Auto-Brewery Syndrome: When Your Gut Produces Alcohol
The Gastro Girl Podcast
02/25/26
•30m
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Auto-brewery syndrome (ABS), sometimes called gut fermentation syndrome, is one of the most misunderstood conditions in digestive health. Patients can experience real symptoms of alcohol intoxication—even when they haven't consumed alcohol—often leading to years of misdiagnosis, stigma, and confusion.
In this episode, we explore groundbreaking research published in Nature Microbiology examining how specific gut microbes may produce ethanol inside the body and contribute to auto-brewery syndrome.
Host Jacqueline Gaulin, founder of Gastro Girl, is joined by researcher and co-author Barbara Cordell to break down:
• What auto-brewery syndrome is and how it affects patients • Why this condition has historically been difficult to diagnose • What new microbiome research reveals about microbial ethanol production • How this science may help validate patient experiences • What clinicians and patients should know moving forward
This evidence-based, patient-focused conversation sheds light on a condition that has long been misunderstood—and offers hope for clearer recognition, research, and support.
Previous Episode
Chronic heartburn and GERD are often brushed off as everyday issues—but for some patients, long-term reflux can quietly progress to Barrett's esophagus, the only known precursor to esophageal cancer.
In Part 1 of this 4-part U.S.-focused patient education series, foregut surgeon Dr. Dan Lister, Founder of the Arkansas Heartburn Treatment Center, explains how reflux disease can evolve over time and why early recognition matters.
In this episode, you'll learn:
- How chronic GERD can progress silently
- Why Barrett's esophagus matters—even when symptoms improve or disappear
- Key warning signs patients should never ignore
- How Barrett's is detected and risk is assessed in the U.S.
- Treatment approaches that may help reduce cancer risk
Whether you've lived with reflux for years or are newly diagnosed, this episode provides clear, evidence-based guidance to help you take reflux seriously—and take action.
This episode is part of a 4-part patient education series sponsored by Castle Biosciences and produced in collaboration with leading U.S. clinicians dedicated to improving outcomes for patients with Barrett's esophagus.
Next Episode
Why Am I Always Bloated? A GI Doctor Explains
March 10
•42m
Bloating is one of the most common digestive complaints but also one of the most misunderstood. Many people experience frequent bloating without knowing what's causing it, whether it's normal, or when it may signal something more serious.
In this episode of the Gastro Girl Podcast, host Jacqueline Gaulin talks with gastroenterologist David J. Cangemi from the Mayo Clinic to unpack the real reasons behind bloating and what your digestive system may be trying to tell you.
Together, they discuss:
• The difference between occasional bloating and chronic bloating • Common causes including diet, IBS, and gut-brain disorders • How constipation and motility issues contribute to bloating • When bloating may be linked to conditions like IBS, food intolerances, or SIBO • Warning signs that should prompt medical evaluation • Practical, evidence-based strategies to safely reduce bloating
If bloating is affecting your daily comfort or quality of life, this episode offers trusted, physician-guided insights to help you better understand your symptoms and know when to seek care.
This episode is produced in collaboration with the American College of Gastroenterology Patient Care Committee.
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