Gut Researcher Busts Gluten Myths and the Real Cause of Menopause Bloating - Jess Biesiekierskie, PhD
Gut Researcher Busts Gluten Myths and the Real Cause of Menopause Bloating - Jess Biesiekierskie, PhD  
Podcast: Hack My Age : Menopause Upgrade
Published On: Fri Aug 21 2026
Description: Have you been struggling with gut issues for years, or suddenly have bloating, weird pain or digestive problems now that menopause is here? Are you one of those who cut out gluten hoping for relief, only to feel just as lousy (or worse)? We cover: Why your gut goes a little haywire in menopause, and why it has nothing to do with "just getting older" The gluten truth that made me rethink everything I put in my mouth (most of us get this completely backwards) How simply believing a food will hurt you can physically make it hurt you, and what that means for your power to change it A free international study you can join from your couch if you're dealing with IBS The one simple shift that beats probiotics and cutting out foods for a calmer gut   Associate Professor Jessica Biesiekierski is Head of Human Nutrition at the University of Melbourne and one of Australia's leading researchers in gut health, diet, and gut–brain interaction. Jess leads large international randomised controlled trials investigating how dietary and psychological interventions can improve gut conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Her work has been published in top journals including The Lancet, Gastroenterology, and The American Journal of Gastroenterology. She is internationally recognised for her research on non-coeliac gluten sensitivity, the low FODMAP diet, and how gut–brain mechanisms shape food-related symptoms. She currently leads the world-first head-to-head study comparing the low FODMAP diet with exposure-based cognitive behavioural therapy in people with IBS, recruiting across Australia and the USA.   Clinical trial — the Exclude or Expose Study in IBS — which is actively recruiting adults with IBS in both Australia and the USA. The trial compares two leading, evidence-based IBS treatments head-to-head for the first time: the low FODMAP diet (an exclusion-based dietary approach) versus exposure-based cognitive behavioural therapy (which works by helping the brain respond differently to gut symptoms and feared foods). Both are delivered entirely online over 12 weeks, free of charge, with one-on-one support from a dietitian or psychologist throughout. Many women experiencing gut symptoms around menopause may qualify. Trial website: www.gutresearchstudy.com NERVA app (gut-directed hypnotherapy): https://www.nervahealth.com/eu   Contact Jess Biesiekierskie: Email: gut-research@unimelb.edu.au University of Melbourne staff profile: https://findanexpert.unimelb.edu.au/profile/827643-jessica-biesiekierski Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-biesiekierski-78b61730/ Instagram: @human_nutrition_research Facebook: Human Nutrition Research Twitter: @jrbiesiekierski Give thanks to our sponsors: Try Vitali skincare. 20% off with code ZORA here - https://vitaliskincare.com Get Primeadine spermidine by Oxford Healthspan. 15% discount with code ZORA ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - https://www.oxfordhealthspan.com/ZORA Get Mitopure Urolithin A by Timeline. 20% discount with code ZORA at https://timeline.com/zora Try MitoQ for optimal mitochondrial health. Code ZORA for 20% off https://mitoq.com/zora   Join the Hack My Age community on: YouTube: https://youtube.com/@hackmyage Facebook Page: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@⁠Hack My Age⁠     Facebook Group: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@⁠Biohacking Menopause⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠   Biohacking Menopause Private Women's Only Support Group: https://membership.hackmyage.com/sales-page  Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@⁠HackMyAge⁠    Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HackMyAge.com⁠    For partnership inquiries: https://www.category3.ca/  Some episodes of Hack My Age are supported by partners whose products or services may be discussed during the show. The host may receive compensation or earn a minor commission if you purchase through affiliate links at no extra cost to you. All opinions shared are those of the host and guests, based on personal experience and research, and do not necessarily represent the views of any sponsor. Sponsorships do not imply medical endorsement or approval by any healthcare provider featured on this podcast.