ICU – “I See You” Podcast
Gut Health
Listen Now
Available wherever you get your podcasts.
In this episode of the ICU Podcast, we explore the fascinating connection between gut health and vestibular disorders—and why taking care of your digestive system might be an overlooked piece of your wellness puzzle. What happens in your gut doesn’t always stay in your gut: when the lining of the intestine becomes compromised, it can lead to systemic inflammation, nutrient malabsorption, and an imbalanced microbiome—all of which may influence vestibular symptoms like vertigo, dizziness, and balance issues. The gut is also a major producer of neurotransmitters that affect mood and nervous system balance, and imbalances there could potentially affect how your brain processes vestibular signals. We break down what gut health really means, how it intersects with vestibular function, and practical takeaways you can consider as part of your overall health strategy.
Guests
Leigha Kingsley is an actress, writer, producer, and director. Her acting credits include films starring Will Ferrell and Woody Harrelson, as well as TV shows like Criminal Minds. She is a champion for female-driven stories, and her scripts have been finalists for Sundance, HBO Project Greenlight, and the New York Television Festival. Leaha has been experiencing Vestibular Migraines for the past year. She is still new to this journey, but one thing she has noticed is that the foods she consumes have a direct correlation with how well her brain and vestibular system operate.
Carla Alpert, FDN-P, NBC-HWC, FMCHC is a trauma-informed Board-Certified Health & Wellness Coach and Functional Medicine Practitioner. She focuses on gut health and how it affects overall health because, unlike Las Vegas, what happens in the gut doesn’t always stay in the gut. Symptoms become the way your body tells you there’s an imbalance. Many times, problems that seem unrelated to gastrointestinal health, like brain fog, fatigue, anxiety, and even skin issues, can start from an imbalance in the microbiome. Carla supports her clients in uncovering the root cause(s) of digestive problems and other chronic symptoms to restore overall health and well-being. Her mission as a coach is to help her clients explore and discover solutions to live a life with renewed vitality, radiant health, authenticity, and purpose—without the overwhelm. Learn more about Carla here: https://wellhumans.com/.
Summary
This conversation explores the complex and often underrecognized relationship between gut health and vestibular disorders, with both Carla Alpert and Leigha Kingsley offering complementary perspectives grounded in personal experience, research, and practical application.
A central theme is the bidirectional connection between the gut and the brain—often referred to as the gut-brain axis—and how this relationship may influence vestibular symptoms such as dizziness, imbalance, brain fog, and migraine. Both speakers emphasize that while this connection is still being studied, there is growing recognition that inflammation, microbiome imbalance, and nutritional deficiencies can play a meaningful role in how vestibular conditions present and persist.
Carla
Carla Alpert brings a perspective that bridges science and lived experience, focusing on how disruptions in gut health—whether due to diet, stress, illness, or medication—can contribute to systemic inflammation. This inflammation may, in turn, affect neurological function, including the vestibular system. She highlights how individuals with vestibular disorders often experience overlapping conditions such as migraine, autoimmune issues, or chronic fatigue, all of which have documented links to gut health. Carla underscores the importance of paying attention to digestive symptoms that may seem unrelated at first glance, such as bloating, food sensitivities, or irregular bowel patterns, as these can provide clues to underlying imbalances.
Leigha
Leigha Kingsley complements this by focusing on practical strategies and the variability of individual responses. She emphasizes that there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to gut health. What works for one person may not work for another, especially given the diversity of vestibular diagnoses and triggers. Leigha discusses the role of elimination diets, food journaling, and gradual dietary changes as tools to help individuals identify personal triggers and better understand how their bodies respond to certain foods. She also stresses the importance of patience, noting that gut healing is often a slow process that requires consistency and careful observation.
Both speakers address the role of diet in managing symptoms, with a shared emphasis on whole, nutrient-dense foods. They discuss how highly processed foods, excess sugar, and certain additives may exacerbate inflammation and symptoms in some individuals. At the same time, they caution against overly restrictive diets that can lead to nutritional deficiencies or increased stress around eating. Instead, they advocate for a balanced, sustainable approach that supports both physical and emotional well-being.
Another key topic is the role of the microbiome—the community of bacteria and other microorganisms in the gut—and how it may influence not only digestion but also immune function and neurological health. Carla explains that a diverse and balanced microbiome is associated with better overall health outcomes, while dysbiosis (an imbalance in gut bacteria) may contribute to chronic symptoms. Leigha adds that supporting the microbiome can involve a combination of dietary choices, such as increasing fiber intake and incorporating fermented foods, as well as lifestyle factors like stress management and adequate sleep.
Stress emerges as a critical factor throughout the discussion. Both Carla and Leigha note that chronic stress can negatively impact gut health by altering digestion, increasing inflammation, and disrupting the balance of gut bacteria. This, in turn, can create a feedback loop that worsens vestibular symptoms. They highlight the importance of incorporating stress-reduction techniques—such as mindfulness, gentle movement, or breathing exercises—as part of a comprehensive approach to managing both gut and vestibular health.
The conversation also touches on the challenges patients face when navigating this topic. Many individuals with vestibular disorders report feeling dismissed or misunderstood when bringing up digestive symptoms, as these are not always recognized as relevant by healthcare providers. Carla and Leigha both advocate for a more integrative approach to care, where patients are encouraged to consider the whole body and work with providers who are open to exploring connections between systems.
Importantly, both speakers emphasize empowerment through education. They encourage listeners to become active participants in their own care by tracking symptoms, asking questions, and seeking out credible information. At the same time, they acknowledge the potential for overwhelm and stress, particularly when faced with conflicting advice or complex dietary recommendations. Their message is to start small, make gradual changes, and focus on what is sustainable over the long term.
Ultimately, the conversation reinforces the idea that while gut health is not a cure-all, it represents an important piece of the puzzle for many people with vestibular disorders. By paying attention to the connections between diet, digestion, inflammation, and neurological symptoms, individuals may be able to identify new pathways for symptom management and improved quality of life. Carla Alpert and Leigha Kingsley together offer a balanced perspective—grounded in both science and lived experience—that encourages curiosity, flexibility, and a holistic view of health.
