Episode 88 - Dr. Mary Pardee - Everything You’ve Wanted to Know About Gut Health

MEET THE GUEST Dr. Mary Pardee is a naturopathic doctor specializing in preventative medicine and longevity. She is the founder of modrn med, a Los Angeles-based practice offering both in-person and telemedicine services focused on extending lifespan and improving healthspan. With a background in nutrition, exercise physiology, and performance research, Dr. Mary is dedicated to bridging the gap between living longer and living well. She also educates through her course The Truth About Supplements, which debunks common myths about vitamins and supplements.WHAT WE TALK ABOUT Dr. Mary’s personal journey with lifelong constipation and how it led her to specialize in chronic GI issues like IBS, SIBO, and gut-brain disorders.What IBS really is, the criteria for diagnosis, its subtypes (constipation, diarrhea, mixed), and why abdominal pain and bowel habit changes are key hallmarks.Root causes of IBS, including stress, trauma, microbiome imbalances, infections, inflammation, and hormones, with women being more affected.Understanding SIBO and IMO, how bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine drives gas, bloating, constipation, or diarrhea, and why patterns don’t always fit the textbook.The truth about stool testing: when conventional labs are useful for parasites, IBD, or inflammation, and why most direct-to-consumer microbiome tests are unreliable.The role of fiber, FODMAPs, and fermented foods in long-term gut health, how to improve tolerance without flaring symptoms, and who benefits most from probiotic-rich foods.The gut-brain connection: how vagus nerve signaling, stress pathways, and misfiring “pressure sensors” cause bloating, and how CBT can rewire the brain-gut axis for lasting relief.Clearing up myths around parasites, why most Americans don’t actually have them, and what mucus strings really are.Why colonoscopy is one of the most powerful tools for longevity, cancer prevention, and early detection, and when to consider it based on age or family history.EPISODE RESOURCES  Genopalate DNA-based nutrition testing to personalize your diet for optimal gut and metabolic health. Use code TRAILTOHEALTH for $10 OFF.https://shop.thetrailtohealth.com/genopalate BiOptimizers Supplements designed to improve digestion, gut function, and overall performance. Use code THETRAILTOHEALTH for 10% OFF.https://shop.thetrailtohealth.com/biooptimizer Great Lakes WellnessCollagen and protein blends that support gut lining, skin, and joint health.https://shop.thetrailtohealth.com/greatlakesgelatin Bonafide ProvisionsSlow-simmered organic bone broths that nourish digestion and immunity. Use code TRAILTOHEALTH15 for 15% OFF.https://shop.thetrailtohealth.com/BonafideProvisions Caraway Cookware Non-toxic ceramic cookware for clean, gut-friendly home cooking. Use code THETRAILTOHEALTH10 for 10% OFF.https://shop.thetrailtohealth.com/CarawayCookware VitamixHigh-performance blenders for smoothies and fiber-rich meals that support gut health.https://shop.thetrailtohealth.com/vitamix Paleo on the GoAIP and paleo meal delivery service for those managing gut-healing diets. Use code TRAILTOHEALTH for $15 OFF first order.https://shop.thetrailtohealth.com/paleoonthego Pete’s PaleoFresh, chef-prepared paleo meals to reduce inflammation and ease digestion. Use code TRAILTOHEALTH10 for $10 OFF first order.https://shop.thetrailtohealth.com/PetesPaleo Carnivore CrispsSimple, clean protein snacks made from just meat and salt, easy on the gut. Use code TRAILTOHEALTH25 for 10% OFF.https://shop.thetrailtohealth.com/CarnivoreCrisps KEYWORDS IBS, SIBO, constipation, bloating, diarrhea, gut brain axis, microbiome, stool tests, parasites, colonoscopy, fiber, FODMAP, fermented foods, vagus nerve, CBT, longevity.