FAQs
What gut issues do you help with?
What causes chronic bloating?
Chronic bloating can be driven by SIBO, IBS, microbiome imbalance (dysbiosis), low stomach acid, poor motility, enzyme insufficiency, food intolerances, stress, hormone changes and post-infection changes. My Gut Testing Page explains how we investigate these.
Why do healthy foods like garlic, onion or apples make me feel worse?
These foods are high in FODMAPs, which create gas when fermented by gut bacteria. If your digestion, motility or microbiome are disrupted, you can react strongly. On my IBS Page and inside Bloated to Body Confident , I teach how to improve tolerance, not just avoid these foods.
Is gut health only about what I eat?
No. Food is important, but gut health is also influenced by motility, digestion, microbiome balance, stress, nervous system regulation, hormones, sleep and immune function. I explore this holistically on my Naturopathy Page.
Are food intolerances permanent?
Not always. Once the gut is supported properly (motility, digestion, microbiome and nervous system), food tolerance can often improve significantly. In Bloated to Body Confident , I guide you through safely expanding your diet.
Can stress really cause gut symptoms?
Yes. Stress affects motility, stomach acid, enzyme output and inflammatory pathways. It can trigger or worsen IBS, SIBO and bloating. I talk more about this in my podcast, Gusty Talks, and inside Bloated to Body Confident .
What are the main symptoms of IBS?
IBS often involves abdominal pain, bloating, excess gas, constipation, diarrhoea or a mix of both, urgency and feeling “not fully empty” after a bowel motion. Many people also report food intolerances and symptom flares during stress. See my IBS Page for more detail.
What causes IBS?
IBS is usually the result of multiple factors: gut–brain axis changes, SIBO, dysbiosis, altered motility, leaky gut, post-infectious changes and sometimes food poisoning or viral illness. My approach focuses on identifying which pattern is driving your IBS.
Is IBS the same as SIBO?
No. IBS is a diagnosis based on symptoms; SIBO is a condition where bacteria overgrow in the small intestine. Research suggests a large percentage of people with IBS also have SIBO. You can compare both on my IBS and SIBO Pages.
Can IBS be treated naturally?
Yes. IBS can be improved with nutrition, microbiome support, motility support, gut–brain regulation and lifestyle shifts. Inside Bloated to Body Confident , I share my complete step-by-step IBS framework.
Is IBS lifelong?
IBS is considered a chronic condition, but that doesn’t mean you must feel awful forever. Many people can become symptom-free or have only mild, infrequent symptoms when root causes are addressed and a long-term support plan is in place.
What is SIBO?
SIBO happens when bacteria overgrow in the small intestine instead of staying mainly in the large intestine. They ferment food too early and produce excess gas, leading to bloating, distension, pain, constipation, diarrhoea and food intolerance. Visit my SIBO Page to dive deeper.
What are the symptoms of SIBO?
Common symptoms include bloating (often soon after meals), abdominal distension, gas, burping, constipation, diarrhoea, nausea, reflux, food reactions and fatigue. Some people also experience brain fog and mood changes.
How do you test for SIBO?
SIBO is diagnosed using a breath test. You drink a sugar solution (usually lactulose or glucose), then breath samples are collected over time to measure hydrogen and methane gas levels. More on this is explained on my SIBO and Functional Gut Testing pages.
Why does SIBO keep coming back?
Relapse is common if treatment only targets the overgrowth and not the underlying drivers such as motility, digestion, nervous system regulation, adhesions or previous infections. My method (taught inside Bloated to Body Confident ) always includes root-cause work.
Is SIBO the same as SIFO?
No. SIBO is bacterial overgrowth; SIFO (Small Intestinal Fungal Overgrowth) is fungal/yeast overgrowth in the small intestine. They can co-exist and need different support strategies.
What is functional gut testing?
Functional gut testing looks at how your gut is working — not just disease. It assesses things like microbiome balance, digestion, inflammation, enzymes, parasites, yeasts and metabolic markers. Read more on my Functional Gut Testing Page.
What gut tests are available?
Common tests include comprehensive stool tests, SIBO breath tests, Organic Acid Test (OAT), leaky gut markers, FODMAP malabsorption tests, H. pylori testing and food sensitivity panels. I explain each type on my Gut Testing Page.
Do I need gut testing to improve my symptoms?
Not always. Testing is helpful in complex or stubborn cases, but many people can make significant progress with structured guidance, symptom patterns and education alone. Inside Bloated to Body Confident , I teach you when testing is worth considering
Are test costs included in your program?
No. Any testing is optional and is charged separately by the lab. In Bloated to Body Confident , I help you understand which tests are genuinely useful, so you don’t waste money unnecessarily.
Can I do gut tests if I live outside Australia?
Yes, many tests can be arranged internationally using trusted labs. Practical access can vary by country, which I address inside Bloated to Body Confident and on the Functional Gut Testing Page.
What does a gut health naturopath and nutritionist actually do?
I help people with IBS, SIBO, bloating and food intolerances understand what’s driving their symptoms and support them using nutrition, herbal medicine, microbiome support, functional testing and gut–brain strategies. Learn more on my Naturopathy Page.
Do you still offer 1:1 consultations?
No. I no longer offer 1:1 consultations. My complete framework is delivered through my signature online program, Bloated to Body Confident , and supported by my Free Resources.
Do I need a referral to join your program?
No referral is needed. You can enrol in Bloated to Body Confident directly from the Courses or Work With Me pages when enrolment is open.
Do you work with people outside Melbourne?
Yes. I work 100% online and my program is designed for people across Australia and worldwide.
Can you help if my health is complicated?
Yes. Most of the people I support have complex, long-standing issues and have already tried multiple diets, supplements or practitioners. Bloated to Body Confident is built for layered, real-life gut health challenges.
Who is Bloated to Body Confident for?
BTBC is for people with IBS, SIBO, bloating or food intolerance who feel stuck, confused or anxious about what to eat and want a clear, evidence-based, step-by-step system to feel better and build food confidence.
Who is it not suitable for?
It’s not for people who want instant results, aren’t ready to make any changes, are looking for extreme diets, or are currently pregnant or breastfeeding.
How is Bloated to Body Confident different from other gut programs?
It combines naturopathy, nutrition, functional gut testing education, microbiome repair, gut–brain support and food tolerance rebuilding into one structured path. It’s based on my 10+ years of clinical work and my own gut healing experience. You can read more on the Courses page.
Do I need gut tests before joining the program?
No. You can join without any testing. Inside BTBC, you’ll learn whether testing is necessary for your situation and what’s genuinely worth considering.
How quickly will I see results?
Every body is different, but many people start to notice shifts within a few weeks when applying the framework consistently. Deeper, more stable changes often develop over 2–3 months and beyond.
Will I have to cut out lots of foods?
My philosophy is to rebuild tolerance, not keep you on a restricted diet forever. Short-term adjustments can sometimes be helpful, but the end goal is more freedom, not less. This is a core focus in Bloated to Body Confident .
Do you recommend the low FODMAP diet?
Low FODMAP can be useful short-term for symptom relief, but it doesn’t address the root cause and isn’t meant as a long-term solution. I prefer a targeted, rebuilding approach instead.
Can I drink coffee or alcohol if I have IBS or SIBO?
It depends on your individual tolerance and root causes. Many people can tolerate coffee or alcohol in some form once their gut is more stable. In BTBC, I show you how to test tolerance gently and safely.
Does anxiety around food affect digestion?
Yes. Worrying about reactions, flare-ups or social eating can ramp up stress and worsen symptoms. A big part of my work is helping you feel calmer and more confident with food.
Where can I find free support to get started?
You’ll find free guides, downloads and recipes on my Free Resources page, and educational episodes on the Gusty Talks podcast and Blog.
Do you work with children?
No. My work and programs are designed for adults.
Can I claim anything on private health insurance?
Because I no longer offer 1:1 consultations, private health rebates don’t apply. All program and digital education offerings are self-funded.
Is there a guarantee the program will fix everything?
No one can ethically guarantee outcomes, because every body is different. What I do offer is a clear, structured, evidence-based system that has helped many people reduce symptoms and rebuild their relationship with food.
Where should I start if I’m feeling overwhelmed?
If you’re ready for a clear path, start with Bloated to Body Confident .
If you need something lighter first, begin with my Free Resources and Gusty Talks Podcast.
Written by Rachel Larsson (BHSc Naturopathy, BPH Nutrition)
Gut Health Naturopath & Nutritionist specialising in IBS, SIBO and chronic bloating.