Talking Gut Health at An Post HQ: From Digestive Basics to IBS and Beyond
On Monday, June 9th, I had the pleasure of joining the team at An Post HQ for a podcast recording dedicated to a topic that impacts so many of us — gut health.
Whether it’s occasional discomfort or daily digestive struggles, gut symptoms are a common yet often misunderstood part of health. During our conversation, we explored a wide range of issues, with the goal of helping listeners better understand what’s going on in their digestive system — and what they can do about it.
What We Covered
We kicked things off with the basics of digestion, breaking down the journey food takes through the gastrointestinal tract — which, by the way, is nearly 30 feet long! From the mouth to the colon, every section plays a critical role in how we absorb nutrients and maintain overall wellbeing.
From there, we explored:
- IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome): A chronic condition affecting up to 15% of the population, often misunderstood and misdiagnosed. We discussed the types of IBS, its triggers (like stress, food, and hormones), and why symptoms can vary so much from person to person.
- The Gut Microbiome: This vast community of microorganisms influences everything from digestion to immunity. I highlighted how probiotics work (and why one brand might work for one person but not another) and cleared up some myths about refrigerated vs. shelf-stable supplements.
- The Gut-Brain Connection: Ever had “butterflies” before a big event? That’s your gut-brain axis at work. We unpacked how the enteric nervous system — sometimes called the “second brain” — communicates with your central nervous system and can influence your mood and mental health.
- Food Intolerances vs. Allergies: A hot topic online! We talked about the difference between these two terms, why you shouldn’t self-diagnose based on social media ads, and how simple clinical tests can help pinpoint issues like lactose intolerance or fructose malabsorption.
- Alcohol and the Gut: While we all enjoy the occasional drink, I explained how alcohol — especially in excess — can irritate the digestive tract and disrupt the gut’s natural bacterial balance. We also discussed which drinks may be better tolerated for those with digestive sensitivities.
Key Takeaways
- Digestive symptoms are more common than people realise — but they don’t have to be something you live with silently.
- One-size-fits-all approaches rarely work; your gut microbiome is unique to you.
- Seek reliable, evidence-based tests before making big dietary changes.
- Mental health and gut health are deeply connected — it’s not “all in your head.”
- If symptoms persist, don’t ignore them. Speak to your GP or a specialist and explore non-invasive tests that can offer real answers.
Final Thoughts
A big thank you to the An Post team for the warm welcome and for putting gut health in the spotlight as part of their wellbeing initiative. It was a great opportunity to raise awareness and have an honest, evidence-informed conversation around a topic that affects daily life for so many.
