Episode 76 - Dr. Zachary Spiritos - Unlocking the Gut-Brain Connection

MEET THE GUESTDr. Zachary Spiritos is a Duke-trained neurogastroenterologist and founder of EverBetter Medicine, a telehealth clinic focused on complex digestive disorders, dysautonomia, and chronic illness. His approach combines clinical expertise with patient education to uncover root causes and support long-term healing through gut and nervous system regulation.WHAT WE TALK ABOUTHow Dr. Spiritos became a neurogastroenterologist and what software issues really mean in gut health.Why so many patients with celiac, IBS, or mold exposure develop lingering neuro and gut symptoms long after removing the trigger.The science of visceral hypersensitivity when the brain can’t turn off pain signals from the gut.What the vagus nerve really does, how it drives parasympathetic regulation, and why nervous system resets matter more than elimination diets.The connection between trauma, stress, gut motility, and why nervous system overload leads to unpredictable GI flares.Why MCAS (mast cell activation syndrome) is often the hidden root of multi-system symptoms, especially in patients with mold, Lyme, or long COVID.How MCAS presents in the gut, brain, skin, lungs, and heart and why these patients are often misdiagnosed or gaslit.What works: H1 and H2 blockers, nervous system calmers, and low-toxin living and why even a shampoo swap can change everything.Understanding POTS and dysautonomia and why it often coexists with mast cell dysfunction.Why Dr. Spiritos avoids microbiome testing and instead focuses on history, symptom clusters, and foundational healing strategies.The real pillars of gut-brain repair: nervous system regulation, inflammation reduction, sleep, light, fiber, community, and compassion.EPISODE RESOURCESFunction HealthTrack 100+ biomarkers with at-home lab testing to uncover root causes of gut and brain dysfunction. Use code ESCHLICK10 for a discount.shop.thetrailtohealth.com/FunctionHealthSequencingDNA testing for traits and risks that influence your gut-brain axis, inflammation, and immune response.shop.thetrailtohealth.com/SequencingImmunolyticsHome lab kits to detect mold and mycotoxins that can trigger MCAS and nervous system inflammation.shop.thetrailtohealth.com/ImmunolyticsPulsettoWearable vagus nerve stimulator for calming the nervous system and improving stress-related gut symptoms.shop.thetrailtohealth.com/PulsettoRho NutritionTargeted liquid blends for detox, gut repair, and immune regulation, key in managing chronic gut and nervous system issues. Use code TRAILTOHEALTH for 15% OFF.shop.thetrailtohealth.com/RhoNutritionWonderfeelScience-backed supplements to support brain health, cognition, and cellular resilience in chronic conditions.shop.thetrailtohealth.com/wonderfeelOura RingSmart ring to track sleep, HRV, and recovery, key metrics for nervous system regulation and healing.shop.thetrailtohealth.com/OuraRingEarthingGrounding tools to support vagus nerve health, reduce inflammation, and calm the stress response.shop.thetrailtohealth.com/earthingSomavedicEMF-neutralizing devices to lower environmental stress and support MCAS, sleep, and nervous system repair. Use code TRAILTOHEALTH for 10% OFF.shop.thetrailtohealth.com/somavedicGenopalateDNA-based nutrition insights to personalize your diet and support brain-gut and histamine balance. Use code TRAILTOHEALTH for $10 OFF.shop.thetrailtohealth.com/genopalateCONNECT WITH THE GUESTWebsite: everbettermedicine.healthInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drzacspiritos/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zachary.spiritos/KEYWORDSgut-brain connection, neurogastroenterology, vagus nerve, mast cell activation syndrome, POTS, gut health, inflammation, probiotics, digestive health, mental health, telehealth