Q1: What’s the difference between a gut health dietician (dietitian) and a gut health nutritionist?
A: Many people search for a SIBO dietician or GERD dietician when looking for digestive health support. While I’m not a dietitian, as a BANT Registered Nutritionist and CNHC Registered Nutritional Therapist, I specialise in nutritional therapy to support people living with SIBO, constipation, skin reactions or reflux, as well as those experiencing bloating and other gut-related issues.
In the UK, “dietitian” is a legally protected title, while “nutritionist” and “nutritional therapist” are regulated through professional bodies such as BANT and CNHC. Dietitians typically work within medical settings, focusing on clinical diagnosis and medical nutrition interventions.
A gut health nutritionist or digestive health nutritionist often takes a more holistic approach, using personalised nutrition, supplementation, and lifestyle medicine to support long-term gut health. My approach combines personalised nutrition therapy, lifestyle support, and functional testing to address the underlying factors contributing to gut-related issues and help you build lasting digestive resilience.
Q2: What is a gut health nutritionist, and how can they help with SIBO, bloating or reflux?
A: A gut health nutritionist is a registered professional specialising in digestive health. They support people with SIBO, bloating and GERD and other digestive issues by identifying food triggers, improving digestion and restoring microbiome balance. As a qualified digestive health nutritionist, they have access to science-based strategies and functional gut testing which allows them to uncover root causes and create the conditions to reduce flare-ups and discomfort. A good gut health specialist offers more than just a meal plan - they take time to understand your history and lifestyle, and treat you as a whole person rather than just test results. This personalised, human approach, combined with ongoing support, is what makes long-term results possible. And because SIBO, bloating and reflux often involve the gut–brain connection, in my work as a nutritionist specialising in gut health, I also address stress, nervous system balance and emotional health.
Q3: Why is it good to work with a nutritionist specialising in gut health compared to, or alongside, my GP?
A: Your GP is invaluable, but they usually only have a few minutes to focus on managing your symptoms or ruling out serious medical issues. A gut health nutritionist or digestive health nutritionist has the time to look deeper, exploring your history, lifestyle, diet and stress patterns to understand what’s driving problems like SIBO bloating GERD or diarrhoea. While a GP may focus on diagnosis and medication, a gut health nutritionist offers personalised, holistic support that addresses the root causes. The two approaches work best together: medical care ensures safety and oversight, while nutrition therapy provides the time and depth needed for long-term digestive health.
Q4: Can I manage my SIBO or reflux on my own, or do I need a gut health nutritionist?
A: While some people try to manage SIBO, or GERD on their own by changing diet or using supplements, results are often short-term or inconsistent. A gut health nutritionist (or nutritionist specialising in gut health) brings expertise in identifying root causes, using science-based strategies, and applying functional testing when needed. More importantly, they provide a personalised plan and ongoing support that takes into account your history, lifestyle, stress patterns, and ongoing changes - something a “DIY” approach often misses. Working with a qualified gut health nutritionist means addressing not only diet, but also microbiome balance, and, when combined with compassionate inquiry, the gut–brain connection and nervous system support. This kind of guidance helps turn trial-and-error symptom chasing into long-term relief and lasting gut health.