It sounds like you’ve been dealing with a lot for a long time, so it’s great that you’re still looking for ways to support your gut health. Many people with IBS and diverticulosis find it helpful to reintroduce fiber slowly and focus on foods they personally tolerate well rather than forcing a strict list. Keeping a food and symptom diary can really help identify triggers. Gentle probiotics sometimes help with balance too—I started looking into options like Gut Vita (If you want I can share the product link with you), but everyone’s gut reacts differently. Take it step by step and work with your dietitian where possible. Wishing you some relief soon. 🌿

Hello
I a new here but hope to get some help and start to improve my gut health.

I have had IBS for over 40 years and am Lactose intolerance and managed my symptoms well however recently I have been having severe symptoms and after several tests and colonoscopy tests I have been diagnosed with Diverticulosis and Bile Acid/salt malabsorption which means chronic diarrhoea and foods not absorbed properly .

I have been told to do a high fibre diet but easier said than done as some foods irritate the bowel I have done a FODMAP diet with a dietitian and I was surprised how many foods were actually giving me symptoms like cramps, bloating, wind etc .

I need to loose about 3 stone but want to improve my gut health to hopefully reduce symptoms and get my body working again!

I would be grateful for any help and advice on starting the clever guts diet. I have the books but it is a bit overwhelming reading where to start and exciting at same time. I thank you in advance for your support

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It is commonly used in salads, dips, dressings, and light cooking because it enhances taste while keeping meals healthy. Choosing a good extra virgin olive oil means looking for freshness, a balanced taste, and natural purity.

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Regrettably no, very disappointing

I’m interested in this too! Did you ever get a response?

Hi everyone,

I’m thrilled to be joining this community! My name is [Your Name] (just a beginner here), and I’ve recently become fascinated by fermented foods, gut health, and how we can support our microbiome through what we eat.

So far, I’ve attempted making small batches of sauerkraut and kefir, but I’ve run into a few puzzles—and I’d love to learn from your experiences:

My kefir sometimes smells a bit sharp or “yeasty” after 48 hours. Is that normal, or have I over-fermented?

When I make sauerkraut, I struggle with maintaining the right salt level without it being too salty or too bland. Any tips or rules of thumb for negotiating that balance?

Also curious: do you all prefer glass jars, ceramic crocks, or other vessels? What have you found works best (and why)?

I hope to share what I learn, too—if I make a particularly good batch or discover a trick, I’ll post the details. For now, I’m all ears (or tastebuds!) and excited to read your thoughts.

Thanks in advance for welcoming me, and I look forward to fermenting (and learning) with you all! 😊

Warm regards,
Nightshade001

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Hi Jad,
Welcome! I’m also new to the forum — great to see others joining in too.
I’m here to learn and share insights, especially around ATM installation service stuff.
Looking forward to connecting with everyone here!

In the book ‘The Clever Guts Diet’ microbiome testing is suggested. However at the time of publication of the book
Testing via DayTwo was only available in the US and Israel. Is testing now available in Australia.

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Hey Willie, welcome to the forum. I can understand why you and your wife are feeling a bit uncertain, fertility decisions can be tough and emotional.

About IUI, yeah, the success rate is usually around 10–20% per cycle, depending on factors like age, cause of infertility, and overall health. Some couples do several rounds before seeing results, while for others, it might not work at all.

It might help to speak with a fertility specialist to get a clearer picture based on your wife’s specific situation, like hormone levels, ovulation patterns, and any other underlying issues. Sometimes they suggest going straight to IVF if the chances with IUI are low.

Wishing you both the best with whatever path you decide to take.

Prebiotics basically serve as food for probiotics, helping them grow and stay active in the gut. Common ones include inulin and FOS, but you can also get them from foods like garlic, onions, and oats. You don’t always need to take them at the same time as probiotics, but having both regularly can support gut health.

I’ve found that sticking to a consistent eating schedule helps a lot, even if the time zones change. Staying really well hydrated is another big one; planes and travel in general can be super dehydrating, which can mess with digestion.

I also try to bring some simple snacks I know my body handles well, just in case local options don’t agree with me. And light movement like short walks or stretches seems to keep things moving, especially after sitting for long periods.

Prebiotics play a crucial role in supporting probiotics for gut health by acting as their primary food source. Prebiotics are non-digestible fibers that pass undigested through the upper gastrointestinal tract and reach the colon, where they selectively nourish beneficial probiotics. By fueling the growth and activity of these good bacteria, prebiotics help probiotics thrive, enhancing their ability to:

Improve Digestion – Prebiotics help probiotics break down food more efficiently.

Strengthen the Gut Barrier – A healthy microbiome supported by prebiotics and probiotics reduces gut inflammation.

Boost Immunity – A balanced gut flora, maintained by probiotics and prebiotics, supports immune function.

Produce Short-Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs) – Prebiotics help probiotics generate SCFAs, which promote gut lining health.

In summary, prebiotics support probiotics for gut health (https://thenutrifixx.com/collections/gut-health-supplements-for-women) by ensuring their survival, colonization, and effectiveness in maintaining a balanced microbiome. Combining both (synbiotics) maximizes benefits for digestive and overall wellness.

??

Hey, my name is Willie John and I have been living in NYC with my beautiful wife for fifteen years but still, we don’t have a single child. That’s why we decided to do IUI but she is worried about the procedure and the average success rate is approximately 15%. Could we go for IUI or any other option?

Hi everyone,

I’ve been researching digestive health supplements and came across the role of prebiotics in supporting probiotics for gut health. I understand that probiotics introduce beneficial bacteria, but how exactly do prebiotics help them thrive? Are there specific types of prebiotics that work best, or should they always be taken alongside probiotics?

Would love to hear your thoughts and experiences!

— Biophysics Essentials

Glycemic Index (GI) and Glycemic Load (GL) are useful for managing blood sugar levels, but they serve different purposes. GI measures how quickly a carbohydrate-containing food raises blood sugar, while GL takes portion size into account, making it more practical.

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I’m so sorry to hear you’re going through this—it sounds really uncomfortable and frustrating, especially after making such great progress. It’s amazing that you identified raw nightshades as a trigger and saw improvements earlier. Stress can definitely wreak havoc on digestion, especially with underlying conditions like Hashimoto’s and IBS. It’s great that you’re being proactive with cider vinegar, HCL, and digestive enzymes.

One thing that might help is focusing on ways to cope with stress since it seems like the recent stress may have triggered this setback. Gentle practices like mindfulness, deep breathing, or even just a slow walk after meals can sometimes ease the gut-brain connection.

If your reflux continues or the weight loss becomes too much, definitely see your doctor for tailored advice. You’ve already done so much to identify triggers and support your health—I hope this is just a temporary bump in the road. Sending you lots of healing vibes!

Found an article regarding this.
https://guthealthmaster.com/your-gut-microbes-might-impact-how-you-cope-with-stress/

Best
Jad

Hi ozsuey,
Thanks for you suggestions.
Best
Jad

Hi Jad this also happens to me, gastro mainly. I have started taking Probiotic prior to travel now and find that helps especially in Asian countries.
In India I took Travelan prior to all meals as a precaution which worked for me for our 3 week trip.
Always eat in clean cafes and restaurants, avoid street vendor food (some countries more so than others), wash hands regularly and where possible cook your own meals.
Safe Travels

Hi Kim,
Kefir does contain a small amount of alcohol, as it is a fermented beverage. The alcohol content is usually very low, typically ranging from 0.2% to 1.0%, depending on the fermentation process, the type of milk used, and how long it ferments. However, it’s important to note that the exact amount can vary between homemade and commercially produced kefir.

If you’re avoiding alcohol entirely, you may want to consider non-alcoholic alternatives to kefir, such as probiotic supplements or non-fermented dairy options like yogurt with live cultures. You can also experiment with fermenting kefir for a shorter time, as this can reduce alcohol production, but this requires careful monitoring.

I hope this helps! If you’re considering introducing kefir into your diet, double-check the labeling on commercial products or consult with a nutritionist to ensure it aligns with your dietary needs.

Regards,
Jad

Hey everyone,
Every time I travel, my digestion goes haywire. I either get bloated, constipated, or worse. 😅 I’m going on a trip soon and want to be proactive this time.

Does anyone have tips for keeping your gut happy while traveling? I’m open to food ideas, supplements, or even habits that help!

Best,
Jad

Alright. I have changed some of my foods. I have added oats with different fruits like date, strawberry and some nuts. Till today feeling good.
Let’s see what happened next.

Thanks

Hey everyone,
Lately, I’ve been feeling super bloated and sluggish, especially after meals. I’m not sure if it’s something I’m eating or maybe stress-related? I’ve heard gut health can play a big role in overall energy levels.

Does anyone have tips for reducing bloating or foods to avoid? Also, are probiotics worth a try, or should I focus on something else?

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts! 😊

Hi Jad,
I am new to this forum. Just wanted to say hi to everyone here.

Thanks

Hi I have had both my gall bladder and appendix removed. How will this affect me doing the cleverguts diet?

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I have shared some tips on how to take nutritionally rich diet while on keto.
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Full fat dairy can raise LDL cholesterol, but it rarely increases the cardiovascular risk significantly, moderation is key. Butter raises total and LDL cholesterol significantly. I recommend limiting intake for those concerned about heart health. Coconut Oil raises both LDL and HDL cholesterol; while it may not raise LDL as much as butter, its overall impact on heart health remains contentious.

I’m not sure exactly when it started and it doesn’t seem to be getting worse, but every once in a while, when I eat cooked green peppers, I’ll vomit about 6 hours later. One time I had green pepper soup and that made my stomach hurt somewhat, in addition to later vomiting. I can eat other forms of spice no problem, it just seems to be bell pepper specifically. I’ve never cared for the taste of them, so I don’t get them often anyway.

I’m also allergic to sugar alcohols, they give me acute dermatitis on my hands and wrists. Especially Stevia, which they put in everything these days and call it “naturally sweetened”.

I appreciate confirmation that I’m not miss-attributing food poisoning to a sensitivity, and that I’m not some unique case.

If you can get into the higher dose range of warfarin (such as 20mg/day) you will find it easier to stay in your therapeutic INR range. I do that by eating 23grams (half a normal serving) of Japanese fermented soybeans, called Natto, two cups of broccoli and four servings of green tea every day. Natto is extremely high in vitamin K. I mix it with a teaspoon of coarse mustard and pecans. Also, if you raise your INR too high one day, for example by having a few beers, you can eat the other half of the package of Natto to adjust your INR back down.

Hi Jenny .
I tried the elimination diet & tho it takes a bit of work , & checking of foods it is definitely worth it . You find out heaps to help your symptoms. It’s really excellent .
Give it a go , it’s very well researched with much detail . I’m still doing it years later .
Good luck
Lulun.

You are asking some very specific questions and its most unlikely that there will have been a clinical trial to provide definitive answers. I would argue that Zoe simply isn’t appropriate for someone in your circumstances but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to be done and NO evidence. I’d need to know what bloods you’ve had – and have you undertaken microbiome analysis for example? There is help available but you need specialist help – ZOE’s broad brush approach isn’t aimed at someone like you

I agree with your comments completely. I can’t find anything to answer the question about whether it’s possible to improve your gut biome when you don’t have a colon. I had an ileostomy aged 16 and am now 61 so I know how to manage it, but recently after developing osteoarthritis, I decided to see if I could reduce the inflammation through diet changes. I’ve had a recent bad flare up that has happened after I’ve made a number of suggested changes from Zoe and in the clever guts diet, so I’m feeling pretty fed up at the moment. No one seems to be interested in investigating this.

Hi Chrissie
Its under Get Started – https://cleverguts.com/food-diary/#
All the best,
Ali

Hi Chrissie – Its under Get Started – https://cleverguts.com/food-diary/#
All the best,
Ali

Fasting from 5pm through until 7am. Also avoiding UPFs, white carbs… eating med diet. I still eat dark choc, drink red wine…

Yes it did. I would recommend it…

I have been fasting for 14hrs between 8pm to 10am (sometimes longer as don’t always have breakfast). If i do have breakfast it’s berries and yoghurt. Lunch is a salad or boiled eggs and almonds, dinner is protein ie lean meat/fish and the rest of plate salad/veg. Have lost nearly a stone in 4 weeks. I was an eating machine, never full, but i found cutting out sugar and bread/pasta and, in the main, potatoes my appetite for volume has really reduced which stops me overeating. In fact last night on holiday i had a baked aubergine in tomato sauce starter and my main dish was chicken with greek potatoes (small cubes). I could only eat 2 out of the 13 potatoes. I have NEVER known myself turn potatoes down! Just couldn’t eat them and now used to preferring a healthy full feeling over a stuffed feeling! Have also been reading Micheaels clever guts book and when back home will start the fast 800 already tried the cardomen chicken and the rainbow salad…am talking SUPER delicious healthy food, even my husband, whos is a real foodie, couldn’t stop saying how good they were!!! My other piece of advice is to focus on getting healthy rather than thin (weight loss will follow) but helps to get you in the right mindset (as well as reading and listening to Michaels podcasts to keep your mind focused on your health journey-really helps to keep you motivated!) Hope that helps!

Was totally gutted to hear of Michaels passing, was just getting into his books, podcasts etc….i really hope his great work, and this website gets upheld ….what a special guy who gave so much to the world of health, bringing knowledge in an easily digestible form for all!

Hi Pia, i looked on the site and searched seaweed capsules but nothing came up. Are you still stocking at Panzers for the UK and if not, is there anywhere else i can purchase them?

I have really bad reflux and a hiatus hernia. Has anyone done the clever guts diet with bad reflux did it help?

Remove “bad” carbs. all the white stuff. I normally fast just because I don’t eat breakfast and eat an early dinner since I can’t sleep on even a semi full stomach but this has not served me at all because when I do eat I over do the carbs which are my favorite. Once i get rid of them I can see weightloss. Don’t worry about the exercise in the beggining. Take a walk after work. Concentrate on eating more veg before your meal.

With so much new information, for example from the Zoe Project and Monty Lyman’s The Immune Mind, is there anything known yet about exactly which foods to eat/ avoid to encourage or eradicate the specific microbes that influence overeating and carb cravings? I eat a whole food plant based diet anyway but still struggle with these issues. My guess is that my diet still feeds the “wrong” microbes.

Please let me know where in Europe (not UK) I can order seaweed capsules.
If I order from UK, the Greek customs is high.
In appreciation
Rhea

I get up early every morning, run 4 kilometers, and jump 500 ropes. It is really difficult for me to get up early, and I wanted to give up for a while. But every time I see the calories burned on my BP Doctor TR12 and the little bit of weight loss, I’m happy.

Hi, I am starting out in earnest on an 800/900 calorie-per-day diet, and aiming to extend my fast window from 16 hours (8pm to 12pm) by a couple of hours. I’ve got a lot of kilos to lose, and I know I can do it. But I’d really love to know what was the thing that you ate or did that made the biggest difference to weight loss for you personally? I will happily try anything!

Hi there,
For the past 3 months I have been having strange gut behaviour very similar what an IBS is:
– 1-2 stools a day not really formed or very “pasty” that smell bad (cow/farm)
– It seems I am feeling well 1 day over 2 (like 1 day I am OK, the next one very bloated, the day after ok…)
– I started to have acne more regularly and can’t ged rid off (usually I have 2-3 pimples during periods or if I ate too fatty)
– When I feel weaker/bloated I have weird sensation to legs and arms like joint pains? Is that leaky gut?
– More intolerance to food (can’t even think about eating bread or tomatoes or potatoes without issues)

In overall, I don’t feel especially “bad” as I don’t want to go poop every hours but I know something is wrong. I have IBD (UC) and got a flare in December, I’ve been switched to anti-tnf and everything is OK, no inflammation at all, no side effect so far. Also no parasites or pathogens. NOTE: I started to feel this before the UC flare but stool appearance was still OK at that time (before inflammatory diarrheas kick off of course).

I did a microbiota test in December showing low diversity so I also tried to improve my gut since it started: I sometimes drink water and milk kefir, eating more fermented food in general. I also eat any kind of fiber (starchy, legumes, vegetables, fruits) as I hate restriction. I wonder if my diet of fermented stuff messed things off? It seems sugar containing food is what triggers it so I’d go for SIFO but I know it’s very difficult to know exactly when it’s IBS related.

Any tests that have been showing proof? any similar stories or experiences? I think my gastro won’t be able to help and so I was ready to check medical functional practitioner to find the root if it’s the only solution but it’s long, painful and can cost a lot.

Thank you!

Bell peppers are high in the FODMAP diet – limit to 75 gms per serving

its me back , Ive still got the disabling cramps even though i have been on strict FODMAP since 2022. Eventually I found a post that the disabling chemical is not destroyed by pressure cooking so for the few of us that are debilitated by it we are not numerous enough for the scientists to investigate. Its not capscasin for me because i hopefully tasted purified paprika colourant extracted by hplc and still reacted.
Still homecooking and taking my own food to social events.
Goji berries are also from the capsicum family!
For spicy heat black pepper or wasabi are my go to.
Im on Monash Fodmap but capsicum is not a Fodmap.

I’m 49 and have been intolerant to capsicum for as long as I can remember. Paprika hidden in foods also makes me really sick. My body will.go hot and I’ll vomit. Ate some relish yesterday and I’m still.feeling crook. I’ll go a long time without eating it then will stupidly eat something like relish and get really sick.