Butts & Guts: A Cleveland Clinic Digestive Health Podcast

Is fibermaxxing just a social media trend, or is dietary fiber truly the key to better gut health? In this episode of Butts & Guts, Cleveland Clinic Registered Dietitian Julia Zumpano separates fact from hype, covering the gut microbiome, fiber-rich foods, fiber supplements, bloating, constipation, IBS and why most Americans aren't getting nearly enough fiber to support their digestive health.

Explore how Shubha Bhat, PharmD, an clinical pharmacist at Cleveland Clinic, helps inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients navigate a complex and evolving landscape of treatments, from traditional medications to advanced biologics and specialty therapies. Learn how pharmacists play a critical role by improving access, guiding treatment decisions and helping patients achieve better outcomes.

Dr. Robert Naples, general surgeon for the Digestive Disease Institute at Cleveland Clinic, joins the Butts & Guts podcast to break down exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI). He discusses who is most at risk, current treatment options, the importance of early detection and why it can be so difficult to diagnose this often misunderstood condition.

Intestinal transplants are saving lives, and the field has never been more advanced. Masato Fujiki, MD, Surgical and Program Director of the Intestinal Transplant Program at Cleveland Clinic, breaks down why rejection rates have dropped dramatically, and how transplant oncology is opening doors for cancer patients.

In this episode of Butts & Guts, Kristin Louden, an Obesity Medicine nurse practitioner at Cleveland Clinic, cuts through the noise surrounding GLP-1 weight loss medications. She clears up common myths from social media, discusses the results patients can realistically expect and shares what other options are available if GLP-1 medicines aren’t a good fit.

Dr. Alejandro Pita, director of Living Donor Liver Transplantation at Cleveland Clinic's Transplant Center, joins Butts & Guts to talk about advancements in living donor liver transplants. He covers new innovations in the field, the growing role of robotics, qualifications for becoming a living donor and the benefits of receiving a liver from a living donor.

Cleveland Clinic colorectal surgeon Dr. Anna Spivak returns to the Butts & Guts podcast to break down everything you need to know about rectal prolapse. Dr. Spivak discusses warning signs to watch for, how it’s diagnosed, when it’s time to see a doctor and available treatment options. Listen to learn how you can reduce your risk of rectal prolapse.

Menopause can bring many changes to your body, including your digestive health. Cleveland Clinic Ob/Gyn, Dr. Catherine Caponero, joins the Butts & Guts podcast to explain why and how menopause (and perimenopause) often causes digestive issues like bloating, constipation, heartburn, food sensitivity and more. She also discusses helpful tips for feeling better during this transition.

On this episode of Butts & Guts, Cleveland Clinic gastroenterologist, Carole Macaron, MD, discusses a new tool designed to calculate the risk of early onset colorectal cancer, helping identify those who may develop the disease before age 45. Dr. Macaron explains how this Cleveland Clinic-developed risk predictor works, and why early detection is crucial in combating the rising rates of colorectal cancer in younger adults.

Dr. Matthew Peebles, a general surgeon for the Digestive Disease Institute at Cleveland Clinic, discusses incidental adrenal nodules (usually discovered by accident) and why many people have them without knowing. Listen to learn more about incidental adrenal nodule symptoms, risk factors, which nodules are potentially dangerous and when treatment might be necessary.

Dr. Cara King, section head of Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery and Medical Gynecology at Cleveland Clinic, joins this episode of Butts & Guts to explore the relationship between gut health and endometriosis. She discusses why improving your gut health may help reduce symptoms and explains why endometriosis is so underdiagnosed and misunderstood.

Cleveland Clinic Florida gastroenterologist, Dr. Roberto Gonzalez, joins the Butts & Guts podcast to explore Barrett's Esophagus, a condition where chronic acid reflux causes changes to the esophageal lining that can increase cancer risk. Listen in as he discusses the warning signs, why early detection matters, and the latest treatment options that can help patients manage this condition effectively.

Cleveland Clinic dietitian, Julia Zumpano, joins the Butts & Guts podcast to share expert tips on eating healthy for the holidays without sacrificing flavor or the joy of seasonal favorites. Learn how to balance indulgence with healthy choices and make simple swaps to keep your nutrition goals in check this holiday season.

Dr. Tilak Shah is an interventional endoscopist and medical director of the Pancreas Center at Cleveland Clinic Florida. He joins this episode of Butts & Guts to discuss pancreatic cysts. Listen to learn more about what causes pancreatic cysts, how they are diagnosed and treated, and what types have the potential of turning into cancer.