Chapters
Take the gut check and we will sort the chapters by relevance for you.
Gut barrier
The gut lining as the border between gut contents and the body. 2 chapters – expand
- Level:Intermediate The “leaky gut stack”: colostrum, zinc carnosine, aloe and co. What goes into the typical gut-lining blends, what studies show and where the risks lie. Vitamins and fatty acidsMedicationIBSInflammationExercise 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 endurance sport: runner’s gut, cramps and what helps During long, hard sessions the gut gets less blood, briefly becomes leakier and digests less well. Why runners are hit more often, what heat and ibuprofen have to do with it, and why the gut can be trained. ExerciseDiarrhoeaFODMAPMedicationNutrientsBloating 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.
Opportunistic pathogens
Germs that only become a problem when the balance is off. 2 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: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
Microbial diversity
Why many different species keep the gut stable. 1 chapter – expand
- 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.
Digestive function
Stomach acid, bile and enzymes as groundwork for the gut. 8 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: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 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 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 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: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
Small intestine colonisation
When bacteria grow where few belong. 1 chapter – expand
- 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
Immune system and inflammation
The gut as the body's largest immune organ. 4 chapters – expand
- Level:Expert DAO: the enzyme that intercepts histamine from food Where DAO is made, why it can be lacking, which medicines inhibit it, and what DAO capsules and sprouts can do. HistamineMedicationAlcoholFermented 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. Community
- Level:Expert Low-dose naltrexone (LDN): hope, studies and limits An addiction medicine at a very low dose is being tried for Crohn's disease, IBS, fibromyalgia and long COVID. What lies behind it, what studies show and why it belongs in medical hands. MedicationIBSInflammationSleep 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 Autoimmune diseases and the gut: Hashimoto's, vitiligo, type 1 diabetes and more When the immune system attacks the body itself, the gut is often involved – as the place where the immune system learns, as a bystander that gets hit, and perhaps as a co-trigger. What is established, what has only been shown in mice, and what people affected can actually do. InflammationCoeliac disease and glutenVitamins and fatty acidsMedicationTests 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 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.