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Because health starts at the gut!

THE GUT & MICROBIOME
So, what exactly is a ‘healthy’ gut microbiome? It’s a question more and more researchers around the world are investigating as they strive to understand how an unhealthy gut microbiome may cause – or be linked to – disease and poor health (physically, mentally and emotionally). Identifying the characteristics of a healthy microbiome is a challenging task, though – especially as each of us seems to have a unique microbiota that is constantly evolving.
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You'll learn about this and more in this exciting course. Be clear there is a whole bunch of science in this subject, it's in-depth and explores physiology, disease and the life of bacteria. To keep things fresh the content is interspersed with videos, readings, and some activities, culminating with the option to create your own Gut Health Planner.

If holistic health is your thing, you'll love this subject. 

KEY INFORMATION

  • ​Flexible online learning 24 hour access
  • ​$350 enrolment fee
  • 15-20 hours of study
  • Online, untimed quiz for stress-free, enhanced learning
  • Study at your own pace
  • Highly supported
  • Extensive resources and tools
  • ​Completion certificate
  • Continuing Professional Development Points (ATMS CPD) available. CLICK HERE f​or more detail. 

COURSE CONTENT AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

This online course is created at a university-level, but is perfect for wellness lovers and health care professionals as it will develop your knowledge from foundation to expert. The course can be used to build your personal wellness through to continuing education for natural therapists, health professionals and exercise professionals.

You'll find a detailed list of topics outlined below, as well as the learning outcomes for this course. Gut health has become one of our most popular single units of study and elective units in our health coaching programs, which simply tells us that well beings all around the world are beginning to see the importance of a health gut. Right...
COURSE OUTLINE AND CONTENT
WHAT IS THE GUT? REVIEW OF THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM                                        
THE GUT MICROBIOME & IT'S DEVELOPMENT      
BACTERIA TAXONOMY
FUNCTIONS OF THE GUT         
MICROBIOME & VITAMIN SYNTHESIS
THE GUT & IMMUNITY
SUMMARY OF GUT FUNCTION AND DISEASE RELATIONSHIP    
GUT MICROBIOTA & SHORT-CHAIN FATTY ACIDS (SCFAS)      
ROLE OF BUTYRATE
THE ROLE OF BIRTH IN GUT MICROBIOME ESTABLISHMENT    
GUT MICROBE LOCATION & FUNCTION
WHAT DOES A HEALTHY MICROBIOME LOOK LIKE?
STRESS & THE GUT 
COMMON DISEASES ASSOCIATED WITH THE GUT 
INFLAMMATION: FUNCTION AND PROCESS    
THE GUT-BRAIN AXIS    
NERVOUS SYSTEM AND THE GUT-BRAIN AXIS
MECHANISMS OF THE GUT-BRAIN INTERACTION
BACTERIAL METABOLITES
GUT MICROBIOTA & MENTAL HEALTH
COMMON MENTAL HEALTH CONDITIONS ASSOCIATED WITH THE GUT
MODIFYING THE GUT MICROBIOTA TO PROMOTE MENTAL HEALTH 
MICROBIOME & HORMONES 
THE GUT, CHEMICALS & MEDICATIONS          
IMPACT OF GASTRIC SURGERY                   
NURTURING A HEALTHY GUT
RE-ESTABILISHING HEALTH GUT MICROBIOME (REBIOSIS)
FECAL MICROBIOTA TRANSPLANT (FMT)
PRACTICAL WAYS TO IMPROVE YOUR GUT MICROBIOME 
EATING PATTERNS & THEIR INFLUENCE ON GUT HEALTH           
BEING SENSITIVE TO YOUR BODY 
FODMAPS
FUNCTIONAL FOODS & GUT HEALTH
PROBIOTICS & PREBIOTICS    
REGULATIONS AROUND FERMENTED MILK PRODUCTS
A CASE STUDY OF YOGHURT: WHEN IS YOGHURT NOT A YOGHURT      
A MORE DETAILED LOOK AT RESISTANT STARCH & GUT HEALTH
OTHER NUTRIENTS THAT MAY AFFECT THE GUT BIOME  
SPECIAL TOPIC: THE GAPS DIET
THE LEARNING OUTCOMES
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
This subject is an introduction to gut health and the microbiome. Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
  • Describe the meaning of the term ‘the gut’ in physiological terms
  • Describe how the major GIT organs involved in gut health influence gut health
  • Reflect on the major structures of the small intestine concerning gut health
  • Describe the role of the large intestine in maintaining health
  • Define the terms microbiome, microbiota and microflora
  • Briefly explain the genomic role of the gut
  • List at least three functions of the gut
  • Explain the role of the gut in innate immunity briefly
  • List at least three disease states related to poor gut integrity
  • Describe three significant roles of SCFAs in gut health
  • Name the main SCFA involved in microbiome proliferation
  • Briefly explain the purpose and mechanism of butyrate in gut health
  • List the main steps in gut microbiome formation
  • Explain the role of birthing in gut microbiome formation
  • Describe how exposure versus hygiene influence microbiome development and quality
  • List at least three bacterium found along the GIT that play a role in health
  • List at least three factors affecting the health of the microbiome
  • Explain how stress impacts on the gut
  • Define GERD
  • Explain the course of diverticula to diverticulitis in the bowel
  • Define Coeliac Disease
  • Define IBS and give at least three common signs or symptoms
  • Explain the abbreviation FODMAPS and the relevant to gut health
  • List the three stages of the FODMAP diet
  • Define SIBO and its relationship to gut health
  • Explain the view of holistic gut healing
  • Briefly describe dysbiosis and its link to the theory of the leaky gut syndrome
  • Describe the influence of intestinal permeability on overall human health
  • Define lactose intolerance and how it differs from cow’s milk protein allergy
  • Define inflammation and its relationship to innate immunity
  • Describe the process of inflammation in the body
  • List the five typical signs of inflammation
  • Define inflammatory bowel disease and its link to gut health
  • Explain the bi-directional role of the gut-brain axis
  • List four methods of communication between the gut and brain
  • Describe at least one neurotransmitter that the gut interacts with to influence mood or behaviour
  • List at least two possible factors connecting the gut and Autism Spectrum Disorder
  • Describe at least two mechanisms for the interaction between hormones and the gut microbiome
  • Explain the link between the gut microbiome and the absorption of endogenous estrogen
  • Define the term estrobolome and briefly explain its influence on health
  • Describe the mechanism of action of phytoestrogen in the gut
  • Provide at least three health issues from the use of antibiotics
  • Explain the impact of gastric surgery on health arising from GIT interactions
  • List the three main aspects to rebiosis
  • Name four dietary basics that are fundamental to healthful eating
  • Briefly describe the main components of a typical Mediterranean diet
  • List three steps in a holistic approach to an elimination diet
  • Define ‘functional food’ and list at least three categories
  • Explain at least three features of effective probiotics
  • Briefly define the role of CODEX in the regulation of fermented milk products
  • Name one food example of the three main probiotic foods
  • Define the term ‘prebiotic’ and give an example of food with high levels of GOS
  • Explain the role of resistant starch in gut health