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.

“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.