Akadēmeia By Anthia Courses & Programs

Small group, in-person mentoring for Naturopaths, Nutritionists and Herbalists limited to 8 people. These sessions are suitable for final year students or practitioners wanting to develop a deeper understanding of the key topics covered each month.

Understanding Bacterial Dysbiosis and its Variants: Begin with a comprehensive overview of bacterial dysbiosis, including its causes, symptoms, and how it disrupts the balance of beneficial and harmful bacteria in the gut. This section will also cover the importance of a healthy microbiome and its role in overall well-being. Additionally, we will differentiate between Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) and Large Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (LIBO), discussing how these conditions manifest differently in terms of symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment approaches.

Dietary Interventions: Explore the critical role of diet in managing bacterial dysbiosis, SIBO, and LIBO. We will discuss which foods to include and avoid, focusing on eliminating processed foods, sugars, and inflammatory foods. Emphasising the inclusion of prebiotic and probiotic-rich foods, fermented foods, and a diverse range of fiber-rich vegetables to promote a balanced gut microbiome, with specific dietary strategies tailored to SIBO and LIBO.

Herbal and Nutritional Support: Learn about the use of specific herbs and supplements to address bacterial overgrowth in both the small and large intestines. This includes antimicrobial herbs like oregano oil, berberine, and garlic, as well as nutritional supplements such as glutamine, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids that help to repair the gut lining and reduce inflammation. The approach will differ slightly depending on whether SIBO or LIBO is present.

Restoring Digestive Function: Focus on the importance of supporting digestion to prevent and correct dysbiosis. This includes enhancing stomach acid production, using digestive enzymes, and ensuring proper bile flow. Practical tips and protocols will be provided to help participants restore optimal digestive function naturally, with considerations for the differences in treating SIBO versus LIBO.

Lifestyle Modifications: Address the impact of lifestyle factors on gut health, including stress management, sleep quality, and physical activity. We will discuss how chronic stress and poor sleep can contribute to dysbiosis and strategies for integrating relaxation techniques, better sleep hygiene, and regular exercise into daily life to support gut balance, with particular focus on their effects on SIBO and LIBO.

Long-Term Gut Health Maintenance: Emphasise the importance of ongoing maintenance to prevent the recurrence of dysbiosis. This section will cover the principles of a gut-healthy lifestyle, including regular monitoring, periodic gut-friendly cleanses, and the importance of seasonal adjustments in diet and lifestyle to keep the microbiome in balance. We will also touch on the necessity of tailored approaches for those with a history of SIBO or LIBO to ensure long-term success.

Q&A and Tea: We will gather in Anthia’s beautiful space, around a long table adorned with plenty of cups of tea, to synthesise what we’ve learned. This time will be dedicated to group Q&A, where participants can ask questions, share experiences, and connect with one another in a supportive and nourishing environment.