Did you know that the human organism is home to 10 times more microbial DNA than human DNA? This begs the question, are we more more microbial than human? Your inner ‘environment and its inhabitants’ have a significant impact on your health. The complexity and profound effect this ‘inner’ environment has on health is what drives my special interest in complex gastrointestinal disorders. With gut symptoms constituting a large percentage of health complaints in the community, it is vital to engage the services of a health professional familiar with the nuances of gastrointestinal dysfunction. Our gut is a many layered organ. First, there is the influence of diet, which plays a huge role in determining gut health. Other influential factors include digestive enzymes, microbial balance, membrane (gut lining) function, gut based immunity and the enteric nervous system. It is the enteric nervous system that allows for that ‘butterfly’ feeling in the tummy when we’re nervous. IBS? Crohns? Ulcerative Colitis? NCWS? Coeliacs? FODMAP Intolerance, H.Pylori, SIBO, Lactose Intolerance, diarrhoea and/or constipation, bloating, flatulence… the list of bowel disorders goes on and on. SCD, GFCF, Paleo, Vegan, Blood Type, FODMAPS, Wellness, Anti-Candida, Biofilm Busting, Elimination, Nourishing Traditions, Low GI, Mediterranean and so goes the list of possible dietary interventions. Lactobacilli , Bifidobacterium , Thermophilus, E.coli , Clostridia, Bacteroides, Fermicutes, Klebsiella, Candida spp. on and on goes the list of diverse microbes living in and affecting your gut. What this means, is that if you have ‘gut issues’ talk to someone that is trained in, and understands the complexity of your gut and its microbial terrain. In doing so, you can better understand the causes of your gut issues, apply the best dietary strategy and optimise the population of your gut inhabitants.