A new episode from MyHealth RCSI exploring gut health, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is now live, bringing together clinicians, researchers and people with lived experience to share practical insights and the latest developments in gut health.

The episode explores the realities of living with IBD and IBS, including symptoms, diagnosis, disease management, diet, mental wellbeing and the challenges of living with an often-invisible illness. It also looks at why these conditions are becoming more common and highlights emerging research in personalised medicine, the microbiome and AI-enabled approaches to patient care. Bringing together expert clinical insight and first-hand patient experiences, the conversation offers an honest look at understanding, managing and living well with IBD and IBS. The panel also considers how new research and technology could shape the future of gut health and patient care.

Professor Fergal O’Brien, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation at RCSI, said: “Gut health can have a profound impact on people’s daily lives, yet conditions such as IBD and IBS are not always well understood. By bringing together clinical expertise, research and the experiences of people living with these conditions, MyHealth RCSI aims to provide people with clear, evidence-based information and practical insights that can help them better understand their gut health and make informed decisions about their care.

“From diagnosis and treatment to diet, mental wellbeing and the potential of new technologies, there are many different factors that can influence how people experience and manage gut health conditions. It is important that these conversations are grounded in evidence, while also recognising the realities of living with these conditions every day,” added Professor O’Brien.

The panellists for this episode are:

• Dr Pádraic Dunne, Senior Lecturer, Centre for Positive Health Sciences, RCSI
• Dr Orlaith Kelly, Consultant Gastroenterologist, Connolly Hospital; RCSI Alumna
• Dr Sudipto Das, Senior Lecturer, School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, RCSI; Vice Dean for AI, Digital and Connected Health
• Terri Brannigan, person with a lived experience of IBD
• Shane Sweeney, person with a lived experience of IBD

You can watch ‘Gut health and you’ below or on the RCSI YouTube channel. It is also available as a podcast on Apple, Spotify and other podcast platforms, just search for ‘MyHealth RCSI’. More information about the ‘Gut health and you’ episode is available on the RCSI website.

Watch the MyHealth episode on gut health

MyHealth RCSI, supported by Presidio, connects expert knowledge with everyday life. The free programme of community events, expert talks, videos and podcasts shares trusted health information that matters to the public.