Focus less on your gut so you can enjoy more of your life.
SIBO, IMO and gut health dietitian in Hallam, Somerville or via telehealth
Tried everything for your bloating, abdominal pain, constipation, loose stools and reflux and still experiencing symptoms?
Or maybe you…
- have been diagnosed with Coeliac Disease, Crohn’s disease, Ulcerative Colitis, Diverticular Disease, fructose or FODMAP intolerance and feel confused about what to eat now
- have had breath tests done (for lactose, fructose, glucose or lactulose) but aren't sure what the results actually mean or what to do next
- keep adding more and more foods to your 'can't eat' list without getting any better
- are scared to venture too far from your bathroom
- have been told you have ‘IBS’ and that you just need to ‘live with it’
A holistic approach to gut health that goes beyond the low FODMAP band-aid
The low FODMAP diet can be incredibly useful, but it is just one tool we can try (and I bet you already have…more than once).
One of the most common underlying causes of chronic gut symptoms that don’t respond to a low FODMAP diet is Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) or Intestinal Methane Overgrowth (IMO).
I can review your existing test results—including old breath tests—with fresh eyes, identify what may still need investigating, and work with you and your other healthcare providers to manage what’s actually going on.
If you want to work with someone who:
- takes your symptoms seriously and won’t put them down to anxiety
- brings 30 years of clinical experience and a toolkit that goes well beyond the standard approaches
- can test for SIBO and IMO as underlying causes of your gut concerns
- will coordinate with your GP or specialist so nothing falls through the cracks
- aims to get you feeling 8/10 better
…then you’re in the right place.
Nutrition support and microbiome restoration from a gut health dietitian with advanced training in SIBO and IMO
I offer advanced gut health assessment and advice in person in Hallam or Somerville, or via telehealth (from your home, office, car, next to a comfy bathroom, or anywhere across Australia)
When we work together, you can expect that I will:
- review your medical history because you are not just a gastrointestinal tract!
- review any test results you’ve already had done
- read your existing breath tests with a fresh perspective, looking for signs of SIBO or IMO that may have been missed or mislabelled
- order breath tests for SIBO, IMO and FODMAP malabsorption as a dietitian where needed
- write to your GP or specialist with a summary of what we're working on
- liaise with your GP or specialist for any further testing I'm unable to order directly
- support microbiome restoration where appropriate, including access to practitioner supplements at a reduced cost
Other information you’ll want to know
Initial consultation cost: $180
Review consultation cost varies from $150 to $180 (depending on appointment length)
You may be eligible for a Medicare rebate with a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan (GPCCMP).
The current Medicare rebate is $63.40.
If you have private health insurance, a receipt for claiming is provided. Please check with your provider for the rebate amount.
I’m also a provider for the NDIS and DVA.
Patience and time are often required as all individuals need slightly different approaches, but I’ll be there to support you at each step.
Please note: I work with people aged 8 and upwards (but please chat with me if you wish to refer to someone younger.)
Hi, I’m Alison, your gut health dietitian
After working for years with clients experiencing uncomfortable and disruptive gut symptoms, I knew they deserved more than just being handed a list of foods to cut out.
So, I’ve completed extensive advanced training so I can offer a more thorough approach to supporting your gut health. This includes the SIBO Doctor Mastery program, the Nerva IBS Clinicians’ Course, Probiotic Advisor Microbiome Restoration, and training through the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation
I warmly welcome the opportunity to work with you on your gut health journey.
Your gut health questions, answered
What is SIBO and how is it diagnosed?
SIBO stands for Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth. It occurs when bacteria that normally live in the large intestine migrate into the small intestine, where they ferment food and produce gas, causing worsening of reflux, bloating, pain, malabsorption, diarrhoea and other symptoms. It is diagnosed using a breath test that measures hydrogen and methane gas after drinking a sugar solution.
What is IMO and how is it different from SIBO?
IMO stands for Intestinal Methane Overgrowth. It involves an overgrowth of methane-producing organisms (archaea rather than bacteria) and is closely associated with constipation. It is detected on a breath test that measures methane. Both SIBO and IMO can be present at the same time, which is why testing for both hydrogen and methane matters.
I've already had breath tests done. Can you review them?
Yes. I actually LOVE examining existing breath tests as part of an initial consultation. Reviewing them with fresh eyes is often helpful if you have been feeling stuck with stubborn symptoms.
Are breath tests accurate?
Breath tests are a very useful tool for guiding gut health management — and after reviewing hundreds of them, I find they tell me a great deal. The key is that both hydrogen and methane need to be tested, and the results need to be interpreted by someone who knows what they’re looking at. Many breath tests are mislabelled as showing simple food intolerances when they may actually be indicating SIBO or IMO.Breath tests are a very useful tool for guiding gut health management — and after reviewing hundreds of them, I find they tell me a great deal. The key is that both hydrogen and methane need to be tested, and the results need to be interpreted by someone who knows what they’re looking at. Many breath tests are mislabelled as showing simple food intolerances when they may actually be indicating SIBO or IMO.
How long does gut health treatment take?
Some people notice meaningful improvement within a few weeks of starting treatment; for others with more complex or long-standing gut issues, it takes longer. What I can tell you is that I’ll be with you at each step, and we’ll adjust the approach based on how you’re responding.
Do I need a GP referral to see you?
No, you are welcome to book with me directly. However, a valid referral via a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan allows you to claim a Medicare rebate of $63.40 per consultation.
Do you offer online/telehealth consultations?
Yes. Telehealth appointments are available to anyone in Australia, on request to suit your schedule.
Do you accept private health insurance?
I will provide you with a receipt so you can claim your rebate directly. Please check with your provider for the rebate amount.
What happens in a first appointment?
We start by going through your full health history, not just your gut symptoms. We’ll go over any tests you’ve already had, medications, and what you’ve already tried. From there, I’ll get a clearer sense of what might still need looking into, and what we can start working on together.
Do you see people who have had gut issues for years without answers?
All the time. Many of my clients come to me after years of being told their symptoms are just IBS or anxiety. Getting a thorough assessment, including testing for SIBO and IMO, is often where we finally find an answer.
Can you help with complex gut issues alongside disordered eating?
Yes. Many of my clients experience both disordered eating and gut health concerns, and the two are often closely connected. Restrictive eating, for example, can significantly affect gut function. I’m able to hold both at the same time, working through the eating disorder recovery process while also addressing underlying gut health concerns where appropriate.
How do I book an appointment?
You can get in touch via my contact form or by calling directly. I’ll get back to you to organise a time that suits.
Ready to find out what's really going on with your gut?
To help me understand what you need and how I can help…