUBSCRIBE :) Nikki's Info: - Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/TriangleHolisticGutHealth - Instagram: @Gut.Microbiome.Queen - FODMAP Freedom in 90 Days: https://www.fodmapfreedom.com/enroll - Private Appts: https://infinityholistichealth.com/ Amy's Info: - Practice: https://sibodiaries.com/ - Instagram: @Amy_Hollenkamp_RD

    1h 4m

  5. Mar 23

    Vitamin E, Antioxidants, & Your Gut - IBS Freedom Podcast #224

    Vitamin E for IBS: Food Sources, Deficiency Rates, and Gut Barrier Benefits On the IBS Freedom Podcast, Amy and Nikki discuss vitamin E in their single-nutrient series, opening with jokes and then covering practical food sources such as wheat germ, sunflower seeds, almonds, hazelnuts, peanuts, and various seed oils, while noting wheat avoidance and gluten-free diets can make intake harder. 00:00 Vitamin E Kickoff Joke 01:50 Real Food Sources 02:49 Wheat Germ Mishap 05:45 Seed Oils Debate 07:59 How Common Deficiency Is 10:27 IBS and IBD Evidence 15:21 Limits of Nutrition Research 21:25 What Vitamin E Does 24:04 Deficiency Signs and Fertility 27:13 Nutrient Interactions 28:53 Vitamin E Supplement Risks 31:11 Goldilocks Dosing Principle 36:53 Vitamin D Toxicity Caution 38:59 Who Should Supplement Vitamin E 43:45 Food Sources and Palm Oil 46:05 RDA and PUFA Ratio Debate 51:07 Vitamin E and Gut Microbiome 54:47 Final Summary and Wrap Up Love this episode? Be sure to LIKE it and SUBSCRIBE :) Nikki's Info: - Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/TriangleHolisticGutHealth - Instagram: @Gut.Microbiome.Queen - FODMAP Freedom in 90 Days: https://www.fodmapfreedom.com/enroll - Private Appts: https://infinityholistichealth.com/ Amy's Info: - Practice: https://sibodiaries.com/ - Instagram: @Amy_Hollenkamp_RD

    53 min

  6. Mar 9

    Nitric Oxide & Your Gut with Cathy Eason, MS, BCHN - IBS Freedom Podcast #223

    Nitric Oxide, Dietary Nitrates, and Gut Health (IBS Freedom Podcast with Cathy Eason) Nikki and Amy host Cathy Eason, a functional nutritional therapy practitioner with over 20 years of experience, autoimmune specialist, and Chief Science Officer at Berkeley Life, to discuss the role of nitric oxide in gut health and overall physiology.  00:00 Welcome Back + Meet Kathy (Functional Medicine & Berkeley Life) 01:16 A Nitric Oxide Horror Story: The ‘Nitric Balance’ Flush 04:49 Nitric Oxide 101: What It Is, Why It Matters for Blood Flow & Gut Health 12:40 Why NO Runs Low: Enzymes, Nutrient Cofactors, Aging & Oxidative Stress 14:34 The Nitrate-to-NO Pathway: Oral Microbiome, Chewing & Stomach Acid (PPIs) 18:33 Gut Payoffs: Motility, Barrier Repair, SIBO Risk & Why Diversity Beats Restriction 26:00 Beyond Food: Trauma, Vagus Nerve, Nasal Breathing & Nervous System Balance 31:31 Morning nitric oxide boost: grounding, sunlight & nasal breathing 32:04 Mitochondria, energy, and why dietary nitrates matter for fatigue 33:08 Weight balance & the 'unsexy basics' (moderate habits over overtraining) 34:48 Food first: why a multivitamin can’t replace nitrates & polyphenols 38:07 Supplement overload & the psychology of feeling 'broken' 41:38 Smart off-ramps: using supplements strategically (and when to stop) 43:23 Long-game heart health: aging, blood flow, and monitoring BP/pulse 48:17 Bridging restricted diets: parallels with butyrate + nitrate support 50:45 Protect your oral microbiome: mouthwash, smoking, and tongue scraping 55:10 Closing Q&A setup + practical starting steps & Berkeley Life resources Love this episode? Be sure to LIKE it and SUBSCRIBE :) Nikki's Info: - Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/TriangleHolisticGutHealth - Instagram: @Gut.Microbiome.Queen - FODMAP Freedom in 90 Days: https://www.fodmapfreedom.com/enroll - Private Appts: https://infinityholistichealth.com/ Amy's Info: - Practice: https://sibodiaries.com/ - Instagram: @Amy_Hollenkamp_RD

    1h 4m

  7. Feb 23

    Vitamin A, Inflammation, Your Immune System & Your Gut - IBS Freedom Podcast #222

    In this episode of the IBS Freedom Podcast, Nikki and Amy transition from discussing water-soluble vitamins to exploring the world of fat-soluble vitamins, starting with Vitamin A. They delve into the underappreciated role of Vitamin A in gut health, its synergy with other nutrients, and its widespread deficiency within the population. The hosts also discuss signs of Vitamin A deficiency, its sources in food, and the importance of a balanced intake of fat-soluble vitamins.  Practical tips on enhancing dietary Vitamin A and cautionary notes about supplementation are provided. Additionally, Nikki shares a humorous story about an encounter with a multi-level marketing company pitching a photonic scanner measuring carotenoids. Tune in for an insightful conversation on why Vitamin A deserves more attention in your diet. 00:00 Introduction to Fat-Soluble Vitamins 00:30 The Importance of Vitamin A 01:03 Clinical Observations and Deficiency Risks 04:22 Safety Warnings and Supplementation 05:48 Beta-Carotene vs. Retinol 08:10 Absorption and Bioavailability 10:57 Personal Experiences and Genetic Factors 14:59 Vitamin A Deficiency Symptoms 19:08 Interactions with Other Nutrients 35:08 Vitamin A Deficiency and Iron Intake 35:51 The Importance of Iron for Taller Women 37:20 Vitamin A and Gut Health 38:11 Vitamin A's Role in Immune Function 43:39 Nutritional Status and Microbial Regulation 45:53 Vitamin A Deficiency and GI Infections 51:46 Digestive Function and Vitamin A Absorption 56:40 Sources of Vitamin A in Food 59:10 A Funny Story About Carotenoid Scanners 01:05:49 Conclusion and Next Episode Teaser Love this episode? Be sure to LIKE it and SUBSCRIBE :) Nikki's Info: - Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/TriangleHolisticGutHealth - Instagram: @Gut.Microbiome.Queen - FODMAP Freedom in 90 Days: https://www.fodmapfreedom.com/enroll - Private Appts: https://infinityholistichealth.com/ Amy's Info: - Practice: https://sibodiaries.com/ - Instagram: @Amy_Hollenkamp_RD

    1h 6m

  8. Feb 9

    Revisiting Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) - IBS Freedom Podcast #221

    In this episode, Amy and Nikki discuss the impact of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) on gut health, specifically focusing on their relation to the development of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). They cover what PPIs are, common brands, and why they are prescribed. The conversation highlights the controversy surrounding PPIs, noting that while they can be necessary for certain conditions like gastritis and esophagitis, they are often overprescribed or used inappropriately, leading to various health risks.  They emphasize the importance of gradual tapering off PPIs to avoid rebound reflux and discuss the potential for PPIs to cause dysbiosis in the small intestine. They also mention strategies for mitigating the negative effects of PPIs, such as probiotics and prokinetics, and underline the importance of balancing the benefits and risks of these medications. 00:00 Welcome Back and New Year Greetings 00:19 Introduction to PPIs 02:23 Controversies and Risks of PPIs 03:32 PPIs and IBS Connection 05:29 Proper Use and Tapering Off PPIs 09:49 Prevalence and Impact of PPI Use 11:38 Understanding Stomach Acid and Microbiome 15:37 Microbiology and Real-World Applications 19:09 Understanding Stomach pH and PPIs 19:43 Impact of PPIs on the Microbiome 20:47 Studies Linking PPIs to IBS 25:14 Mitigation Strategies for PPI-Induced IBS 31:18 Realistic Expectations for Managing IBS and Autoimmunity 35:46 Concluding Thoughts and Future Topics Love this episode? Be sure to LIKE it and SUBSCRIBE :) Nikki's Info: - Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/TriangleHolisticGutHealth - Instagram: @Gut.Microbiome.Queen - FODMAP Freedom in 90 Days: https://www.fodmapfreedom.com/enroll - Private Appts: https://infinityholistichealth.com/ Amy's Info: - Practice: https://sibodiaries.com/ - Instagram: @Amy_Hollenkamp_RD

    39 min
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4.5
out of 5
75 Ratings

About

You can treat your gut without restrictive, awful diets... You can trust us to show you how! Whether you're newly diagnosed with IBS or a veteran, the IBS Freedom Podcast will provide clarity for your healing journey. Each week your IBS experts will cover topics within the world of IBS including small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), leaky gut syndrome, dysbiosis, the low FODMAP diet, candida, and so much more.Meet your hosts!- Dr. Nicole DiNezza, DC, NTP is a functional medicine doctor and nutritional therapy practitioner from Chapel Hill, NC.- Amy Hollenkamp, RD is a registered dietitian from Cincinnati, OH.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Nicole DiNezza, DC, NTP and Amy Hollenkamp, RD
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    231
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 IBS Freedom Podcast
  • Show Website
    IBS Freedom Podcast

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