Ep 41: Is gluten the root of all evil ? - Dr Jessica Biesiekierski

n this episode, I'm joined by Jessica Biesiekierski, Associate Professor and Head of Human Nutrition at the University of Melbourne, and an NHMRC Emerging Leadership Fellow specialising in diet, gut health, and gut–brain interactions. Jess is internationally recognised for her work on non-coeliac gluten sensitivity (NCGS), a term she helped define during her PhD at Monash University. Her research has been instrumental in shaping how we understand the complex relationship between gluten, gut symptoms, and the role of other dietary factors. In this episode, we explore what NCGS actually is — and what it isn't — why diagnosing it remains challenging, and the role of factors like fermentable carbohydrates and the nocebo effect in symptom generation. Whether you're a clinician, researcher, or someone navigating gluten-related symptoms, this conversation offers clear, evidence-based insights into a highly debated and evolving area of gut health. Please enjoy my conversation with Dr Jessica Biesiekierski