Episode 219 with Katy Weber & Kalin Johnson

Welcome back to our ongoing series, “Unmasking Our Health,” in which host Katy Weber teams up with medical expert Dr. Kalin Johnson, PharmD, to look beyond the neurodivergent brain and explore what it means to live in a neurodivergent body.

In this episode, we explore the relationship between ADHD and gut health, including IBS, constipation, diarrhea, bloating, and abdominal pain. We discuss how the gut and brain communicate, why ADHD-related behaviors, routines, and medication can all affect digestion, and why a one-size-fits-all approach to gut health can miss what an individual actually needs.

The conversation also looks at what supportive care can involve: listening to your body, making manageable changes, and finding a provider who’s curious about the whole picture — not just one symptom.

In this episode, we cover:

• What IBS is and how it’s diagnosed
• How ADHD and gastrointestinal symptoms may be associated
• The two-way communication between the gut and brain
• How stress, routines, hydration, eating patterns, and body cues can affect digestion
• Potential effects of stimulants, SSRIs, and antibiotics on gut symptoms
• Why fiber, fermented foods, and other common recommendations aren’t right for everyone
• How to look for care that considers ADHD and the whole person
• Why small, sustainable changes may feel more manageable than a complete overhaul

Note: Nothing in this episode constitutes medical advice. Always consult with your physician and pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.

Kalin’s website: kalinjohnson.com

Instagram: @kalinpharmd

Links & Resources:

• The Association Between Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Gastrointestinal Symptoms: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
• Have a topic you want Katy and Kalin to cover? Contact us

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Episode edited by E Podcast Productions

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Work 1-on-1 with Katy: www.womenandadhd.com/katy

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Order the “Hey, it’s ADHD!” course: www.womenandadhd.com/adhdcourse

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