Nutrition: The Missing Link Between Health & Disease.

There have been many clinical studies showing how food — and even external factors such as medications — can influence the gut microbiome. Research is also exploring how microbiome dysbiosis may contribute to the development of various diseases. This was not something we were taught in medical training, and perhaps that is why physicians have historically focused on other aetiological factors that were considered more established at the time.

Medicine is evolving, and so must we. New fields emerge, new mechanisms are discovered, and our understanding of disease continues to deepen. I've always been a lateral thinker, almost like a detective. I wanted evidence and I wanted explanations for what I was diagnosing. At the same time, my thinking was naturally holistic, which didn't always align with the standard clinical approach.

Traditional practice is often driven by guidelines, funding constraints and time limitations. Within a ten-minute consultation, there is just enough time for an assessment and a plan — rarely for meaningful discussions about nutrition, lifestyle, or the microbiome. Dietary advice is often delegated to nurses, and referrals to dietitians are limited, sometimes declined. This leaves many patients unsure of where to look for guidance, and physicians without the tools to offer it.

As I stepped away from clinical practice and immersed myself in nutrition, microbiome science and holistic medicine, these areas became a genuine passion. I soon realised I was not alone — there are others thinking along similar lines, questioning old paradigms and searching for better ways to connect the dots. The more I learned, the more I wondered how this knowledge could be integrated into clinical practice to support patients more meaningfully.

We are only beginning to understand the microbiome, metabolism, nutrition and their role in chronic disease. The next chapter in medicine may well belong to these unseen ecosystems.

This website is my way of sharing what I learned, what I questioned and what I continue to discover. If any part of it helps someone else connect a missing piece, then it was worth sharing. Healing may be complex, but we don't have to navigate it alone.

I am still learning, still questioning and still exploring — and I hope you'll join me on that journey.

The section on Nutrition and Disease explores some of the evidence showing how diet can influence the microbiome, and how microbiome changes have been associated with certain health conditions. This is an area of growing interest, and research is continually evolving.

If you are considering making changes to your diet, it's always best to discuss this with your own medical professional first. They know your medical history and will be able to guide you on whether certain dietary approaches or nutritional plans are appropriate for you.

Whatever dietary changes you are exploring, it can help to keep a few gentle principles in mind:

Gentle Principles for Exploring Dietary Changes

1. Seek Support — Speaking with your doctor or dietitian can help you understand which dietary approaches may be suitable for your individual needs, especially if you have underlying health conditions.

2. Learn Before You Start — Understanding the "why" behind a dietary plan can make it feel more manageable. For example, if you've been advised to follow a Low FODMAP diet, learning the basics first can be very useful. Healthcare professionals may offer resources, and there are reputable apps that can support you along the way.

3. Take Part in the Process — Some people find it helpful to be more involved in preparing their own meals. Cooking at home can give a clearer sense of ingredients and make dietary adjustments feel more achievable for both yourself and your family. It doesn't need to be perfect — small changes count.

4. Observe Your Body — Pay gentle attention to how you feel. Sometimes digestion, energy, mood, bloating or sleep can offer subtle clues about how your body responds to certain foods. Everyone is individual, and noticing patterns can be informative without becoming restrictive or stressful.

5. Short-Term vs Long-Term — Some dietary approaches, such as the Low FODMAP diet, are intended for short-term use and should not be followed indefinitely. Others are more lifestyle-based. Knowing the intended duration can make expectations more realistic and reduce frustration.

6. Go Gradually — You don't need to change everything at once. A gradual approach can feel kinder and may be easier to sustain, particularly if you are navigating other health issues, family commitments or busy schedules.

7. Be Compassionate with Yourself — Dietary changes can feel overwhelming, especially when you're unwell. There is no perfect way to do this. Small shifts, self-awareness and patience often matter more than strict rules.

These principles are not medical advice or a replacement for professional care, but rather gentle considerations for those who are curious about how nutrition and lifestyle may relate to their health.

If you'd like to explore more, the sections on Nutrition, Low FODMAP and IBS go into these topics in greater depth.