Ep 63: Is IBS an Early Warning Sign for Autoimmunity with Dr. Izabella Wentz

What if your IBS symptoms are actually an early warning sign for deeper health issues?   In this episode of the Nutrient Dense Podcast, Hannah sits down with integrative pharmacist and New York Times bestselling author Dr. Izabella Wentz to discuss the root causes of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and how digestive dysfunction is often connected to autoimmunity, thyroid disease, infections, nutrient deficiencies, and environmental triggers.   Dr. Wentz shares how IBS is frequently treated as a "wastebasket diagnosis" in conventional medicine—leaving millions of people stuck with chronic bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and food sensitivities without ever uncovering the real cause. Together, they break down the many potential drivers behind IBS, including gut infections like H. pylori and parasites, mold exposure, thyroid dysfunction, nutrient deficiencies like thiamine, food additives, stress, and microbiome imbalances.   They also explore the powerful connection between gut health and autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto's, and why addressing intestinal permeability (leaky gut) can be a critical step toward long-term healing. If you've been told you "just have IBS" and feel like something deeper is going on, this episode will help you better understand what may actually be happening inside the body.             WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT IN THIS EPISODE: IBS is often an umbrella diagnosis, meaning multiple root causes can produce the same symptoms. Common IBS drivers include SIBO, parasites, digestive enzyme deficiencies, bile acid issues, nutrient deficiencies, and food reactions. Intestinal permeability (leaky gut) is present in nearly all autoimmune conditions and can be an early warning sign. Many people experience IBS symptoms years before developing autoimmune disease. Gut infections such as H. pylori and Blastocystis hominis may contribute to thyroid antibodies and Hashimoto's. Mold exposure can disrupt immune function and increase susceptibility to multiple gut infections. Stress and nervous system dysregulation can influence digestion but are rarely the only root cause. Food additives, artificial sweeteners, and ultra-processed foods significantly impact gut health. Nutrient deficiencies — especially thiamine, zinc, selenium, and carnitine — can contribute to digestive dysfunction.   LINKS: Book a strategy call with Hannah HERE Take the Gut Health Root Cause Quiz for free! Equip Protein: use the code hannahaylwardhhc for 15% off Listen to Episode 20 - How to Overcome IBS - A Functional Approach Listen to Episode 7 - Common Gut Imbalances: SIBO, Candida Overgrowth, Dysbiosis, IBS & More                     CONNECT WITH HANNAH: Instagram  |   Website              CONNECT WITH DR. IZABELLA: Instagram  |  Website  | Podcast | Upcoming book: IBS: Finding and Treating the Root Cause of Irritable Bowel Syndrome               If you found this episode valuable, share it with a friend and leave us a rating/review! Thank you for listening ✨