Gut Health & Microbiome
Microbiome science, fibre, IBS, low-FODMAP diets, the gut-brain axis and commercial stool tests without detox myths.
About this classroom
The gut microbiome is real and important, but it is also used to sell tests and cures far beyond current clinical knowledge. This classroom separates established digestive care from emerging microbiome research.
Where the evidence stands: Diet and selected therapies have meaningful human evidence for defined conditions. Personalised microbiome prescriptions remain much less established.
What you will learn
- Understand the ecosystem - What microbiome results can and cannot mean.
- Feed the gut - Fibre and prebiotics without one-food cures.
- Understand IBS - Diagnosis, low-FODMAP and gut-brain care.
- Question testing - Know when a stool report is not clinically actionable.
Curriculum
Microbiome basics
Understand the science and its limits.
IBS & symptoms
Evidence-based symptom education.
Testing
What commercial testing can deliver.
Frequently asked
- What is a healthy microbiome?
- There is no single universal composition. Function, host health and context matter more than one diversity score.
- Should everyone follow low-FODMAP?
- No. It is a structured temporary intervention for selected IBS symptoms, followed by reintroduction.
- Can a stool test tell me what to eat?
- Most consumer tests cannot prescribe a uniquely validated diet from one sample.
Sources for this classroom
Educational content only. Not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing your health regimen.