Chapters
Take the gut check and we will sort the chapters by relevance for you.
Digestive function
Stomach acid, bile and enzymes as groundwork for the gut. 20 chapters – expand
- Level:Intermediate Stomach acid, bile and enzymes The groundwork in the stomach and small intestine determines what reaches the large intestine. Acid blockersMedicationBile acidsAlcoholBloatingTests and diagnostics Well supported How we rate the evidence Established Recommended in medical guidelines or supported by several consistent meta-analyses of randomised human studies. Well supported Several randomised studies in humans with largely consistent results. Promising Single randomised or controlled studies in humans, not yet independently confirmed — or many consistent observational studies. Plausible Two cases: first observational or pilot studies with small samples — or a settled basis that is not in dispute, such as movement, sleep or meal pauses. But not tested in humans for symptoms. Experimental Barely studied in humans. Mainly lab and animal studies or theoretical reasoning; whether it helps is open.
- Level:Intermediate Bile acids: when bile causes diarrhoea Primary and secondary bile acids, the role of gut bacteria and why antibiotics can shift the balance. Bile acidsDiarrhoeaIBSTests and diagnostics Promising How we rate the evidence Established Recommended in medical guidelines or supported by several consistent meta-analyses of randomised human studies. Well supported Several randomised studies in humans with largely consistent results. Promising Single randomised or controlled studies in humans, not yet independently confirmed — or many consistent observational studies. Plausible Two cases: first observational or pilot studies with small samples — or a settled basis that is not in dispute, such as movement, sleep or meal pauses. But not tested in humans for symptoms. Experimental Barely studied in humans. Mainly lab and animal studies or theoretical reasoning; whether it helps is open. Community
- Level:Beginner Constipation: more than too little fibre Kiwifruit, psyllium, pelvic floor and methane: what is behind sluggish digestion. ConstipationFibreExerciseMedication Well supported How we rate the evidence Established Recommended in medical guidelines or supported by several consistent meta-analyses of randomised human studies. Well supported Several randomised studies in humans with largely consistent results. Promising Single randomised or controlled studies in humans, not yet independently confirmed — or many consistent observational studies. Plausible Two cases: first observational or pilot studies with small samples — or a settled basis that is not in dispute, such as movement, sleep or meal pauses. But not tested in humans for symptoms. Experimental Barely studied in humans. Mainly lab and animal studies or theoretical reasoning; whether it helps is open.
- Level:Beginner Lactose, fructose, gluten: making sense of intolerances What real intolerances are, which tests are worth anything and when cutting foods out does harm. Coeliac disease and glutenFODMAPBloatingTests and diagnostics Promising How we rate the evidence Established Recommended in medical guidelines or supported by several consistent meta-analyses of randomised human studies. Well supported Several randomised studies in humans with largely consistent results. Promising Single randomised or controlled studies in humans, not yet independently confirmed — or many consistent observational studies. Plausible Two cases: first observational or pilot studies with small samples — or a settled basis that is not in dispute, such as movement, sleep or meal pauses. But not tested in humans for symptoms. Experimental Barely studied in humans. Mainly lab and animal studies or theoretical reasoning; whether it helps is open.
- Level:Beginner Heartburn and reflux When acid rises: what helps, when acid blockers make sense and when to stop them. Acid blockersMedicationSleep Established How we rate the evidence Established Recommended in medical guidelines or supported by several consistent meta-analyses of randomised human studies. Well supported Several randomised studies in humans with largely consistent results. Promising Single randomised or controlled studies in humans, not yet independently confirmed — or many consistent observational studies. Plausible Two cases: first observational or pilot studies with small samples — or a settled basis that is not in dispute, such as movement, sleep or meal pauses. But not tested in humans for symptoms. Experimental Barely studied in humans. Mainly lab and animal studies or theoretical reasoning; whether it helps is open.
- Level:Intermediate Pelvic floor: when stool won’t come out properly Why straining sometimes does not help, how a defecation disorder shows itself and why biofeedback works better than laxatives. ConstipationExerciseTests and diagnostics Well supported How we rate the evidence Established Recommended in medical guidelines or supported by several consistent meta-analyses of randomised human studies. Well supported Several randomised studies in humans with largely consistent results. Promising Single randomised or controlled studies in humans, not yet independently confirmed — or many consistent observational studies. Plausible Two cases: first observational or pilot studies with small samples — or a settled basis that is not in dispute, such as movement, sleep or meal pauses. But not tested in humans for symptoms. Experimental Barely studied in humans. Mainly lab and animal studies or theoretical reasoning; whether it helps is open.
- Level:Intermediate Sensitive stomach: fullness, upper abdominal pain and Helicobacter What is behind upper abdominal symptoms when the endoscopy is normal, why the Helicobacter test comes first and what else helps. BloatingIBSAcid blockersTests and diagnostics Promising How we rate the evidence Established Recommended in medical guidelines or supported by several consistent meta-analyses of randomised human studies. Well supported Several randomised studies in humans with largely consistent results. Promising Single randomised or controlled studies in humans, not yet independently confirmed — or many consistent observational studies. Plausible Two cases: first observational or pilot studies with small samples — or a settled basis that is not in dispute, such as movement, sleep or meal pauses. But not tested in humans for symptoms. Experimental Barely studied in humans. Mainly lab and animal studies or theoretical reasoning; whether it helps is open.
- Level:Intermediate Pressure under the right ribs: bile, liver and gallstones A feeling of pressure in the upper right abdomen makes many people think of the gallbladder. What makes a real biliary colic, what “thick bile” means medically, and which other causes are more common. Bile acidsTests and diagnosticsBody weightFasting Promising How we rate the evidence Established Recommended in medical guidelines or supported by several consistent meta-analyses of randomised human studies. Well supported Several randomised studies in humans with largely consistent results. Promising Single randomised or controlled studies in humans, not yet independently confirmed — or many consistent observational studies. Plausible Two cases: first observational or pilot studies with small samples — or a settled basis that is not in dispute, such as movement, sleep or meal pauses. But not tested in humans for symptoms. Experimental Barely studied in humans. Mainly lab and animal studies or theoretical reasoning; whether it helps is open. Community
- Level:Intermediate Acid blockers (PPIs): what they change in the gut and how to stop them properly Proton pump inhibitors are among the most widely used medicines in the world. They are very effective for reflux and ulcers, but change the gut flora and nutrient absorption. What is established, what is not, and how to stop them. Acid blockersMedicationGut infectionsAllergies Well supported How we rate the evidence Established Recommended in medical guidelines or supported by several consistent meta-analyses of randomised human studies. Well supported Several randomised studies in humans with largely consistent results. Promising Single randomised or controlled studies in humans, not yet independently confirmed — or many consistent observational studies. Plausible Two cases: first observational or pilot studies with small samples — or a settled basis that is not in dispute, such as movement, sleep or meal pauses. But not tested in humans for symptoms. Experimental Barely studied in humans. Mainly lab and animal studies or theoretical reasoning; whether it helps is open.
- Level:Intermediate The digestive chain: how stomach acid, bile and pancreas set each other off Digestion is a relay race: the head starts, the acid passes the signal to the duodenum, hormones call up bile and enzymes. Who sends which signal, and what happens when one link is weak. Bile acidsAcid blockers Well supported How we rate the evidence Established Recommended in medical guidelines or supported by several consistent meta-analyses of randomised human studies. Well supported Several randomised studies in humans with largely consistent results. Promising Single randomised or controlled studies in humans, not yet independently confirmed — or many consistent observational studies. Plausible Two cases: first observational or pilot studies with small samples — or a settled basis that is not in dispute, such as movement, sleep or meal pauses. But not tested in humans for symptoms. Experimental Barely studied in humans. Mainly lab and animal studies or theoretical reasoning; whether it helps is open.
- Level:Intermediate Digestive enzymes from mouth to colon: who breaks down what Saliva, stomach, pancreas, gut wall and bacteria each contribute their own enzymes. A map of where each enzyme works, and what happens when one is missing. FODMAPBloatingCoeliac disease and glutenTests and diagnostics Well supported How we rate the evidence Established Recommended in medical guidelines or supported by several consistent meta-analyses of randomised human studies. Well supported Several randomised studies in humans with largely consistent results. Promising Single randomised or controlled studies in humans, not yet independently confirmed — or many consistent observational studies. Plausible Two cases: first observational or pilot studies with small samples — or a settled basis that is not in dispute, such as movement, sleep or meal pauses. But not tested in humans for symptoms. Experimental Barely studied in humans. Mainly lab and animal studies or theoretical reasoning; whether it helps is open.
- Level:Intermediate Oxalate, salicylate, lectins: hidden culprits or internet myth? Where these plant compounds really cause problems, such as kidney stones, after bowel surgery or with raw beans, and why lists against "oxalate dumping" and lectins tend to harm the gut. Toxins and mouldPlant diversityFibreMedication Promising How we rate the evidence Established Recommended in medical guidelines or supported by several consistent meta-analyses of randomised human studies. Well supported Several randomised studies in humans with largely consistent results. Promising Single randomised or controlled studies in humans, not yet independently confirmed — or many consistent observational studies. Plausible Two cases: first observational or pilot studies with small samples — or a settled basis that is not in dispute, such as movement, sleep or meal pauses. But not tested in humans for symptoms. Experimental Barely studied in humans. Mainly lab and animal studies or theoretical reasoning; whether it helps is open. Community
- Level:Intermediate Gastroparesis: when the stomach empties too slowly Nausea, vomiting, feeling full after a few bites: in gastroparesis, food stays in the stomach too long. Why it can hardly be separated from functional dyspepsia, what diabetes, viruses and weight-loss injections have to do with it, and what helps. BloatingMedicationBlood sugarTests and diagnostics Promising How we rate the evidence Established Recommended in medical guidelines or supported by several consistent meta-analyses of randomised human studies. Well supported Several randomised studies in humans with largely consistent results. Promising Single randomised or controlled studies in humans, not yet independently confirmed — or many consistent observational studies. Plausible Two cases: first observational or pilot studies with small samples — or a settled basis that is not in dispute, such as movement, sleep or meal pauses. But not tested in humans for symptoms. Experimental Barely studied in humans. Mainly lab and animal studies or theoretical reasoning; whether it helps is open. Community
- Level:Intermediate Life without a gallbladder: diarrhoea, fat and symptoms after surgery Gallbladder removal is one of the most common operations, and most people do well afterwards. Why some get diarrhoea, what lies behind post-cholecystectomy syndrome and why cutting the sphincter usually does not help. Bile acidsDiarrhoeaTests and diagnostics Promising How we rate the evidence Established Recommended in medical guidelines or supported by several consistent meta-analyses of randomised human studies. Well supported Several randomised studies in humans with largely consistent results. Promising Single randomised or controlled studies in humans, not yet independently confirmed — or many consistent observational studies. Plausible Two cases: first observational or pilot studies with small samples — or a settled basis that is not in dispute, such as movement, sleep or meal pauses. But not tested in humans for symptoms. Experimental Barely studied in humans. Mainly lab and animal studies or theoretical reasoning; whether it helps is open. Community
- Level:Beginner Diverticula, haemorrhoids and fissures: what can go wrong at the end of the gut Three common problems in the lower gut that people rarely talk about. Why nuts and seeds are fine with diverticula, why mild diverticulitis often heals without antibiotics, and what your phone on the toilet has to do with haemorrhoids. FibreConstipationInflammationAntibiotics Well supported How we rate the evidence Established Recommended in medical guidelines or supported by several consistent meta-analyses of randomised human studies. Well supported Several randomised studies in humans with largely consistent results. Promising Single randomised or controlled studies in humans, not yet independently confirmed — or many consistent observational studies. Plausible Two cases: first observational or pilot studies with small samples — or a settled basis that is not in dispute, such as movement, sleep or meal pauses. But not tested in humans for symptoms. Experimental Barely studied in humans. Mainly lab and animal studies or theoretical reasoning; whether it helps is open.
- Level:Beginner Bloating and fullness: gas that will not move on Why the belly distends even though there is rarely too much gas – and what really helps. BloatingIBSFODMAPSweetenersFibreExercise Promising How we rate the evidence Established Recommended in medical guidelines or supported by several consistent meta-analyses of randomised human studies. Well supported Several randomised studies in humans with largely consistent results. Promising Single randomised or controlled studies in humans, not yet independently confirmed — or many consistent observational studies. Plausible Two cases: first observational or pilot studies with small samples — or a settled basis that is not in dispute, such as movement, sleep or meal pauses. But not tested in humans for symptoms. Experimental Barely studied in humans. Mainly lab and animal studies or theoretical reasoning; whether it helps is open. Community
- Level:Beginner Diarrhoea: understand it, place it and react the right way Watery, urgent, acute or chronic: the four mechanisms, the most common causes and when it needs checking by a doctor. DiarrhoeaIBSFODMAPBile acidsGut infectionsTests and diagnosticsTravel Well supported How we rate the evidence Established Recommended in medical guidelines or supported by several consistent meta-analyses of randomised human studies. Well supported Several randomised studies in humans with largely consistent results. Promising Single randomised or controlled studies in humans, not yet independently confirmed — or many consistent observational studies. Plausible Two cases: first observational or pilot studies with small samples — or a settled basis that is not in dispute, such as movement, sleep or meal pauses. But not tested in humans for symptoms. Experimental Barely studied in humans. Mainly lab and animal studies or theoretical reasoning; whether it helps is open.
- Level:Intermediate Nutrient deficiency in gut problems: when food no longer arrives Why gut symptoms can leave you short of iron, vitamin B12, vitamin D, the fat-soluble vitamins and zinc, how to read blood results correctly and when supplements really help. NutrientsVitamins and fatty acidsDiarrhoeaTests and diagnosticsBody weight Well supported How we rate the evidence Established Recommended in medical guidelines or supported by several consistent meta-analyses of randomised human studies. Well supported Several randomised studies in humans with largely consistent results. Promising Single randomised or controlled studies in humans, not yet independently confirmed — or many consistent observational studies. Plausible Two cases: first observational or pilot studies with small samples — or a settled basis that is not in dispute, such as movement, sleep or meal pauses. But not tested in humans for symptoms. Experimental Barely studied in humans. Mainly lab and animal studies or theoretical reasoning; whether it helps is open.
- Level:Expert Bile, lipase and lecithin: what fat digestion really needs Digesting fat takes more than bile: the enzyme lipase from the pancreas, bile as a washing-up liquid and an intact gut wall. What bile salt, TUDCA, ox bile and lecithin capsules actually show, and what choline is really needed for. Bile acidsNutrientsMedicationTests and diagnostics Promising How we rate the evidence Established Recommended in medical guidelines or supported by several consistent meta-analyses of randomised human studies. Well supported Several randomised studies in humans with largely consistent results. Promising Single randomised or controlled studies in humans, not yet independently confirmed — or many consistent observational studies. Plausible Two cases: first observational or pilot studies with small samples — or a settled basis that is not in dispute, such as movement, sleep or meal pauses. But not tested in humans for symptoms. Experimental Barely studied in humans. Mainly lab and animal studies or theoretical reasoning; whether it helps is open.
- Level:Beginner When the supplement itself is the problem: iron, magnesium, excipients and more People struggling with their gut often take several supplements at once. Some of them trigger exactly the symptoms they are meant to relieve. Which products typically cause diarrhoea, constipation or bloating, what tablets contain besides the active ingredient, and how to find the culprit. MedicationVitamins and fatty acidsNutrientsProbioticsSweetenersBloatingDiarrhoeaConstipation Promising How we rate the evidence Established Recommended in medical guidelines or supported by several consistent meta-analyses of randomised human studies. Well supported Several randomised studies in humans with largely consistent results. Promising Single randomised or controlled studies in humans, not yet independently confirmed — or many consistent observational studies. Plausible Two cases: first observational or pilot studies with small samples — or a settled basis that is not in dispute, such as movement, sleep or meal pauses. But not tested in humans for symptoms. Experimental Barely studied in humans. Mainly lab and animal studies or theoretical reasoning; whether it helps is open. Community