Gut Health Explained: What Your Microbiome Actually Does

What does "gut health" actually mean and how much of the advice online is backed by science? In part one of this gut health series, Dr. Eve Glazier sits down with Lynn Connolly, MD, gastroenterologist and clinical chief at UCLA Health, to break down the science behind digestion, gut health and the microbiome. Together, they unpack how the gut and its bacteria work, and why there's no such thing as one perfect microbiome. They also discuss common myths surrounding the "leaky gut," the limitations of at-home microbiome testing, and why the gut-brain connection may play a bigger role in overall health than many people realize.
Podcast Credits for UCLA Health Medically Speaking with Dr. Eve Glazier:
• Host: Dr. Eve Glazier
• Executive Producers: Annie Krasnow, Michael Burke, Suzanne Koudsi Walker
• Producers: Niki Miller, Jessica Alabastro
• Creative Producer: Kanza Shaheen
• Social Media and Communications: Bonnie Kim
• Technical Directors: Adrian Cardoso, Andrew Stocks
• Editor: Tony Sweet
• Recorded at: Canella Media
Special thanks to our expert guests and the incredible staff across UCLA Health who make this podcast possible. A special thank you to Johnese Spisso, President of UCLA Health and CEO of the UCLA Hospital System, for her visionary leadership and support. We are also grateful to the patients and families whose stories inspire our work every day.
Produced by: UCLA Health Communications & Marketing
Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.