Resolve IBS and IBD Naturally

Courtney Cowie NTP, FDN-P
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This podcast is for you if you are struggling with symptoms of IBS and IBD and want to get to the root cause of your symptoms so you can take back your health through a holistic, whole-person approach.

  1. 3d ago

    Episode 78: Why Your Gut Won't Heal If You Can't Say No: The Connection Between Boundaries, Stress, and IBS with Savannah Busnelli

    Send us Fan Mail If you've tried every diet, supplement, and elimination protocol for your IBS or IBD — and you're still not getting lasting relief — there's a piece of the puzzle most practitioners never address: your boundaries. In this episode, I sit down with Savannah Busnelli, professional life coach and wellness coach at Wellness by Savvy, to talk about the powerful and often overlooked connection between poor boundaries, chronic stress, and gut symptoms. If you live with IBS-D, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, or any chronic digestive condition, this conversation will shine a light on why your nervous system — and therefore your gut — may be stuck in survival mode. Savannah shares her own journey with boundary struggles that led her to specialize in this work, and we explore the practical, compassionate tools she uses to help people start setting limits without guilt, fear, or losing the relationships they care about. If stress is one of your biggest gut triggers, this episode is essential listening. In this episode we cover: • How to recognize if poor boundaries are silently fueling your IBS or IBD flare-ups • Why resentment is your body's built-in signal that a boundary has been crossed • The real reason saying yes to please others is making your gut worse — not better • Why making health changes (like dietary shifts for IBS) can feel threatening to people around you — and how to handle it • The guilt and burden women with chronic illness feel when their health needs disrupt family routines • How emotional trauma and high-conflict relationships can directly trigger digestive symptoms • A step-by-step approach to setting boundaries starting with safe people first • How to use "I" statements to communicate limits calmly — especially with high-conflict individuals • The role of affirmations, journaling, and role-playing in building boundary confidence • Why consistency is the most important ingredient in boundary-setting — and how to build it This episode is especially helpful if you're experiencing: – IBS or IBD flare-ups that seem tied to stress or difficult relationships – Feeling like a burden when your gut condition requires special food or rest – Chronic anxiety, mood swings, or emotional exhaustion alongside your gut symptoms – Resentment that builds up after agreeing to things that drain you – Difficulty asserting your health needs with family, friends, or coworkers – A pattern of putting others' comfort above your own healing Key takeaway: Your gut heals in a regulated nervous system. If your relationships and daily environment are keeping you in a constant state of stress, no supplement or diet plan will be enough. Setting boundaries is not selfish — it is part of your treatment plan. About Savannah Busnelli: Savannah Busnelli is a professional life coach and wellness coach at Wellness by Savvy. She specializes in helping people set healthy boundaries, break people-pleasing patterns, and build the emotional skills needed to sustain long-term personal and health transformations. Connect with Savannah: Website: www.wellnessbysavvy.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wellnessbysavvy/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wellnessbysavvy Newsletter sign-up: https://www.wellnessbysavvy.com/newsletter Free boundaries resource: https://www.wellnessbysavvy.com/shop/free-resources Upcoming workshops: https://www.wellnessbysavvy.com/workshops Learn more about working with me: If stress and emotional overwhelm are driving your IBS-D or IBD symptoms, The Tame Your Gut Program was built for you. Together we identify your food triggers, uncover root cause stressors, and give you the tools to regulate your nervous system and reclaim your quality of life — for good. Link to my free training “The Root Cause Approach to Gut Healing”—my step-by-step framework to stop guessing and start healing Link to a free 30 minute Gut Check Call Link to my website 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.

    53 min

  2. Jun 26

    Episode 77: Living With Crohn's Disease: What Doctors Don't Tell You About Managing IBD Long-Term, with Justin Brown

    Send us Fan Mail If you've been living with Crohn's disease or IBD and feel like you've tried everything — only to still be struggling with unpredictable symptoms, fatigue, and a life that feels smaller than it should — this episode is for you. My guest today is Justin Brown, founder of Rhino Skin Solutions and a Crohn's disease warrior since the age of 12. Justin's story is raw, honest, and deeply relatable. We talk about what it's really like to grow up managing a chronic gut condition, how Crohn's disease reshaped his career and his identity, and — most surprisingly — how starting an antidepressant dramatically improved his GI symptoms. Whether you have Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, IBS-D, or any form of inflammatory bowel disease, you'll walk away from this episode with a new lens on your symptoms — and real hope. In this episode we cover: • What it's like to be diagnosed with Crohn's disease as a child — and how symptoms are often missed • The social isolation and shame that comes with living with an invisible illness • How chronic gut conditions like IBD force unexpected career and life pivots • Why stress management isn't optional when you have a gut condition — it's medicine • The gut-serotonin connection: why 90% of your serotonin is made in your gut and what that means for your mental health • How sertraline (an SSRI antidepressant) unexpectedly improved Justin's Crohn's disease symptoms — and what this might mean for the gut-brain axis • Adapting your life, travel, and outdoor activities when you have IBD — without letting fear run the show • Finding small wins and non-linear progress when living with a chronic digestive condition This episode is especially helpful if you're experiencing: – Chronic diarrhea or loose stools from Crohn's disease or IBS-D – Anxiety and depression caused by gut symptoms – Fatigue and brain fog from IBD – Social anxiety around eating, leaving home, or traveling – Frustration that conventional medicine isn't giving you answers – The feeling that your gut condition is running your life Key takeaway: Living with IBD doesn't mean your quality of life has to suffer. Whether it's adapting your career, finding the right combination of medication and lifestyle support, or finally understanding the gut-brain connection — healing is non-linear, and progress is still progress. About Justin Brown: Justin Brown is the founder of Rhino Skin Solutions, a natural skincare line created for athletes dealing with conditions like psoriasis, joint pain, and skin inflammation. He has lived with Crohn's disease since age 12 and is passionate about the intersection of active living, chronic illness management, and community. To check out Rhino Skin Solutions: https://rhinoskinsolutions.com/collections/all Learn more about working with me: If you're ready to stop managing your IBS-D or IBD symptoms one flare-up at a time and finally get to the root cause, I'd love to connect. The Tame Your Gut Program helps goal-oriented women identify their food triggers, run targeted root cause testing, and build a sustainable plan to reclaim their energy, confidence, and quality of life. Link to my free training “The Root Cause Approach to Gut Healing”—my step-by-step framework to stop guessing and start healing Link to a free 30 minute Gut Check Call Link to my website 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.

    50 min

  3. Jun 12

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

    Send us Fan Mail 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 Link to my free training “The Root Cause Approach to Gut Healing”—my step-by-step framework to stop guessing and start healing Link to a free 30 minute Gut Check Call Link to my website 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.

    18 min

  4. May 29

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

    Send us Fan Mail 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 goingWhy being “mostly gluten-free” is often not enough to calm inflammationThe difference between standard food sensitivity testing and the Wheat ZoomerWhy IgG and IgA food sensitivity tests can miss important wheat reactionsHow the Wheat Zoomer helps identify immune reactivity to smaller wheat peptidesCommon hidden sources of wheat in food, supplements, and personal care productsWhy accidental exposure can happen even when you think you’re doing everything rightHow 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 Link to my free training “The Root Cause Approach to Gut Healing”—my step-by-step framework to stop guessing and start healing Link to a free 30 minute Gut Check Call Link to my website 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.

    26 min

  5. May 15

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

    Send us Fan Mail 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 IBDThe connection between wheat sensitivity, gut inflammation, and immune activationWhy modern wheat may be more problematic than many people realizeHow glyphosate, mold, and mycotoxins may add to the burden on a weakened gutWhy you may not always feel an immediate reaction to wheat, even if it is still harming your bodyWhy food sensitivities often become clearer after a period of full eliminationHow specialized testing can reveal ongoing immune reactivity to wheat peptidesWhy 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 Link to my free training “The Root Cause Approach to Gut Healing”—my step-by-step framework to stop guessing and start healing Link to a free 30 minute Gut Check Call Link to my website 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.

    28 min

  6. May 8

    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 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 Link to my free training “The Root Cause Approach to Gut Healing”—my step-by-step framework to stop guessing and start healing Link to a free 30 minute Gut Check Call Link to my website 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.

    29 min

  7. May 1

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

    Send us Fan Mail 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 generationsHow environmental pollutants impact liver detox pathwaysThe role of bile flow and dietary fat in proper detoxificationWhy liver flushes and cleanses require preparation and professional guidanceThe difference between Phase 1 and Phase 2 detoxificationHow stress impacts liver gene expression and hormone metabolismWhy alcohol, processed foods, and chronic stress compound congestionHow hydration, cruciferous vegetables, movement, and sweating support detox naturallyWhy discipline + flexibility creates sustainable resultsHoliday liver strategies that actually workMaria 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 bottlenecksHow testing like the DUTCH can reveal detox pathway slowdownsThe importance of balanced nutrition (not extreme restriction)The mindset shift required to move from quick fixes to long-term resilienceThis 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 Link to a free 30 minute Gut Check Call Link to my website 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.

    1h 37m

  8. Apr 17

    Episode 71: Hypnosis for IBS, Anxiety & Autoimmune Healing, with Juliana Sloane

    Send us Fan Mail What if healing your gut isn’t just about food, supplements, or antimicrobials — but about rewiring the brain? In this powerful conversation, Courtney sits down with hypnotherapist and meditation teacher Juliana Sloane to explore the science-backed connection between hypnosis, neuroplasticity, vagus nerve regulation, and chronic conditions like IBS, IBD, anxiety, chronic pain, and autoimmune disorders. Juliana shares how her personal journey through illness led her to modern hypnotherapy — and why hypnosis today looks nothing like outdated stage stereotypes. Instead, it’s a collaborative, neuroscience-informed process that helps shift entrenched neural pathways related to fear, pain, stress, and self-criticism. Together, Courtney and Juliana unpack how chronic stress physiology dampens vagus nerve tone, lowers digestive function, and perpetuates IBS and autoimmune flares — even when diet and supplements are dialed in. You’ll learn: What hypnosis actually is (and isn’t)How trance states support vagal tone and stress regulationThe role of neuroplasticity in shifting chronic symptom patternsWhy anxiety and IBS are so tightly linkedHow hypnotherapy can transform long-standing fear around food and symptomsThe difference between guided hypnotherapy and self-hypnosis toolsA simple neuroscience-backed visualization technique to calm symptom flaresWhy nervous system regulation is essential for lasting gut healingCourtney and Juliana also discuss media consumption, childhood self-criticism, and how unconscious belief patterns can quietly sabotage physical healing — even when someone is “doing everything right.” If you struggle with IBS, IBD, anxiety-driven flares, or autoimmune symptoms that worsen under stress, this episode will expand your understanding of the gut-brain connection — and offer practical, empowering tools to support real change. Connect with Juliana Sloane Website: https://julianasloane.com Free Gentle Hypnosis Meditation: https://julianasloane.com/free-hypnosis-recording Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julianasloane LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julianasloane/ Link to my free training “The Root Cause Approach to Gut Healing”—my step-by-step framework to stop guessing and start healing Link to a free 30 minute Gut Check Call Link to my website 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.

    50 min
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About

This podcast is for you if you are struggling with symptoms of IBS and IBD and want to get to the root cause of your symptoms so you can take back your health through a holistic, whole-person approach.

Information

  • Creator
    Courtney Cowie NTP, FDN-P
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    78
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Resolve IBS and IBD Naturally
  • Show Website
    Resolve IBS and IBD Naturally