The gut microbiome is an ecosystem of microorganisms living within the digestive tract. These microorganisms include bacteria, fungi, archaea, viruses and other microscopic organisms that interact with our diet, digestive environment and one another. Because this ecosystem is complex, understanding gut health involves more than looking for a single “good” or “bad” bacterium. It may involve considering microbial diversity, the relative abundance of different species, the substances produced by...

When you are experiencing ongoing digestive symptoms, it can be difficult to know which type of healthcare professional to see. Should you speak with your GP? See a gastroenterologist? Book with a naturopath? Work with a clinical nutritionist? Or consider gut health testing? The answer is not always one or the other. Medical care and natural healthcare can serve different purposes, and in many situations, they may work alongside each other. Understanding the differences can help you make a...

When you are dealing with ongoing gut symptoms, it can be confusing to know where to start. Do you see a GP? A gastroenterologist? A naturopath? A clinical nutritionist? Do you need a colonoscopy, a stool test, a microbiome test, blood work, supplements, diet changes — or all of the above? The truth is, the medical approach and the natural approach are not enemies. They simply look at gut health through different lenses. Both approaches can have an important place. The key is understanding...