Uploaded July 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
IBS and IBD are often confused, but they're very different digestive conditions. How can you tell the difference? What foods trigger symptoms? And what role do stress, fiber and the gut microbiome play?
In this episode of On Nutrition, registered dietitian Tara Schmidt talks with Mayo Clinic dietitian Christine Lothen-Kline about irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Learn how these conditions are diagnosed, how nutrition can help manage symptoms, and why personalized nutrition is key to improving gut health.
In this episode, you'll learn:
• The difference between IBS and IBD
• Common symptoms and warning signs
• When to see a health care professional
• How the low FODMAP diet works
• The role of fiber in digestive health
• Foods and beverages that may trigger symptoms
• Gut health, probiotics and the microbiome
• Stress, the gut-brain connection and digestive symptoms
• Nutrition strategies for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis
• Tips for managing digestive health long term
Subscribe for more evidence-based nutrition advice from Mayo Clinic.
Looking for more On Nutrition episodes? Explore the full podcast library: mcpress.mayoclinic.org/podcasts/on-nutrition
00:00 Introduction
01:06 IBS vs. IBD explained
02:37 How common are IBS and IBD?
03:49 What causes IBS and IBD?
04:39 Is there a spectrum of IBS?
05:54 IBS vs. food sensitivities
07:08 Do IBS and IBD increase colon cancer risk?
07:42 Common IBS symptoms
09:02 Types of IBS
09:50 Common IBD symptoms
10:36 Health or hype: IBS and IBD myths
14:39 Can you have IBS and IBD?
15:51 What happens during an IBD flare?
17:04 When to see a health care professional
19:18 Treatment options for IBS and IBD
20:35 Can diet help treat IBD?
21:49 Common nutrient deficiencies
23:21 Supplements for IBS and IBD
25:39 Gut health and the microbiome
27:03 The low FODMAP diet explained
31:41 Mediterranean diet vs. low FODMAP
32:37 Fiber and digestive health
35:40 Restrictive diets and gut health
37:20 Common food triggers
39:23 Prebiotics vs. probiotics
41:55 Gut-friendly daily habits
44:02 Key takeaways
45:10 Outro
IBS and IBD are often confused, but they're very different digestive conditions. How can you tell the difference? What foods trigger symptoms? And what role do stress, fiber and the gut microbiome play?
In this episode of On Nutrition, registered dietitian Tara Schmidt talks with Mayo Clinic dietitian Christine Lothen-Kline about irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Learn how these conditions are diagnosed, how nutrition can help manage symptoms, and why personalized nutrition is key to improving gut health.
In this episode, you'll learn:
• The difference between IBS and IBD
• Common symptoms and warning signs
• When to see a health care professional
• How the low FODMAP diet works
• The role of fiber in digestive health
• Foods and beverages that may trigger symptoms
• Gut health, probiotics and the microbiome
• Stress, the gut-brain connection and digestive symptoms
• Nutrition strategies for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis
• Tips for managing digestive health long term
Subscribe for more evidence-based nutrition advice from Mayo Clinic.
Looking for more On Nutrition episodes? Explore the full podcast library: mcpress.mayoclinic.org/podcasts/on-nutrition
00:00 Introduction
01:06 IBS vs. IBD explained
02:37 How common are IBS and IBD?
03:49 What causes IBS and IBD?
04:39 Is there a spectrum of IBS?
05:54 IBS vs. food sensitivities
07:08 Do IBS and IBD increase colon cancer risk?
07:42 Common IBS symptoms
09:02 Types of IBS
09:50 Common IBD symptoms
10:36 Health or hype: IBS and IBD myths
14:39 Can you have IBS and IBD?
15:51 What happens during an IBD flare?
17:04 When to see a health care professional
19:18 Treatment options for IBS and IBD
20:35 Can diet help treat IBD?
21:49 Common nutrient deficiencies
23:21 Supplements for IBS and IBD
25:39 Gut health and the microbiome
27:03 The low FODMAP diet explained
31:41 Mediterranean diet vs. low FODMAP
32:37 Fiber and digestive health
35:40 Restrictive diets and gut health
37:20 Common food triggers
39:23 Prebiotics vs. probiotics
41:55 Gut-friendly daily habits
44:02 Key takeaways
45:10 Outro
