Kara Siedman | Microbiome 101: How Your Gut Shapes Your Health

Who is Kara Siedman?

Kara Siedman is a registered dietitian and the Senior Manager of Scientific Communications at Pendulum. She holds a bachelor's degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and completed her dietetic internship at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.

With a diverse background spanning inpatient care to the development of multiple outpatient programs, Kara specializes in functional and integrative approaches to gastroenterology and metabolic health. Before joining Pendulum, she worked extensively in the microbiome field, bridging the gap between scientific research and clinical practice by educating healthcare professionals on the therapeutic applications of bacterial strains and microbiome-focused therapies.

Kara is passionate about translating complex research into practical, actionable insights for healthcare providers. At Pendulum, she not only educates the practitioners about the company's products but also contributes to a broader understanding of gut health and its critical role in overall well-being.

What did Kara and Dr. Scott discuss?

00:00 Welcome to the Smarter Not Harder Podcast
01:01 Guest Introduction: Kara Siedman
05:18 Endotoxemia and Lipopolysaccharides (LPS)
08:12 Impact of Diet on Gut Health
13:13 The Importance of Gut Barrier Integrity
21:06 Microbiome Memory and Long-term Changes
29:08 Stool Testing and Microbiome Analysis
39:39 Understanding the Microbiome Balance
40:40 Cautious Approach to Gut Issues
42:13 LPS Producing Bacteria
43:14 Diet Individualization
45:48 Prebiotics, Probiotics, and Postbiotics
59:59 Probiotic Myths and Strategies
01:02:03 Personalized Probiotic Protocols
01:06:03 Cadence of Repeat Stool Testing
01:08:04 Final Thoughts and Recommendations