The Course
This is a bridging course for those health professionals who do not have (or want) a key gastrointestinal disease focus in their practices, but are keen to delve deeply into the emerging science of the gastrointestinal microbiome, learn advanced approaches to manipulate the composition and function of this ecosystem, and take their first steps to becoming Certified Microbiome Analysts or Certified Early Life Practitioners.
Historically, our Advanced Microbiome Manipulation course has only been open to those students who completed our prerequisite course - Naturopathic & Functional Medicine Approaches to Gastrointestinal Disorders. However, due to an overwhelming number of requests from practitioners who do not have (or want) a gut-focused practice, we've opened up another pathway for entry into the Advanced Microbiome Manipulation course - which also grants access to our Early Life course.
We've taken the core, strictly-necessary content from our prerequisite course and are delivering this vital content within this bridging course. This equates to ~13 hours of lectures.
Once you've completed the bridging course, you will be eligible for enrollment into the Advanced Microbiome Manipulation course and the Early Life Course.
Please note that enrolling and completing the bridging course does not guarantee you a place in either the Advanced Microbiome Manipulation course or the Early Life course, as we have limited enrollment numbers in both courses each teaching term
What you will learn
In Weeks 1 and 2, we will delve deep into the specialty gastrointestinal 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. We'll debunk the common myths pertaining to probiotics, fermented foods, and prebiotics that impede their use and result in sub-optimal patient outcomes.
In Week 3, we’ll cover the vital functions of the gastrointestinal (GI) microbiota and go into 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. We'll finish this section discussing food as medicine approaches to dysbiosis and lifestyle factors we can employ as microbiome medicine.
In Week 4, we'll 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 pathogens (doses, duration of treatment required, etc). There will be a particular focus on the use of herbal tools that can selectively modify the microbiome.
And finally, in Week 5, we'll investigate the value of leaky gut testing, including the tests that are worth doing and the ones that are not, and explore the key treatments and dietary modifications that speed healing of a leaky gut. This week we’ll also 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 gut health. Learn the best constipation-fighting foods and supplementary fibers to prescribe, and also what to do when these do not work.
Please note that this course is only open to health professionals and accredited health coaches.
Curriculum
Your instructor
Dr. Hawrelak stands at the forefront of microbiota and probiotic research, contributing over two decades of ground-breaking work that bridges the gap between academia and clinical application. Renowned for his innovative role in developing effective treatment strategies for gastrointestinal conditions and microbiome optimisation, his deep-seated passion for gut health & the microbiome has influenced his holistic approach to both education and patient care. As a seasoned educator, he skillfully imparts his extensive knowledge and experience, inspiring students and practitioners by demonstrating the profound impact of advanced microbiome manipulation techniques on overall wellness. For a detailed account of Dr. Hawrelak’s rich professional journey, you may explore his comprehensive biography [here](https://www.probioticadvisor.com/dr-jason-hawrelak/).
In the classroom, Dr. Hawrelak's enthusiasm for teaching is infectious, connecting with his students on an intellectual and practical level. By seamlessly integrating the latest research with real-world clinical insights, he equips course participants with the tools necessary to excel in the dynamic and evolving field of gut & microbiome health. His commitment to excellence in education ensures that every learner emerges from the Bridging Course to Advanced Microbiome Manipulation and Early Life empowered, excited, and ready to commence further studies at the Microbiome Restoration Center.
Comprehensive
A thorough introduction to the importance of the microbiome in health and the role of dysbiosis in chronic disease. And a deep dive into the clinical uses of prebiotics and advanced uses of probiotics
Pioneering
Learn from a passionate, clinical-innovator in the functional medicine-gut health field
Innovative
Learn cutting-edge approaches utilising specific probiotics, prebiotics, and herbal medicines to modify and optimise overall health, as well as microbiome composition