# Berkeley Nutrition > A holistic approach to your gut health. ## Posts - [The Unsung Heroes of Gut Health: Short Chain Fatty Acids Explained](https://berkeleynutrition.co.uk/short-chain-fatty-acids/): Table of Contents 1. What are Short Chain Fatty Acids? Short Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs) are small molecules produced when gut bacteria ferment dietary fibre in the colon. The main SCFAs are butyrate, acetate, and propionate, and they serve as both an energy source and communication system between your gut and the rest of your body. Think of them as the currency of microbial health. Your gut bacteria “earn” SCFAs when they digest fibre, and your gut lining and immune system “spend” them to stay strong, calm, and resilient. 2. How SCFAs Are Made When you eat fibre-rich foods – […] - [The Power of Polyphenols: How Plant Compounds Feed Your Gut and Calm Inflammation](https://berkeleynutrition.co.uk/the-power-of-polyphenols-feed-your-gut-calm-inflammation/): Table of Contents 1. Introduction: Beyond antioxidants You’ve probably heard of polyphenols as “antioxidants” – compounds in colourful foods that protect your cells from damage. But that’s only part of their story. Modern research shows that polyphenols do something far more interesting: they interact directly with your gut microbes. They act as a training signal, helping good bacteria thrive, reducing inflammation, and influencing how your body handles hormones, mood and metabolism. If you’ve been struggling with bloating, fatigue or hormonal fluctuations, understanding this link could be a game-changer. 2. What polyphenols actually are Polyphenols are naturally occurring compounds found in […] - [Environmental toxins, hormones, and the gut - what’s really worth worrying about and what’s not](https://berkeleynutrition.co.uk/toxins-hormones-gut/): Table of Contents 1. Introduction The word “toxins” gets thrown around a lot.It’s become a catch-all for anything “bad” in our environment, often followed by advice to detox with juices or powders. But beneath the marketing noise, there’s a legitimate conversation to be had about environmental toxins and how they influence our gut, hormones, and overall health. We live surrounded by chemicals our ancestors never encountered – in plastics, fragrances, non-stick coatings, cleaning products, and even our drinking water.Most are harmless at low doses, but some – especially those that mimic hormones – can subtly alter how our body’s detox […] - [Beyond Food: The Overlooked Factors in Gut Health](https://berkeleynutrition.co.uk/beyond-food-overlooked-gut-health-factors/): Introduction When gut symptoms flare up – bloating, constipation, loose stools, abdominal discomfort – most people immediately focus on food. What should I cut out? Should I try low-FODMAP? etc. While nutrition plays a huge role, it isn’t the whole picture. Some of the most powerful influences on your gut health have nothing to do with what’s on your plate. Stress, sleep, movement, and hydration can all make or break digestion. This article explores why gut health is not just about food, the evidence for these overlooked factors, and practical ways you can support your gut starting today. Table of […] - [The Complete Guide to Fibre and Gut Health](https://berkeleynutrition.co.uk/the-complete-guide-to-fibre-and-gut-health/): Introduction Fibre has long been marketed as nature’s broom – good for keeping things moving, helpful for constipation, and something you “should” eat more of. But this oversimplifies the story. Fibre is not one thing. Different types of fibre do very different jobs in the gut, and how your body responds depends on both the type and the context. For some people, a sudden increase in fibre leads to uncomfortable bloating and diarrhoea. For others, a carefully tailored fibre plan transforms digestion and energy. Understanding the nuances of fibre can help you work with your gut, not against it. This […] - [Stress and IBS: How the Gut-Brain Loop Fuels Your Symptoms](https://berkeleynutrition.co.uk/stress-and-ibs/): Introduction If you live with IBS, you’ve probably been told to “watch what you eat”. And while diet is an important piece of the puzzle, it’s rarely the full picture. One of the most overlooked drivers of IBS is stress. Not the occasional rough day, but the way your nervous system reacts to daily pressures. Stress doesn’t just live in your head. It talks directly to your gut. When the gut–brain loop is caught in fight-or-flight mode, symptoms like bloating, urgency, and abdominal pain can flare — even if your food choices are spot on. This article unpacks the science […] - [Why Bloating Isn’t Just About Food | A Complete Guide](https://berkeleynutrition.co.uk/why-bloating-isnt-just-about-food-a-complete-guide/): Table of Contents 1. Introduction: The Bloating Puzzle Bloating is one of the most common digestive complaints. Surveys suggest up to 30% of adults report regular bloating, and in those with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) that number jumps above 70% . Most people assume it’s only about food. So they start cutting out gluten, dairy, sugar, beans, onions, and sometimes whole food groups. While food can contribute, the truth is that bloating usually has multiple overlapping causes. Think of bloating as a puzzle with five key pieces: If you only focus on one piece, the picture remains incomplete. 2. What […] - [The Impact of Different Foods on Your Microbiome - How to Eat for Better Gut Health](https://berkeleynutrition.co.uk/the-impact-of-different-foods-on-your-microbiome-how-to-eat-for-better-gut-health/): If you’ve been told “you are what you eat”, you’ve been given only half the truth.The full story is: you are what your microbes do with what you eat. Your gut microbiome is home to trillions of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms. They help digest your food, make vitamins, train your immune system, influence your hormones, and even affect your mood. The food you eat can shape this microbial world in as little as 24–48 hours — for better or worse. In this post, we’ll explore how different foods affect your microbiome, what the research says, and how to make […] - [SIBO and IMO: The Overlooked Gut Issues Behind Your Bloating, Constipation, and Food Reactions](https://berkeleynutrition.co.uk/sibo-and-imo-the-overlooked-gut-issues-behind-your-bloating-constipation-and-food-reactions/): Introduction: Still Bloated After Doing Everything Right? You’ve cleaned up your diet. Maybe gone gluten-free, tried low FODMAP, added probiotics, even taken gut repair supplements. But the bloating won’t budge. Or your bowels swing between extremes. Or meals feel more stressful than nourishing. If this sounds familiar, you might be dealing with something deeper – and often overlooked by standard gut protocols: SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) or IMO (Intestinal Methanogen Overgrowth). These aren’t just fancy acronyms. They’re two of the most common causes of persistent bloating, food reactivity, constipation, and gut-brain symptoms I see in clinic. In this post, […] - [Gut Motility: The Missing Piece in Digestion, Bloating, and Bacterial Overgrowth](https://berkeleynutrition.co.uk/gut-motility-the-missing-piece-in-digestion-bloating-and-bacterial-overgrowth/): Introduction: When Your Gut Feels Stuck (and Nothing Seems to Help) Ever feel like your gut just isn’t getting the message to move? Meals sit heavy. Bloating builds by mid-afternoon. And despite eating well, your digestion feels like it’s running in slow motion. You’re not alone – and you’re not doing anything wrong. The missing piece might not be what you’re eating… but whether your gut knows when and how to process it. Let’s talk about motility – your gut’s internal rhythm – and why restoring it is often the key to long-term relief. What Is Gut Motility? Motility refers […] - [Gut Healing Starts with the Nervous System: How Parasympathetic Activation Unlocks Digestion](https://berkeleynutrition.co.uk/gut-healing-starts-with-the-nervous-system-how-parasympathetic-activation-unlocks-digestion/): Introduction: You Can’t Heal in Fight-or-Flight When it comes to gut health, most people think food first. Maybe supplements. Possibly testing. But there’s one system that quietly governs the success (or failure) of all of those things – your nervous system. More specifically, the parasympathetic branch of your nervous system, often called ‘rest and digest.’ If your body doesn’t feel safe, you won’t digest properly. You won’t absorb nutrients. You won’t detox efficiently. And you certainly won’t reduce inflammation or calm an irritated gut. In this post, we’ll break down what the parasympathetic nervous system does, why it’s critical for […] - [Let There Be Light: How Sunlight Shapes Gut and Whole-Body Health](https://berkeleynutrition.co.uk/let-there-be-light-how-sunlight-shapes-gut-and-whole-body-health/): Introduction: Why Light Deserves a Seat at the Gut Health Table When most people think about gut health, they think food. Elimination diets. Probiotics. Gluten-free, dairy-free, low FODMAP – the list goes on. But one of the most under-appreciated tools for gut healing isn’t a food group or a supplement. It’s not even something you eat. It’s light – specifically, your daily exposure to natural sunlight. In this article, we’re going deep into how light sets the rhythm for your gut, hormones, immune system, mood, and metabolism – and how restoring your light environment might be the missing piece in […] - [What I Wish More People Knew About Gut Healing](https://berkeleynutrition.co.uk/what-i-wish-more-people-knew-about-gut-healing/): If you’re struggling with gut issues, this probably sounds familiar: You’ve done the diets.You’ve read all the gut health books.You’ve taken the probiotics, antimicrobials, enzymes, and powders.You’ve eliminated half your favourite foods. And yet… you still wake up bloated.Your digestion is unpredictable.Fatigue follows you everywhere.You’re scared to eat out or try new foods.You wonder: “How can I be doing so much and still feel like this?” The problem isn’t your motivation. The problem is your approach. Gut healing often fails not because people don’t try hard enough, but because they follow incomplete, generic protocols that miss the full picture. In […] - [Nutrients for Gut Recovery: The 5 Essentials](https://berkeleynutrition.co.uk/nutrients-for-gut-recovery-the-5-essentials/): Why Gut Healing Requires More Than Just Elimination Most people associate gut healing with cutting things out – gluten, dairy, sugar, FODMAPs. While this approach can calm symptoms in the short term, it’s not the full story. Healing isn’t just about what you remove. It’s about what you rebuild. Your gut lining, microbiome, immune system, and digestive enzymes all rely on specific nutrients to function and repair. Without these, even the cleanest diet can fall short. Zinc: The Gut’s Repair Mineral Zinc is essential for maintaining the integrity of the gut lining, supporting digestive enzymes, and regulating immune responses. A […] - [Your Gut Doesn’t Need a Reset - It Needs a Strategy](https://berkeleynutrition.co.uk/your-gut-doesnt-need-a-reset-it-needs-a-strategy/): “I’ve tried everything… I just need to reset my gut.” This is how many of my clients begin their story. They’re stuck in cycles of bloating, constipation, diarrhoea, fatigue, and food reactivity. And after trying multiple diets, supplements, or protocols, they’re desperate to feel normal again. And so they reach for the most popular solution:A reset. But here’s the problem:Resets are short-term by design.What your gut needs is long-term vision. This blog will show you: Why Gut “Resets” Are So Tempting – and So Misleading They promise: And in the moment, they might work just enough to make you believe […] - [How Your Digestion Changes Throughout Your Cycle (And What to Do About It)](https://berkeleynutrition.co.uk/how-your-digestion-changes-throughout-your-cycle-and-what-to-do-about-it/): Bloating before your period. Constipation that shows up out of nowhere. A sudden obsession with chocolate and carbs. Sound familiar? If your digestion seems to follow a pattern—but you can’t quite figure out why—your hormones might be the missing link. In this post, we’ll break down exactly how your menstrual cycle affects your gut—and how to support your digestion through every phase. The Gut-Hormone Axis: A Two-Way Street Your gut and your hormones are in constant communication.In fact, your gut: When your gut is inflamed or imbalanced, your hormones suffer.And when your hormones fluctuate (as they do naturally across the […] - [What Functional Testing Reveals About Your Gut](https://berkeleynutrition.co.uk/what-functional-testing-reveals-about-your-gut/): Functional gut testing is often the moment when everything finally clicks for people struggling with chronic gut issues. Why?Because it gives us what guesswork never can: clarity.Not just on what’s wrong—but on why you feel the way you do, and how to fix it. What Is Functional Testing (and How Is It Different)? Functional testing is a type of lab work that goes beyond standard bloodwork or NHS stool tests.It looks at how your gut is actually functioning, which includes: It’s the difference between a symptom-focused approach and a systems-based one. Why Symptoms Are Misleading Without Data Let’s say you […] - [Why Gut Healing Fails Without Coaching (And What to Do Instead)](https://berkeleynutrition.co.uk/why-gut-healing-fails-without-coaching-and-what-to-do-instead/): How personalised support, mindset shifts, and strategy can finally get you symptom-free. You’ve done the research.You’ve tried the low FODMAP diet.You’ve cut out gluten, dairy, sugar, maybe even coffee (reluctantly).You’ve invested in supplements—maybe even a few stool tests. But you’re still… stuck. Your digestion is inconsistent. Some days are okay. Others, it’s the usual bloating, fatigue, foggy head, and uncomfortable trips to the loo. You’re constantly wondering: “Am I doing something wrong, or is this just how my body is now?” You’re not alone—and more importantly, it’s not your fault.The truth is: most people don’t fail at gut healing because […] - [Morning Movement & Sunlight: The Simple Gut Reset You’re Missing](https://berkeleynutrition.co.uk/morning-movement-sunlight-the-simple-gut-reset-youre-missing/): What if I told you that how you start your morning could have a significant impact on your digestion for the rest of the day? Your gut doesn’t work in isolation – it follows a circadian rhythm, meaning the way you wake up directly affects gut function. And two of the best things you can do for digestion first thing in the morning? Movement + sunlight. Why Your Gut Loves Morning Movement & Sunlight 🌞 Sunlight sets your gut’s internal clock → Your gut bacteria have their own circadian rhythm, and early morning light helps regulate digestion. 🏃 Movement stimulates […] - [Why Gut Symptoms Flare When You Travel (and How to Prevent It)](https://berkeleynutrition.co.uk/why-gut-symptoms-flare-when-you-travel-and-how-to-prevent-it/): You finally get a break – new scenery, new experiences, a chance to unwind. But within a day or two of travelling, your gut is rebelling. Bloating, constipation, loose stools, discomfort – why does travel wreak havoc on digestion? Why Travel Messes with Your Gut Changes in Routine & Meal Timing – Your gut loves consistency, and travel disrupts your usual eating schedule.Different Water & Food Sources – New bacteria in food and water can temporarily shift gut bacteria balance.Poor Sleep & Stress from Travel – Travel stress (even the good kind) can activate fight-or-flight mode, slowing digestion.Lack of Movement – Sitting for long hours in […] ## Pages - [Contact](https://berkeleynutrition.co.uk/contact/) - [Home](https://berkeleynutrition.co.uk/home/): IBS & Gut Health Specialist If bloating, IBS symptoms, food sensitivities, constipation or loose stools have been running the show, you’re in the right place. I help people move beyond endless restriction and guesswork with a structured, root-cause approach to gut health. Functional testing • Personalised plans • Long-term results Does this sound familiar? You might recognise some of these… • Constant bloating after meals• Loose stools or constipation• Food reactions that seem random• Brain fog and fatigue• Feeling like you’ve tried everything• Cutting more and more foods but symptoms persist Most people I work with arrive here after trying […] - [Blog](https://berkeleynutrition.co.uk/blog/): Blog Articles Search the blog for more articles - [Free Training](https://berkeleynutrition.co.uk/free-training/): https://restorerevivethrive.berkeleynutrition.co.uk/freetraining-ws [comment]: # (Generated by Hostinger Tools Plugin)