In our work, we often hear of people with GI issues ranging from gluten intolerance to Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and IBD issues. People tend to ask us about the right types of foods to consume in order to restore gut health and/or to prevent further aggravations. Therefore we decided to invite an expert to help answer some of these questions. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Mendez to talk about:*The gut microbiome*Her IBD Protocol*Probiotics*Fermented foods*How lifestyle impacts gut healthDr. Vanessa Méndez is a double board certified gastroenterologist and internist. She specializes in digestive disorders, which include liver disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and nutrition based-disorders, such as obesity and constipation. Her approach to patients and their diseases is holistic and comprehensive; her goal is not just to treat the symptoms, but to get to the root cause of an ailment and provide lasting relief. She provides an evidence-based approach to her practice and focuses on lifestyle changes first to promote wellness. Dr. Méndez attended Harvard University, where she obtained a B.A. in Latin American Studies, with a minor in pre-medicine. From there, she began her medical training at the ACGME accredited Universidad Central del Caribe in Puerto Rico, completed her Residency in Internal Medicine at University of Miami/ Jackson Memorial Hospital, and her Fellowship in Gastroenterology at Tulane Medical Center in New Orleans. She has also trained in Epidemiology through Florida International University, and in Plant-Based Nutrition through Cornell University. She was awarded a visiting fellowship at the Mayo Clinic through the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation where she received special training in inflammatory bowel diseases. She has also helped lead multiple fund-raising walks to raise awareness for Crohn's and Colitis in the Miami area. She was awarded Physician Champion at the Takes Steps Walk 2019 for the GastroHealth Team. Instagram and Facebook: plantbasedgutdoc Website: https://www.drvanessamendez.com​ _______________________________________________________________Visit Our Podcast Website: https://www.plantbaseddfwpodcast.com/➤iTunes: http://bit.ly/PBDFWiTunes➤SoundCloud: http://bit.ly/PBDFWSoundCloud➤iHeart Radio: http://bit.ly/PBDFWiHeartradioAbout Plant-Based DFW Podcast:Our podcast is recorded in Dallas, Texas and features guests from all over the world. We focus on the main topic of LIFESTYLE MEDICINE. Our goal is to provide resources to help you take control of your health.*We address the importance of eating plant-based foods for health, immunity and to prevent/reverse disease. *We talk about the importance of having a regular exercise routine.*We talk about stress management.*We talk about the importance of having healthy relationships. #drrizwanbukhari #plantbaseddfwpodcast ______________________________________More about us:➤ Visit our website : https://plantbaseddfw.com/➤ Dr. Riz on Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/dr_riz_bukhari/➤ Dr. Riz on Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/DrRizBukhari/➤ Subscribe on YouTube : https://bit.ly/plantbaseddfw➤ Subscribe to our Newsletter : https://bit.ly/drrizguide➤ Subscribe to our Podcast: https://apple.co/30rn7Kt➤ Join our private Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/FBplantbaseddfwSupport the show