Johannah Ruddy
@johannahruddy.bsky.social
GI researcher, author, speaker, patient advocacy director, passionate about IBS and patient care, doctorate in rural health
Research continues to suggest that IBS is tied to stress, early-life experiences, and the gut microbiome. Holistic care that integrates mental health support helps patients feel seen, regain control, and improve well-being. Every empathetic conversation matters.
Exploring Gut-Brain Links in IBS and Childhood Trauma
In recent years, the intersection of gastrointestinal health and psychological well-being has garnered extensive research interest, particularly when examining the links between gut function and
bioengineer.org
December 8, 2025 at 3:03 PM
Research continues to suggest that IBS is tied to stress, early-life experiences, and the gut microbiome. Holistic care that integrates mental health support helps patients feel seen, regain control, and improve well-being. Every empathetic conversation matters.
Love this quote because I think it applies to any business in any industry. Tech and tools are great, but trust, empathy, and human connection drive outcomes. Prioritizing relationships empowers patients and improves care.
December 5, 2025 at 6:01 PM
Love this quote because I think it applies to any business in any industry. Tech and tools are great, but trust, empathy, and human connection drive outcomes. Prioritizing relationships empowers patients and improves care.
Love seeing gastroenterology make a cameo in pop culture. Fun reminder that the impact of our field extends beyond the clinic, and sometimes, even to the big screen. Keep an eye out for the ACG logo and Dr. Fleischer’s cameo in Now You See Me!
🎬ACG in the movies!
Director Ruben Fleischer, son of ACG member Dr. David Fleischer, used the ACG logo in a scene for the new movie, Now You See Me, Now You Don't! Headed to the movies this weekend? See if you can spot the logo in the last 10 minutes and Dr. Fleischer's cameo!
Director Ruben Fleischer, son of ACG member Dr. David Fleischer, used the ACG logo in a scene for the new movie, Now You See Me, Now You Don't! Headed to the movies this weekend? See if you can spot the logo in the last 10 minutes and Dr. Fleischer's cameo!
December 4, 2025 at 7:02 PM
Love seeing gastroenterology make a cameo in pop culture. Fun reminder that the impact of our field extends beyond the clinic, and sometimes, even to the big screen. Keep an eye out for the ACG logo and Dr. Fleischer’s cameo in Now You See Me!
IBS-C affects every part of life, often silently. This Gut Matters episode with Rebecca Kaplan is a powerful reminder of why patient stories matter—they bring clarity, validation, and real understanding to the clinical side of care. Grateful she shared her journey.
A Patient's Journey Living with IBS-C — BloodStream Media
On this episode of Gut Matters, host Johanna Ruddy, DHSc. MEd, Senior Director of Patient Advocacy at Ardelyx and Dr. Andrea Shin, interview Rebecca Kaplan, an IBS-C patient who has lived with the condition for over 15 years.
www.bloodstreammedia.com
November 25, 2025 at 3:06 PM
IBS-C affects every part of life, often silently. This Gut Matters episode with Rebecca Kaplan is a powerful reminder of why patient stories matter—they bring clarity, validation, and real understanding to the clinical side of care. Grateful she shared her journey.
9 in 10 IBD patients say engaging with the community helps them better manage their condition, showing that support networks are as vital as treatment for physical, mental, and social well-being. Read more from the report: https://www.ibdsocialcircle.com/community-ibd-whitepaper/#mental-health
November 20, 2025 at 3:15 PM
9 in 10 IBD patients say engaging with the community helps them better manage their condition, showing that support networks are as vital as treatment for physical, mental, and social well-being. Read more from the report: https://www.ibdsocialcircle.com/community-ibd-whitepaper/#mental-health
Even in remission, the “what if” of a flare can linger. But focusing on what we can control—sleep, stress, diet, routines—and staying present can help us manage anxiety and build resilience without letting fear take over. Great insight from Sara Levitt.
Do You Worry About Flaring Even When You’re in Remission?
Crohn’s disease influencer Sara Levitt admits that flare fears are always at the back of her mind—but she’s learned to live in the present and not allow “what if” worries to steal her joy.
www.healthcentral.com
November 18, 2025 at 5:01 PM
Even in remission, the “what if” of a flare can linger. But focusing on what we can control—sleep, stress, diet, routines—and staying present can help us manage anxiety and build resilience without letting fear take over. Great insight from Sara Levitt.
In gastro, I see daily how stress and the mind-body connection shape outcomes. That's why yoga isn’t just physical; it builds focus, resilience, and clarity. Even 5–15 min a day can make a meaningful difference.
https://hbr.org/2025/10/what-every-leader-can-learn-from-the-principles-of-yoga
https://hbr.org/2025/10/what-every-leader-can-learn-from-the-principles-of-yoga
November 14, 2025 at 4:33 PM
In gastro, I see daily how stress and the mind-body connection shape outcomes. That's why yoga isn’t just physical; it builds focus, resilience, and clarity. Even 5–15 min a day can make a meaningful difference.
https://hbr.org/2025/10/what-every-leader-can-learn-from-the-principles-of-yoga
https://hbr.org/2025/10/what-every-leader-can-learn-from-the-principles-of-yoga
Around 10% of people report gluten/wheat sensitivity, often with IBS, anxiety, or depression, yet most don’t have celiac disease. This highlights the need for clear diagnostic criteria and careful, individualized care rather than automatically prescribing a gluten-free diet.
Many People Without Celiac Disease Report Gluten, Wheat Sensitivity
Meta-analysis points to high prevalence of self-reported non-celiac sensitivities
www.medpagetoday.com
November 13, 2025 at 3:17 PM
Around 10% of people report gluten/wheat sensitivity, often with IBS, anxiety, or depression, yet most don’t have celiac disease. This highlights the need for clear diagnostic criteria and careful, individualized care rather than automatically prescribing a gluten-free diet.
Patient experience is now a top priority: 49% of C-suite execs rank it #1 (up from 14% in 2020). Better experiences drive adherence, outcomes, and trust—care designed around people matters: https://sage-growth.com/market-report/market-report-patient-experience-csuite-priorities/
November 12, 2025 at 2:48 PM
Patient experience is now a top priority: 49% of C-suite execs rank it #1 (up from 14% in 2020). Better experiences drive adherence, outcomes, and trust—care designed around people matters: https://sage-growth.com/market-report/market-report-patient-experience-csuite-priorities/
Exciting work from UC San Diego shows how Crohn’s tips the balance between inflammatory and healing macrophages, and how understanding these cells could help guide therapies that truly restore gut health and make a difference for patients.
AI Helps Solve a Decades-Old Crohn’s Disease Mystery
Explore the role of inflammatory and non-inflammatory macrophages in Crohn's disease and how AI is unlocking new treatment pathways.
www.technologynetworks.com
November 10, 2025 at 1:53 PM
Exciting work from UC San Diego shows how Crohn’s tips the balance between inflammatory and healing macrophages, and how understanding these cells could help guide therapies that truly restore gut health and make a difference for patients.
A huge part of managing celiac disease has to do with access. 26% of pediatric patients face gluten-free food insecurity, slowing recovery and increasing accidental gluten exposure-- addressing these barriers is critical for equitable care.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jpn3.70235
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jpn3.70235
November 7, 2025 at 5:53 PM
A huge part of managing celiac disease has to do with access. 26% of pediatric patients face gluten-free food insecurity, slowing recovery and increasing accidental gluten exposure-- addressing these barriers is critical for equitable care.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jpn3.70235
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jpn3.70235
New research shows that for children with celiac disease, a gluten-free diet alone isn’t enough. Even after a year, many still report poor quality of life. True care means going beyond diet—combining nutrition, education, and emotional support to help kids live well, not just treat symptoms.
Celiac disease in children with focus on symptoms and quality of life - Scientific Reports
The treatment for celiac disease (CD) consist of adhering to a gluten-free diet (GFD). Studies have reported that an appropriate and close nutritional assessment would be beneficial in improving symptoms and quality of life (QoL). This study investigated the effect of a nutritional intervention on the evolution of gastrointestinal (GI) and extraintestinal (EI) symptoms in children newly diagnosed
www.nature.com
October 31, 2025 at 5:34 PM
New research shows that for children with celiac disease, a gluten-free diet alone isn’t enough. Even after a year, many still report poor quality of life. True care means going beyond diet—combining nutrition, education, and emotional support to help kids live well, not just treat symptoms.
New research shows behavioral therapies—CBT, gut-directed hypnotherapy, and self-management programs—can significantly reduce IBS symptoms. A great reminder that supporting the brain-gut connection and personalizing therapy choices is key to holistic, patient-centered care.
Efficacy of behavioural therapies for irritable bowel syndrome: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Several behavioural therapies are efficacious for global symptoms in IBS, although the most evidence exists for those classed as brain–gut behaviour therapies. However, certainty in the evidence for all direct and indirect comparisons across the network were rated as either low or very low confidence, due in part to publication bias and the risk of bias of the included trials.
www.thelancet.com
October 30, 2025 at 2:07 PM
New research shows behavioral therapies—CBT, gut-directed hypnotherapy, and self-management programs—can significantly reduce IBS symptoms. A great reminder that supporting the brain-gut connection and personalizing therapy choices is key to holistic, patient-centered care.
Too often, the true cost of mismanaged chronic GI conditions is measured only in clinical terms—missed diagnoses, delayed referrals, ineffective treatments. But the reality is far more human 🧵:
October 28, 2025 at 3:01 PM
Too often, the true cost of mismanaged chronic GI conditions is measured only in clinical terms—missed diagnoses, delayed referrals, ineffective treatments. But the reality is far more human 🧵:
New research on functional bowel disorders shows that diagnosis alone doesn’t capture patient experience. Mental well-being, life impact, and employment often predict quality of life more than symptom severity. Care that considers the whole person—data, psychology, and lived experience—is key.
Deep phenotyping of patient lived experience in functional bowel disorders using machine learning - Scientific Reports
Contemporary clinical management relies on a diagnostic label as the primary guide to treatment. However, individual patients’ lived experiences vary more widely than standard diagnostic categories reflect. This is especially true for functional bowel disorders (FBDs), a heterogeneous and challenging group of syndromes where no definitive diagnostic tests, clinical biomarkers, or universally effec
www.nature.com
October 24, 2025 at 5:01 PM
New research on functional bowel disorders shows that diagnosis alone doesn’t capture patient experience. Mental well-being, life impact, and employment often predict quality of life more than symptom severity. Care that considers the whole person—data, psychology, and lived experience—is key.
On #WorldMenopauseDay, we must challenge the idea that it's okay for women to “suffer silently.” Today, let's reflect on how we can give women a voice in their own health, through every life stage.
October 18, 2025 at 2:45 PM
On #WorldMenopauseDay, we must challenge the idea that it's okay for women to “suffer silently.” Today, let's reflect on how we can give women a voice in their own health, through every life stage.
One year after the Helene disaster, our family visited Asheville, Boone, Blowing Rock, NC to support local businesses and honor the region’s resilience. The trip reminded me that recovery—whether personal or communal—is strengthened by connection, care, and shared experiences.
October 14, 2025 at 3:40 PM
One year after the Helene disaster, our family visited Asheville, Boone, Blowing Rock, NC to support local businesses and honor the region’s resilience. The trip reminded me that recovery—whether personal or communal—is strengthened by connection, care, and shared experiences.
On #WorldMentalHealthDay and #NationalComingOutDay, we’re reminded: living authentically matters. Embracing your true self can reduce anxiety, depression, and stress, and even improve gut-brain health. Acceptance and safe spaces matter—every step toward authenticity is a step toward well-being.
October 10, 2025 at 6:22 PM
On #WorldMentalHealthDay and #NationalComingOutDay, we’re reminded: living authentically matters. Embracing your true self can reduce anxiety, depression, and stress, and even improve gut-brain health. Acceptance and safe spaces matter—every step toward authenticity is a step toward well-being.
IBS is one of the most stigmatized gastrointestinal conditions, yet some diagnostic algorithms risk reinforcing that stigma 🧵:
October 9, 2025 at 2:06 PM
IBS is one of the most stigmatized gastrointestinal conditions, yet some diagnostic algorithms risk reinforcing that stigma 🧵:
New research reveals that creeping fat drives intestinal scarring in Crohn’s disease by sending pro-fibrotic fibroblasts into the bowel wall. Targeting this fat and its YAP/TAZ signaling could slow stricture progression and open new avenues for treatment. Read more below:
Creeping Fat Drives Scarring in Crohn’s Disease
Creeping fat, a type of abnormal adipose tissue, harbors mechanosensitive fibroblasts capable of generating connective tissue contributing to intestinal fibrosis in Crohn’s disease.
www.medscape.com
October 8, 2025 at 7:02 PM
New research reveals that creeping fat drives intestinal scarring in Crohn’s disease by sending pro-fibrotic fibroblasts into the bowel wall. Targeting this fat and its YAP/TAZ signaling could slow stricture progression and open new avenues for treatment. Read more below:
Recently, my husband ran a half marathon for the Ovarian Cancer Network in my honor, raising $1,000. His support reminded me that advocacy is about showing up, shining a light, and creating hope—through every step.
Feeling extremely grateful to have him by my side as I continue to recover.
Feeling extremely grateful to have him by my side as I continue to recover.
October 8, 2025 at 1:26 AM
Recently, my husband ran a half marathon for the Ovarian Cancer Network in my honor, raising $1,000. His support reminded me that advocacy is about showing up, shining a light, and creating hope—through every step.
Feeling extremely grateful to have him by my side as I continue to recover.
Feeling extremely grateful to have him by my side as I continue to recover.
Eating out with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity can be risky. The new LEO test detects gluten in under 3 minutes with >98% accuracy and creates shareable “food maps,” making dining safer and more confident for patients, clinicians, and food producers alike.
New gluten test detects hidden wheat in food in under three minutes
With over 98% agreement with ELISA, the LEO system offers a fast, reliable method for gluten testing, supporting safer food choices for sensitive individuals.
www.news-medical.net
October 3, 2025 at 5:03 PM
Eating out with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity can be risky. The new LEO test detects gluten in under 3 minutes with >98% accuracy and creates shareable “food maps,” making dining safer and more confident for patients, clinicians, and food producers alike.
New research shows clinicians deeply value patient experience but often feel limited by costs and admin barriers. Even small improvements in communication, paired with smart tools for prescriptions and coverage, can meaningfully transform care and strengthen patient trust.
Clinicians value patient experience, but feel limited in impact, report finds
New report highlights cost, coverage and prior authorization barriers, with technology seen as a potential solution.
www.medicaleconomics.com
October 2, 2025 at 3:22 PM
New research shows clinicians deeply value patient experience but often feel limited by costs and admin barriers. Even small improvements in communication, paired with smart tools for prescriptions and coverage, can meaningfully transform care and strengthen patient trust.
New research shows SGM individuals with IBS face more severe symptoms and higher anxiety than cisgender heterosexual peers. There is a clear need for inclusive, patient-centered care that considers sexual orientation and gender identity to improve outcomes for all living with IBS.
Unequal Burdens: Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Sexual and Gender Minority Communities vs Cisgender Heterosexual Individuals
Reyes-Diaz, et al.
➡️ doi.org/10.14309/ctg.0000000000000883
Reyes-Diaz, et al.
➡️ doi.org/10.14309/ctg.0000000000000883
October 1, 2025 at 12:48 PM
New research shows SGM individuals with IBS face more severe symptoms and higher anxiety than cisgender heterosexual peers. There is a clear need for inclusive, patient-centered care that considers sexual orientation and gender identity to improve outcomes for all living with IBS.
Being named one of America’s Greatest Companies of 2025 by Newsweek is exciting, but it’s really about the people behind it. Every day, our team collaborates, innovates, and challenges the status quo to advance patient care. This recognition reflects the real impact we’re making together.
September 30, 2025 at 2:42 PM
Being named one of America’s Greatest Companies of 2025 by Newsweek is exciting, but it’s really about the people behind it. Every day, our team collaborates, innovates, and challenges the status quo to advance patient care. This recognition reflects the real impact we’re making together.