The Future of GI Care: Why Nutrition Deserves a Seat at the Table
The Future of GI Care: Why Nutrition Deserves a Seat at the Table
Modern Gastro Podcast | Featuring Kate Scarlata, MPH, RDN
When it comes to digestive health, nutrition has long been considered an afterthought in traditional treatment plans. But on the latest episode of the Modern Gastro Podcast, hosted by Craig Strasnick and sponsored by Commonwealth Diagnostics International (CDI), leading GI dietitian and New York Times bestselling author Kate Scarlata shares why that must change—and how her own personal journey transformed her into a pioneer in GI-focused nutritional care.
From Patient to Pioneer
Kate’s story isn’t just one of professional expertise—it’s deeply personal. After undergoing emergency surgery that removed eight feet of her small intestine while pregnant, Kate experienced firsthand what it’s like to face complex GI symptoms without adequate support or guidance. That experience fueled her lifelong passion for understanding the gut and advocating for patients who feel unheard or misdiagnosed.
“I left the hospital and they just said, ‘eat a steak—good luck,’” Kate recalls. “I had to learn everything on my own, and that made me want to help others who might not know where to turn.”
The Multidisciplinary Model: A New Frontier in GI Care
In her conversation with Craig, Kate emphasizes the urgent need for a more integrated, multidisciplinary approach to GI care—one that includes registered dietitians, psychologists, physical therapists, and more. “Patients deserve a dream team,” she says. “It’s the provider’s responsibility to bring that together.”
Craig echoed this sentiment, noting that many GI patients are still being bounced between procedures without clear answers. “We need a model that starts with the patient, not the protocol,” he says.
Kate shared examples of how GI dietitians can reduce healthcare costs and improve outcomes, particularly for conditions like SIBO, IBS, gastroparesis, and food intolerances. Her expertise in the low FODMAP diet—an evidence-based approach for managing IBS—has helped thousands of patients find relief.
Addressing Misconceptions About Fiber and FODMAPs
One of the most enlightening parts of the discussion centers on fiber. As Kate explains, fiber isn’t one-size-fits-all—and neither are elimination diets like low FODMAP.
“The low FODMAP diet is not meant to be followed long-term. It’s a learning diet, a tool to identify triggers, not a solution in itself,” she explains. “And fiber? It can be helpful or harmful depending on the individual’s gut function.”
Kate also dives into research showing how some fibers, once considered universally beneficial, can trigger inflammation in patients with specific microbiome imbalances. These insights underscore the need for personalized, nuanced dietary guidance—something only a GI-trained dietitian can truly deliver.
Breaking Down Barriers to Care
Despite strong evidence supporting the role of nutrition in GI disease management, access remains limited. “Most insurance plans don’t adequately cover GI dietitians, and many practices still don’t include them as part of the care team,” Kate says.
But she’s working to change that—through advocacy, education, and collaboration with institutions like the University of Michigan, Northwestern, and others. She’s also part of a new credentialing initiative from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics to certify dietitians in GI specialties.
A Shared Vision: Evidence-Based, Patient-Centered Care
At CDI, we believe diagnostic testing is only the beginning. True gut health requires a comprehensive approach that integrates validated breath testing, individualized dietary care, and behavioral interventions when needed.
As Craig shares in the episode, “We’re moving past the era where patients were dismissed just because their colonoscopy came back clean. Breath testing, diet, psychology—these are powerful tools that deserve equal weight.”
🎧 Tune In to the Full Episode
Whether you’re a healthcare provider, patient, or someone interested in the future of GI care, this episode of the Modern Gastro Podcast is a must-listen. Kate’s passion and expertise shine through in every moment.
🔗 Learn More About Kate Scarlata
- 🌐 Website: katescarlata.com
- 🛍️ SIBO Guide: Available in Kate’s Shop
- 📱 Instagram: @katescarlata
- 🐦 Twitter/X: @katescarlata_RD
- 💼 LinkedIn: Kate Scarlata, MPH, RD
Want to Learn More About Breath Testing Done Right?
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