Gut health articles from a functional medicine practitioner

Functional Medicine vs Dietitian vs Gastroenterologist: Which Do You Need?

When you have persistent gut symptoms, choosing the right type of practitioner can make the difference between years of symptom management and actually resolving the problem. This guide explains what each type of practitioner does, their strengths and limitations, and how to decide which is right for your situation.

SIBO Breath Test UK: What It Is, How It Works, and Where to Get One

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is one of the most commonly missed causes of IBS, bloating, and fatigue. This guide explains what a SIBO breath test measures, how to interpret results, where to access testing in the UK, and what treatment looks like.

Zoe Gut Health Test Review: What a Practitioner Thinks

An honest, practitioner-led review of the Zoe gut health test — what it measures, how it compares to clinical testing, and whether it is worth the investment for your specific health goals.

Gut Health Testing on the NHS vs Private Functional Testing

What does the NHS test for when it comes to gut health — and what does it miss? A functional medicine practitioner explains the key differences between NHS gut tests and private functional testing, and when each approach is appropriate.

Gut Health Test Kits: What At-Home Tests Can (and Can't) Tell You

At-home gut health test kits are more accessible than ever — but what do they actually measure? A functional medicine practitioner explains the benefits, limitations, and when you need professional testing instead.

Best Gut Microbiome Tests UK: A Practitioner's Honest Comparison

Compare the leading gut microbiome tests available in the UK — from Microba and Zoe to Viome and Ombre. A certified functional medicine practitioner explains what each test actually measures, their limitations, and which delivers the most clinically useful results.

Gut Health, Inflammation and Autoimmunity: Understanding the Connection

Autoimmune conditions are rising sharply, and research increasingly points to the gut as a key driver. Learn how intestinal permeability, dysbiosis, and chronic inflammation trigger autoimmune responses.

The Low FODMAP Diet: A Complete Guide to Managing IBS Through Food

The low FODMAP diet is one of the most effective dietary strategies for IBS. Learn the three phases, which foods to eat and avoid, and how to reintroduce FODMAPs safely.

The Best Supplements for Gut Health: An Evidence-Based Guide

From L-glutamine to digestive enzymes, navigate the world of gut health supplements with this evidence-based guide to what works, what to avoid, and how to build a personalised protocol.

Acid Reflux and GERD: A Functional Medicine Guide to Root Causes

Acid reflux is rarely caused by too much stomach acid. Discover the real root causes of GERD and how a functional medicine approach can resolve symptoms without lifelong medication.

Candida Overgrowth and Gut Health: Symptoms, Testing and Treatment

Chronic bloating, sugar cravings, brain fog and recurrent thrush could signal candida overgrowth. Learn how fungal dysbiosis develops and the functional medicine approach to rebalancing your gut.

Gut Health for Children: Building a Strong Microbiome from Birth

A child's microbiome is established in the first 1,000 days of life and shapes their lifelong health. Learn how birth, feeding, diet, and environment influence your child's gut and what you can do to support it.

Histamine Intolerance and Gut Health: The Hidden Connection

Unexplained headaches, flushing, hives, or digestive distress after eating certain foods could point to histamine intolerance. Discover how gut health drives histamine metabolism and what you can do about it.

Perimenopause and Gut Health: Why Your Digestion Changes in Your 40s

Bloating, food sensitivities and digestive changes in your 40s may be linked to perimenopause. Discover the oestrogen-gut connection and strategies to support your digestion.

Gut Health After Antibiotics: How to Rebuild Your Microbiome

Antibiotics can devastate your gut flora. Learn the evidence-based steps to restore your microbiome after a course of antibiotics, from diet and probiotics to lifestyle changes.

How to Choose a Nutritional Therapist in the UK

A guide to finding the right qualified practitioner — from understanding qualifications like BANT and CNHC to knowing what to expect from your first consultation.

Gut Health and Immunity: Why 70% of Your Immune System Lives in Your Gut

Explore the science behind gut-associated lymphoid tissue, how your microbiome trains your immune system and practical strategies to strengthen gut immunity.

The Elimination Diet: A Step-by-Step Guide to Food Triggers

A practical, step-by-step guide to running an elimination diet properly — from preparation and removal phases to systematic reintroduction of foods.

8 min read

Gut Health Testing: Your Complete Guide to Functional Gut Tests in the UK

Discover every gut health test available in the UK — from stool analysis and microbiome testing to SIBO breath tests. Learn what each test reveals and how a functional medicine practitioner interprets results differently.

Food Intolerance vs Food Allergy: What Your Gut Is Telling You

Understand the key differences between food allergies, intolerances and sensitivities, and learn how gut health influences your reactions to food.

Stress and Gut Health: How Cortisol Damages Your Digestive System

Chronic stress wreaks havoc on your gut through the gut-brain axis. Learn how cortisol affects digestion, the microbiome and what you can do about it.

Gut Health and Weight Loss: How Your Microbiome Controls Metabolism

Discover the science behind how gut bacteria influence weight — from appetite hormones to calorie extraction — and practical strategies to support a healthy metabolism.

SIBO: Symptoms, Testing and Treatment — A Functional Medicine Guide

Persistent bloating, gas and irregular bowel habits could signal SIBO. Learn about the symptoms, breath testing, root causes and functional medicine treatment approaches.

Bloating: Causes, Gut Health Solutions and When to Seek Help

Understand the most common causes of bloating, from food intolerances to SIBO, and learn evidence-based strategies to reduce discomfort and support digestion.

Gut Health and Sleep: Why Your Microbiome Affects How You Rest

Explore the emerging science linking gut bacteria to sleep quality and discover practical strategies to improve both your microbiome and your nightly rest.

IBS and Gut Health: A Functional Medicine Approach

Move beyond symptom management with a root-cause approach to irritable bowel syndrome that addresses the microbiome, food triggers and the nervous system.

Leaky Gut: Symptoms, Causes and How to Heal It

Learn what increased intestinal permeability really means, the symptoms it can cause throughout the body and evidence-based strategies to restore your gut barrier.

Fermented Foods: A Beginner's Guide to Gut-Friendly Eating

From kefir to kimchi, fermented foods are powerful allies for gut health. Learn which ones to try and how to incorporate them into your diet.

7 min read

Fibre: The Most Underrated Nutrient for Gut Health

Most people don't get enough fibre, and their gut bacteria are suffering. Discover the different types of fibre and how to optimise your intake.

The 5 Biggest Destroyers of Your Gut Microbiome

From antibiotics to stress, discover the top factors that damage your gut bacteria and what you can do to protect your microbiome.

7 min read

Hormones and Your Gut: The Estrobolome Explained

Your gut bacteria play a crucial role in hormone metabolism. Learn about the estrobolome and how gut health affects hormonal balance.

8 min read

The Gut-Skin Connection: How Your Microbiome Affects Your Complexion

Acne, eczema, and rosacea often have roots in gut health. Discover the gut-skin axis and how healing your gut can transform your skin.

Is Gluten Really the Enemy? Understanding Gluten Sensitivity

Beyond coeliac disease, many people experience gluten sensitivity. Learn how to identify if gluten is affecting your gut health and what to do about it.

7 min read