A growing number of patients with stubborn IBS symptoms are asking: if the gut and brain are wired together, could changing one transform the other? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Emeran Mayer and Dr. Erin Mauney to explore what the emerging field of psychedelic-assisted therapy could mean for gut-brain health, beyond the headlines and hype.

In this episode we cover:

• Why traditional IBS treatments often fall short.
• How psilocybin opens a neuroplastic “window” for processing pain, stress, and interoception.
• The therapeutic process: preparation, guided dosing, and integration.
• Early study results: symptom relief, reduced visceral sensitivity, and improved self-illness separation.
• Safety, variability, and practical questions about access and candidacy.

If you’re curious about neuroplasticity, the brain-gut axis, psilocybin, and the future of IBS care, this episode offers a grounded, hopeful, and responsible guide to what’s known, and what’s next.

This episode is sponsored by GI Psychology.

Disclaimer: Participation in the research study mentioned in this podcast is entirely voluntary and independent of The Gut Health Podcast. Please review all study details before deciding to take part. The Gut Health Podcast does not endorse or verify the research, its sponsors or its findings. Direct any questions to the study organizers using their official contact information.

References:

Psychedelic-assisted therapy: An overview for the internist

Barnett BS, Mauney EE, King F 4th. Psychedelic-assisted therapy: An overview for the internist. Cleve Clin J Med. 2025;92(3):171-180. Published 2025 Mar 3. doi:10.3949/ccjm.92a.24032

Psychedelic-assisted Therapy as a Promising Treatment for Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Mauney, Erin MD*; King, Franklin IV MD†; Burton-Murray, Helen PhD‡; Kuo, Braden MD‡. Psychedelic-assisted Therapy as a Promising Treatment for Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology 59(5):p 385-392, May/June 2025. | DOI: 10.1097/MCG.0000000000002149

Psilocybin and IBS treatment: First psychedelic study in gastroenterology

Learn more about the MGH study with Dr. Erin Mauney and colleagues here.

Learn more about Kate and Dr. Riehl:
Website: www.katescarlata.com and www.drriehl.com
Instagram: @katescarlata @drriehl and @theguthealthpodcast
Order Kate and Dr. Riehl's book, Mind Your Gut: The Science-Based, Whole-body Guide to Living Well with IBS.
The information included in this podcast is not a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider before starting any new treatment or making changes to existing treatment.