Chapters
Take the gut check and we will sort the chapters by relevance for you.
Microbial diversity
Why many different species keep the gut stable. 2 chapters – expand
- Level:Beginner Sweeteners and sugar alcohols Sugar-free does not mean without consequences: what each sweetener and sugar alcohol does to the gut microbiota and digestion. SweetenersAdditivesBloatingFODMAP Plausible 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 For everyone Big effect, small budget: low-cost measures for your gut What demonstrably helps the gut often costs almost nothing: slow breathing, cooled potatoes, potato starch from the supermarket, legumes, psyllium, kiwis, a stool in front of the toilet. An overview of how well each is supported, what it costs and where you can skip expensive detours. FibreExerciseStressPrebioticsFermented foodsConstipationBloatingShort-chain fatty acids 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.
Gut-brain axis
How stress, sleep and nerves steer digestion. 1 chapter – expand
- Level:Beginner Abdominal pain and cramps: where the pain comes from Cramp, fullness or stabbing: why the gut signals pain, when it is harmless and when it needs checking. IBSBloatingConstipationDiarrhoeaStressExercise 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.
Digestive function
Stomach acid, bile and enzymes as groundwork for the gut. 3 chapters – expand
- 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 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 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