Become a Certified Healthy Gut Practitioner
Study our foundational course – Naturopathic & Functional Medicine Approaches to Gastrointestinal Disorders.
Enroll now
This course will give you a comprehensive foundation in the naturopathic and functional medicine management of gastrointestinal disorders using Dr Jason Hawrelak’s evidence-based, and clinically-guided, paradigm of practice.
On completion of this ten-week course, practitioners will become Certified Healthy Gut Practitioners. This will help potential patients identify you as someone who has done extensive post-graduate training in this area and as being fluent in Dr Jason Hawrelak’s microbiome-first practice paradigm – where we carefully consider the impact of our prescribing options on the health of the microbiome when making a choice as to what intervention to use for our patients.
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Have you ever wondered...
Which is the most effective diet for Crohn’s disease? Should the diet be different during a Crohn’s flare vs Crohn’s in remission?
Which prebiotics are best indicated in ulcerative colitis?
What herbs are the most potent in targeting Helicobacter pylori? Or Klebsiella?
When do you prescribe XOS as a prebiotic rather than FOS or GOS?
How to differentiate IBS from diverticular disease?
Is only performing a Lactulose Breath Test to assess patients for SIBO really sufficient?
Meet your Trainer
This is your opportunity to learn directly from Dr Jason Hawrelak
Dr Hawrelak has a unique skillset – being a clinician, research scientist, and educator – who completed his PhD in the area of the gut microbiota and who has been working and practicing in this area for over 20 years. He has been described as an inspiring teacher and mentor with an unrivalled depth of knowledge in the field.
More about Dr Hawrelak
What our Graduates say
Over seven thousand health practitioners and health coaches from around the world have completed our trainings. Here is what they say.
— Alyssa Vest
Nurse Practitioner (USA)
“The Naturopathic and Functional Medicine Approaches to Gastrointestinal Disorders course has been extremely valuable to my learning, understanding and treatment of the gut microbiome and microbiota. It is one of the best courses on any functional medicine topic that I have ever attended for a few reasons. First, Dr. Hawrelak is brilliant with his knowledge and experience with gut health and GI disorders and this shines through with the way he teaches the topics and treatments – all of which are backed by research that he includes in his curriculum.
Second, I appreciate that he provides treatment protocols that are supported by research and these are protocols he uses in his own practice with great success. There were treatment recommendations taught in previous courses through different institutions – particularly for SIBO, that I have now learned through Dr. Hawrelak (and supported research) that are not only not the best approach, but may also be contributing to further harm for patients! If only I had this information years ago.
The live sessions are gold – he answered every single question, whether they were asked on the spot or submitted prior to the Q&A live session.”
– Dr Suzanne Perera
Integrative GP (Australia)
“I would thoroughly recommend this course to anyone wanting an in-depth knowledge of all things gut related. As an integrative GP, treating gut issues and optimisation of the gut microbiome is such an important part of my patient management programs, and I now feel much more competent in this area. Jason presents in an engaging manner, with evidence based information and practical treatment discussions. He is very generous of his time and answers all questions. I am looking forward to completing his next course. Thanks so much Jason!”
— Melody MacKeown
Nutritional Therapist (UK)
“I feel so lucky I came across Dr Jason Hawrelak. His understanding and training on the gut microbiome and associated conditions – gastrointestinal and non-gastrointestinal – is second to none and without fail I learn something new on every course that I can apply immediately in clinic with my clients.
One of the best aspects of the recent training was the fact that we were able to put questions to Jason every week, which he would answer and research if need be, so we learned even more from these sessions than you would with just a series of lectures.
I would recommend anyone who is interested in gut health (and we all should be as health practitioners) to attend Jason’s training when it is on.”
— Patricia Yetsenga
Clinical Nutritionist and Herbalist (Australia)
“I absolutely loved this course! When I finished studying I was overwhelmed with the possible gut testing options, conflicting advice, treatments and products on the market. Jason’s course cut through all this information and provided an independent, scientifically backed assessment of current testing options and clear guidelines around treatment approaches for commonly encountered gastrointestinal conditions.
I now approach my clients with gastrointestinal issues with the confidence that I can help them and most importantly do no harm! Thanks Jason, I can’t wait for the next course!”
— Agnes Doma
Nutritional Therapist (UK)
“I’ve recently completed Jason Hawrelak’s course on Naturopathic & Functional Medicine Approaches to Gastrointestinal Disorders and it has been a game-changer for my practice. The 1o weeks course was incredibly content-rich, Dr. Hawrelak’s extensive clinical and research experience provided in-depth knowledge that is both theoretical and practical. I’ve been able to implement his microbiome-first approach directly into my practice, improving my ability to manage various gastrointestinal disorders. Specifically, the detailed protocols and step-by-step guides have enhanced my confidence and effectiveness in managing complex cases.
As someone who manages many clients with SIBO, I found the section on Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) to be exceptionally valuable. The detailed insights into testing methods, dietary interventions, and treatment options were thorough and practical. Dr. Hawrelak’s expertise shone through, offering evidence-based strategies that I could immediately implement with my clients.”
— Brooke Schiller
Naturopath (Australia)
“Wow! I’ve recently completed the Naturopathic & Functional Medicine Approaches to Gastrointestinal Disorders 10 week course, and was blown away by the detail of the content and the knowledge Jason has in the gut health space. The information was so interesting, and I now feel immensely confident helping my clients with any gastrointestinal concern they present with. The live classes were really helpful, with Jason literally answering any question we had, and being wildly generous with his time and knowledge. Loved every minute – thank you!”
— Lauren Wood
Naturopath (Australia)
“This is by far the best course I have ever done, Jason is a wealth of knowledge, and he is so generous with his time. I loved how thorough and evidence-based the content was. This course was the additional layer of information that I needed in my practice and will significantly improve the way that I practice in the future. Thank you so much Jason.”
What we'll cover in this program
WEEK ONE
Module 1: Probiotics
Module 2: Prebiotics, Synbiotics, and Microbiome-Nourishing Foods
We will delve deep into the specialty GI Tools – Probiotics, Prebiotics, Synbiotics, and Microbiome-Nourishing Foods. We will look at optimal dosing strategies, and how to select the most appropriate probiotics and prebiotics for varying clinical presentations. Understand and learn how to debunk the common myths pertaining to probiotics and prebiotics that impede their use and result in sub-optimal patient outcomes.
WEEK TWO
Module 3: The Vital Importance of the Gastrointestinal Tract Microbiota.
Module 4: Dysbiosis-its Causes and Consequences.
We’ll cover the vital functions of the Gastrointestinal (GI) microbiota and learn about the main drivers of dysbiosis in Western nations – including dietary, pharmaceutical, lifestyle and even herbal drivers of bacterial imbalances. The role of dysbiosis as a driver of common chronic diseases including obesity, autism, type two diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease will be covered.
WEEK THREE
Module 5: Gastrointestinal Microbiota Assessment – An Overview & Critique of the Options
Module 6: Intestinal Permeability – Testing and Treatment.
Become familiar with the strengths and weaknesses of different microbiota assessment technologies and how to dissect test results, including consideration of microbial diversity, and the presence and absence of keystone and potentially pathogenic organisms. Understand the value of leaky gut testing, including the tests that are worth doing and the ones that are not, and explore key treatments and dietary modifications that speed healing of a leaky gut.
WEEK FOUR
Module 7: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).
Module 8: Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD).
Explore the causes and natural treatment options for GERD and PUD. Become familiar with effective treatment approaches to the commonly treatment-resistant Helicobactor pylori, so that you can offer patients an alternative option to antibiotic cocktails, plus learn what can be given alongside antibiotics to improve eradication rates.
WEEK FIVE
Module 9: Gluten-related Disorders.
Module 10: Lactose intolerance.
Module 11: Fructose intolerance.
Learn about the nuances, differences, and overlaps with these conditions including how to distinguish gluten sensitivity from celiac disease. Learn the differences between primary and secondary lactose and fructose intolerance and how this crucial distinction changes how they are managed in the clinic.
WEEK SIX
Module 12: Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)
We’ll dig into the limitations and strengths of tests commonly used to diagnose SIBO and discuss the pros and cons of different breath test substrates – Lactulose vs Glucose vs Fructose. Learn about different dietary approaches to SIBO management and their pros and cons and discuss whether they are really keystones in SIBO treatment, as well as how to successfully implement the use of probiotics and prebiotics in SIBO treatment and in remission.
WEEK SEVEN
Module 13: Using Herbs to Modulate the Microbiota-Treating Bacterial Infections & Imbalances.
Module 14: Giardia – Natural and Functional Approaches to Treatment.
Module 15: Blastocystis & Dientamoeba – Clinical Considerations.
Explore the ways we can use herbal medicines to modulate the microbiota. How we can use them to nurture some keystone GI species and how to use them to effectively target bacterial and protozoal pathogens (doses, duration of treatment required, etc). There will be a particular focus on the use of herbal tools that can selectively modulate the ecosystem.
WEEK EIGHT
Module 16: Crohn’s Disease
Module 17: Viral Gastroenteritis
We’ll cover the dietary, lifestyle, and dysbiotic factors that contribute to the development of Crohn’s disease and explore the dietary approaches, herbal medicines and supplements that can be used to help manage the condition. We’ll also cover the key clinical considerations and tools to use when helping patients with viral gastroenteritis.
WEEK NINE
Module 18: Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
Module 19: Ulcerative Colitis (UC).
Learn the pros and cons of different dietary approaches to IBS and what tests to do to properly differentiate IBS from other causes of GI symptoms. We’ll delve into herbal treatments for IBS and detail those that produce the best outcomes in the different subtypes of IBS. We’ll cover the dietary, lifestyle, and dysbiotic factors that contribute to the development of UC and detail the different dietary approaches, herbal medicines, and supplements that can be used to help bring UC into remission and keep it there.
WEEK TEN
Module 20: Diverticular Disease
Module 21: Functional Constipation
This week we’ll cover the far-reaching consequences of constipation, that go way beyond the gut and detail the important home tests you should be getting every patient to do that inform us about their GI health. Learn the best constipation-fighting foods and supplementary fibers to prescribe, and also what to do when these do not work. We’ll also cover nutritional, herbal, and dietary approaches to diverticular disease – which is arguably the most common GI condition seen in Western populations.
What you’ll get:
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10 Week Live Online Program
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Become a Certified Healthy Gut Practitioner
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Get listed on our website as a Certified Practitioner
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Use of our badge on your website/promotional materials
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Opportunity to apply for the Advanced Microbiome Manipulation Course to be run later in the year
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Access to Video lectures and live recordings for 12 months
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Copies of slides and handouts
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Certificate of Graduation
Additional Bonuses
Live time with Dr Hawrelak ($4,900 value)
1-year Subscription to the Probiotic Advisor Database
Access to Exclusive Facebook Group dedicated to students
3 tried and tested treatment protocols direct from Dr Hawrelak’s practice:
- Helicobacter pylori Eradication Protocol;
- Giardia Eradication Protocol;
- Antibiotic – Microbiome Optimisation Protocol (saves you hours in practice/preparation time)
Learn directly from Dr Jason Hawrelak, a true gut-health expert.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the course start?
The Course begins April 7th 2025 and runs for 10 weeks.
How long do I get access to the lecture content?
You get 12 months of access to the lectures. But lifelong access to the comprehensive lecture notes from the course.
When are the live classes scheduled?
The live classes are run over Zoom and occur weekly for 60-90 mins over the course of the 10-week term.
They start at 10 am on Mondays (Australian Eastern Time). The first class is on Monday, April 14th, to give you a week to review the content before the session.
All live sessions will be recorded so that students who could not be present will still be able to watch them.
How much-pre-recorded lecture content is there each week?
Each week differs. It will vary from 2.5-4.5 hours each week with an average of 3.5 hours per week.
Can I claim Continuing Professional Education hours(CPE) for the completion of the course?
Please check with your professional association in regards to their CPE requirements. Some health professionals in some countries will certainly be able to claim CPE/CPD points for the completion of the course (e.g., naturopaths and nutritionists in Australia). But each association counts their CPE points differently. So check with them about how much CPE credit you’ll receive for this training. You will receive a certificate upon completion of the course.
