Chapters
Take the gut check and we will sort the chapters by relevance for you.
Opportunistic pathogens
Germs that only become a problem when the balance is off. 7 chapters – expand
- Level:Intermediate Opportunistic pathogens Germs that are always there and only become a problem when the balance tips. AntibioticsAcid blockersMedicationProbioticsGut infectionsInflammationTests 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 After antibiotics: C. difficile and faecal transplants A germ that can take over after antibiotics, and a treatment that works better than any drug. AntibioticsFaecal transplantProbioticsDiarrhoeaGut infectionsBile acidsToxins and mould 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 Fungi in the gut: what is true about Candida Yeasts are part of the normal gut microbiota. When they are a problem and when they are not. AntibioticsGut infectionsTests and diagnostics 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. Community
- Level:Intermediate Herxheimer reaction, die-off and toxins When feeling worse at the start of treatment is real, and when "detox" is used to explain away harm. Toxins and mouldAntibioticsGut infectionsParasitesProbiotics 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 Saccharomyces boulardii: the probiotic yeast Why a yeast survives antibiotics, what it is proven to help with, and when it can become dangerous. ProbioticsAntibioticsDiarrhoeaGut infections 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. Community
- Level:Expert Biofilms in the gut and “biofilm busters” Bacteria often live in communities with a protective coat. On teeth this is well established, in the gut there are exciting new findings. The products meant to dissolve such films have not been studied there. IBSBile acidsMedicationMouth and teethInflammationAntibiotics 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. Community
- Level:Intermediate Gut and cancer: what the gut microbiota protects against, what harms, and why it matters in cancer treatment Fibre and its bacteria protect against colorectal cancer, while some bacteria damage the genome. Why colorectal cancer is rising in younger people, which germs travel along in tumours, what Helicobacter has to do with stomach cancer, and why the gut microbiota helps decide whether immunotherapy works. FibreInflammationAntibioticsProbioticsTests and diagnosticsMouth and teethFaecal transplantBile 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.
Bacteriophages
Viruses that hunt bacteria and help steer the microbiome. 1 chapter – expand
- Level:Expert Bacteriophages: the hunters in the gut Viruses that only infect bacteria are among the most numerous entities in the gut. What they do there. AntibioticsAntibiotic resistanceFaecal transplantFermented foods 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.
Microbial diversity
Why many different species keep the gut stable. 5 chapters – expand
- Level:Beginner For everyone Your gut in ten minutes Who lives there, what do they do, and why is balance more important than individual germs? FibrePlant diversityFermented foodsAntibioticsExerciseTests 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:Beginner Building microbial diversity Why many different species keep the gut stable and how to rebuild after antibiotics. Plant diversityFermented foodsProbioticsAntibioticsFibre 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 Medications that change the gut Not just antibiotics: acid blockers, metformin, painkillers and others affect the gut microbiota. MedicationAcid blockersAntibioticsAntibiotic resistance 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 The first microbiome: birth, breastfeeding, antibiotics and what remains In the first three years of life the gut microbiota forms, and the immune system learns from it. What birth mode, breastfeeding, antibiotics, siblings and pets have to do with it, what evens out later, and what parents can really do. AntibioticsProbioticsAllergiesAntibiotic resistanceFaecal transplant 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 What a household shares: microbes between people, dogs and cats People who live together swap bacteria constantly: through hands, kitchen, bathroom, kisses and the animal on the sofa. What studies on shared bacterial strains show, what is useful about it, which pathogens and resistant bacteria really do get passed on, and why shared bacteria are not proof of transmission. Gut infectionsAntibiotic resistanceMouth and teethAllergiesAntibioticsBody weight 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. 1 chapter – expand
- 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.
Small intestine colonisation
When bacteria grow where few belong. 4 chapters – expand
- Level:Intermediate When the small intestine is too densely colonised Bacteria in the wrong place: why fibre can then become a problem. BloatingFODMAPAntibioticsIBSConstipationBile acidsTests 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:Expert Why SIBO comes back: the cleaning wave, underlying causes and prokinetics After successful treatment, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth returns in many people. What the small intestine’s cleaning wave has to do with it, which causes are worth looking for, and what drugs that stimulate gut movement can do. BloatingAntibioticsAcid blockersMedicationConstipation 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. Community
- Level:Expert SIBO treatments compared: rifaximin, herbs, elemental diet and faecal transplant Antibiotic or herbs, a liquid formula diet or a faecal transplant: what studies show for each option, where the evidence is thin and what people with SIBO report. AntibioticsBloatingProbioticsFaecal transplantTests and diagnostics 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. Community
- Level:Expert Hydrogen sulfide and methane: the other gases in the gut Methane is linked to constipation, hydrogen sulfide to diarrhoea. Which microbes produce them, what a three-gas breath test can and cannot show, and what to make of low-sulfur diets and bismuth. ConstipationDiarrhoeaBloatingTests and diagnosticsAntibiotics 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. Community
Immune system and inflammation
The gut as the body's largest immune organ. 3 chapters – expand
- Level:Intermediate Allergies and intolerances: how the gut learns to tolerate food Every day the gut has to tolerate foreign protein. How this tolerance develops, what role bacteria, stomach acid and skin play, and why many people feel allergic without being so. AllergiesProbioticsAcid blockersAntibioticsTests 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 Skin and gut: what there is to the gut-skin axis Acne, rosacea, eczema, psoriasis: which links to the gut are proven, where a real disease is behind it, and where the hype begins. InflammationCoeliac disease and glutenProbioticsAllergiesAntibiotics 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 Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis: understanding inflammatory bowel disease In Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, the immune system permanently attacks the gut wall. What distinguishes the two, what role genes, smoking, antibiotics and gut microbiota play, why early treatment matters, and what diet, probiotics and faecal transplants really achieve. InflammationDiarrhoeaTests and diagnosticsMedicationAntibioticsNutrientsProbioticsFaecal transplantMediterranean diet 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.