When new microbiome tests designed specifically for babies and children arrived on the scene, I was genuinely excited. But after sitting down with the reports carefully, that excitement gave way to something more important - caution. Because in infants, the difference between a developing microbiome and a broken one can look identical on paper. And what we do next matters enormously.

"Just tell me the best iron supplement so I can start today." I hear this a lot. And I get it - iron deficiency is exhausting. But before we reach for a product, there's a conversation worth having about your gut, your microbiome, and why the why behind your deficiency matters more than the what.

Perimenopause arrives differently for everyone - quietly for some, like a storm for others. But beneath the disrupted sleep, the bloating, the emotions sitting a little closer to the surface, there's something worth paying attention to. At the centre of this transition sits the microbiome, and when we learn to work with it rather than against it, something shifts.

Many people worry about their brain health as they get older - memory loss, brain fog, or even the risk of diseases like Alzheimer's or Parkinson's. What's often overlooked is that one of the most powerful influences on your brain may be happening quietly in your gut microbiome. Recent research suggests that certain gut bacteria can produce prion-like proteins that may influence the earliest stages of neurodegeneration. The hopeful news? By eating more plants, fibre, and polyphenol-rich foods, and by protecting your gut lining, you're not only caring for your digestion - you're investing in your brain's future and supporting your health span.

Fibre is the quiet powerhouse behind gut health, hormones, mood, and immunity. Learn why most people aren't getting enough, how different types of fibre feed your microbiome, and practical ways to increase your intake without bloating - including insights from our microbiome retreats.

New research reveals IBS isn't just about which bacteria are present, but what they're doing. Some produce compounds that trigger diarrhoea or constipation. Others are missing entirely - like butyrate producers that calm inflammation and support gut barrier function. The emerging link between microbiome imbalance, mast cells, and histamine may explain why some people experience food sensitivities, cyclical flares, or multi-system symptoms alongside their IBS. It's time to move beyond permanent restriction toward genuine restoration: rebuilding microbial diversity, calming immune activation, and supporting the gut-brain connection.

Perimenopause and menopause can feel like your body has changed the rules overnight - hot flushes, brain fog, mood swings, and now your gut seems to be in revolt. Emerging research shows this isn’t “just aging”: hormonal shifts during midlife profoundly alter the gut microbiome, increasing inflammation, changing how you process oestrogen, and triggering symptoms from IBS flares to histamine intolerance. Understanding this hormone-gut connection is the first step to easing digestive chaos, supporting your microbiome, and feeling at home in your body again. In this blog, we unpack the science, the packaging, and the practical takeaways every practitioner should know. Because when it comes to probiotics, the question isn’t just “is it working?” - it’s “is it working for this person, in this form, at this time?”.

When a client asked if her sun-warmed probiotics were still effective, it opened the door to a bigger conversation: how do delivery methods - like enteric coating and microencapsulation - affect whether probiotics survive the journey through the gut? From the acidic gauntlet of the stomach to the complex ecosystem of the colon, not all microbes make it through intact. Some strains are naturally resilient; others need protection. And what about fermented foods - do they survive digestion too?

In this deep dive, we unpack the science, the packaging, and the practical takeaways every practitioner should know. Because when it comes to probiotics, the question isn’t just “is it working?” - it’s “is it working for this person, in this form, at this time?”.

A personal story from naturopath Chantel Yates about returning to land, rhythm and food as medicine — and why rest is part of gut healing.

A real client story that reveals the deeper layers of chronic SIBO. Chantel reflects on food fear, nervous system care and why protocol isn’t everything.

Chantel Yates shares five honest lessons from 18+ years as a gut health naturopath — from early mistakes to the value of slowing down and mentoring.

“Same gut, different story.” It’s a phrase I’ve come to know well. Clients are often puzzled when microbes flagged as high on one test vanish from the next. But this isn’t a mistake - it’s a reflection of how different microbiome testing technologies work. qPCR panels like GI-MAP are selective and targeted. Shotgun metagenomics? Expansive and ecosystem-wide. Each test tells a different story because it’s asking a different question. Understanding these differences is essential - not just for interpreting results, but for making meaningful, clinically-relevant decisions.

Are probiotics really the gut health cure-all they’re cracked up to be? They’re everywhere - from capsules to kombucha - but not all probiotics are created equal. In this article, we cut through the hype to explore what makes a probiotic effective, why strain specificity matters, and how real gut health goes beyond supplements. If you’re curious about how to support your microbiome in a more informed, sustainable way, this one's for you.

“I’ve had IBS for 20 years,” is a refrain I hear far too often - and all too often, it marks a dead‑end rather than a beginning. But IBS isn’t a disease; it’s a syndrome, a collection of symptoms with wildly varying root causes. In this post, we challenge the low‑FODMAP default and explore how a personalised, systems‑based approach - addressing visceral hypersensitivity, immune activation, gut–brain dysregulation and microbial imbalance - can shift care from mere symptom management to true gut healing.

Fermented foods like kefir, kombucha, sauerkraut, and kimchi have been enjoyed for centuries, offering unique flavours and impressive health benefits. Packed with probiotics, they support gut health, digestion, immune function, and even mental wellbeing. However, for those with histamine intolerance or Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), introducing these foods requires a "low and slow" approach to build immune tolerance. In this blog, we explore the incredible benefits of fermented foods and share practical tips for incorporating them into your diet - whether you’re a gut health enthusiast or navigating histamine sensitivities.

Emerging research highlights a strong link between gut health and Parkinson’s disease (PD), showing that an imbalanced microbiome (dysbiosis) may contribute to digestive issues, inflammation, and worsening symptoms. Factors like leaky gut, weight loss, and neuroinflammation are common in PD, making gut support a key area of focus. A Mediterranean-style diet rich in fibre, healthy fats, and fermented foods can help restore microbial balance, while prebiotics (like inulin and resistant starch) and targeted probiotics support beneficial bacteria. Gentle herbal remedies, such as pomegranate husk and green tea, may also help reduce inflammation and promote gut health. By nurturing the gut, we can take proactive steps toward improving overall wellbeing in PD. Read on to explore practical, evidence-based strategies for better gut and brain health.

In today's health-conscious world, many of us are turning to sugar-free and low-calorie drinks as alternatives to reduce sugar and calorie intake. However, artificial sweeteners, commonly found in these beverages, may not be the benign substitutes we think they are. Research suggests that sweeteners like sucralose, aspartame, and saccharin can negatively impact gut health by promoting dysbiosis - a disruption of the gut microbiome that can lead to various health issues. In this post, we’ll explore the hidden effects of artificial sweeteners on gut health and offer delicious, gut-friendly alternatives like water kefir and kombucha. These fermented drinks not only satisfy your craving for fizz but also support a healthy microbiome, making them perfect options for both adults and kids. Let’s dive into how we can make better beverage choices for our gut health!

In today's health-conscious world, many of us are turning to sugar-free and low-calorie drinks as alternatives to reduce sugar and calorie intake. However, artificial sweeteners, commonly found in these beverages, may not be the benign substitutes we think they are. Research suggests that sweeteners like sucralose, aspartame, and saccharin can negatively impact gut health by promoting dysbiosis - a disruption of the gut microbiome that can lead to various health issues. In this post, we’ll explore the hidden effects of artificial sweeteners on gut health and offer delicious, gut-friendly alternatives like water kefir and kombucha. These fermented drinks not only satisfy your craving for fizz but also support a healthy microbiome, making them perfect options for both adults and kids. Let’s dive into how we can make better beverage choices for our gut health!

Histamine intolerance is gaining recognition as more individuals experience its diverse symptoms, including migraines, digestive issues, and skin reactions. This condition arises when there is an imbalance between histamine levels and the body's ability to break it down, primarily due to impaired activity of the enzyme diamine oxidase (DAO). In this article, we’ll delve into the mechanisms behind histamine intolerance, differentiating it from related conditions like amine intolerance and mast cell activation disorders. Understanding the role of the gut microbiome, dietary choices, and DAO production is crucial for developing effective management strategies that go beyond restrictive diets. We will also explore how to optimise histamine metabolism and support gut health through dietary and lifestyle modifications, helping you regain control over your well-being.

Antibiotics can be life-saving, but they often disrupt the natural balance of your gut flora, leading to a range of recovery issues. In our latest blog post, we delve into practical strategies for restoring your gut health after antibiotic use. From incorporating probiotic-rich foods to supporting your digestion with prebiotics, discover how you can nurture your body back to balance and optimise your recovery. Learn how small changes in your diet and lifestyle can make a big difference in how quickly you bounce back.