Why you shouldn’t completely cut sugar out of your diet

The gut health diet: What to eat for a happier belly

The House of Wellness x Dr Courtney (Thompson) Stewart

Dr Courtney Stewart was featured in Body+Soul and House of Wellness providing expert commentary on gut health and the role of diet and lifestyle in supporting a balanced microbiome.

The article explored the importance of the gut microbiome – the complex ecosystem of bacteria, fungi and other microorganisms living in the gastrointestinal tract – and its influence on digestion, immune function, nutrient absorption and mental wellbeing. Courtney explained the gut-brain axis and how stress hormones such as cortisol can directly impact gut motility, microbial balance and food choices.

The feature also examined gut dysbiosis (an imbalance of beneficial and harmful bacteria), outlining common symptoms such as bloating, abdominal discomfort, diarrhoea and constipation, and highlighting links between poor gut health and conditions including IBS, IBD, obesity and metabolic disease.

From a practical perspective, Courtney emphasised the importance of dietary diversity and whole foods, encouraging a plant-rich dietary pattern similar to the Mediterranean diet. The article discussed the value of prebiotic foods (such as garlic, onion, oats and legumes) that fuel beneficial bacteria, and probiotic foods (including yoghurt, kefir, kimchi and sauerkraut) that introduce live microorganisms to the gut.

Beyond diet, the piece reinforced the role of regular physical activity, stress management and quality sleep in maintaining microbial balance – highlighting gut health as a modifiable aspect of overall wellbeing.

This contribution showcases Courtney’s expertise in translating emerging microbiome science into clear, evidence-based advice for a national audience navigating popular “gut reset” trends.

Read the full article here

If you are seeking expert commentary on nutrition trends, gut health, food labelling, health claims or regulatory compliance, we welcome enquiries. Get in touch via our contact page:
https://nprconsulting.com.au/contact/

Dr Courtney Stewart (RNutr, FHEA)

BNutrSc, BBiomedSc(Hons), PhD
Director, NPR Consulting