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The Unexpected Risks of Gut Health: A Personal Story

  • Writer: Jennifer May
    Jennifer May
  • Sep 9
  • 3 min read

Updated: Oct 7


Child sits near French fries - seagull looks on with interest

Ever have that moment where years of progress could be undone in one dumb move? That was me last weekend.


The weather was gorgeous, so I took the kids to the playground. I'd packed fruits and veggies, and the plan was to grab lunch afterwards. But the kids were having too much fun to leave. The only semi-safe gluten-free option nearby? Fries.


I bought a large serving for the three of us to share. $12 later, I set them down and turned away for maybe five seconds to fix my son’s hat.


And that's when it happened.


A sneaky seagull swooped in, stole a few chips, and ran off.


I had no idea.

I sat back down, reached for a chip, and... ate it.😫


Then a kind stranger came over and said the words no gut health expert wants to hear:


“I’m so sorry... that bird was eating your chips.”😳🤢


Look, I'm a nutritionist. I should know better. But that one moment of distraction? It may have just exposed me (and my kids) to harmful microbes.


Because here's what most people don’t realise:


You might feel better 24 hours after a gut bug.

  • But the microbial damage can linger for months.

  • Even years later, you could still be dealing with bloating, IBS, fatigue, skin flare-ups, or food sensitivities that started from one little incident.


Dysbiosis doesn't just come from stress, sugar, or meds.

  • Sometimes it’s a sneaky bird. Or a dodgy buffet. Or an unwashed grape. Or a hummus tub that sat out too long.

  • That’s why I test my gut regularly. And it’s why I recommend anyone who cares about their health do the same.


What is Gut Dysbiosis?

Gut dysbiosis is an imbalance in your gut microbiome (the trillions of bacteria, yeasts, and microbes that live in your digestive tract). When the "bad" bugs take over, it can throw off everything from digestion to mood to immune or even hormonal health.


Common symptoms include:

  • Bloating

  • Constipation or diarrhoea

  • Sugar cravings

  • Fatigue

  • Brain fog

  • Skin issues (acne, rashes, eczema)


It can be triggered by antibiotics, stress, poor diet, or yes, even that one rogue chip/unwashed apple/deli meat, etc.


How to Know If Your Gut Needs a Check-Up

If you:

  • Feel "off" but can't pinpoint why

  • Have stubborn symptoms that don’t go away

  • Get bloated even when eating healthy

  • React to foods you used to tolerate

  • And this one's crucial - your symptoms/food reactions started suddenly


If any of the above are true for you, it's time to test, not guess.


What Our Gut Health Testing Includes:

  • A comprehensive stool test that checks:

- Friendly bacteria

- Harmful bacteria

- Yeast overgrowth (like candida)

- Parasites

  • A personalised summary report with specific action steps

  • Optional 1:1 consult or email Q&A with me

  • BONUS: Free access to my Ultimate Bloat Buster 7 Day Gut Reset (mini-course)

  • And: A free signed copy of Diary of An Itchy Kid for all tests booked for children (during October 2025)


The Importance of Regular Testing

Regular gut health testing is essential for everyone, especially if you’ve experienced any digestive issues. It’s not just about feeling good today; it’s about ensuring your gut remains healthy for the future.


Why Testing Matters

You might wonder why testing is so crucial. Well, our gut health can change rapidly due to various factors like diet, stress, and even environmental influences. By keeping an eye on your gut microbiome, you can catch potential issues before they become a bigger problem.


My Experience with Testing Myself

I remember the first time I did a gut health test. I was shocked by the results. It opened my eyes to the hidden factors affecting my health. I discovered imbalances I never knew existed. Since then, I’ve made it a priority to test regularly.


Bottom Line?

This isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being smart with your gut.


Because while I might have got lucky and bounced back quickly from a seagull-chip situation (well I’ll find out soon enough), most people aren’t running regular gut checks at home.


You deserve to feel good every day, without second-guessing your food, your gut, or your next picnic.


Got questions? Reach out. I'm here for you.

Jennifer May BHSc (Nut.Med )

Clinical Nutritionist | Author | Speaker | Director Food Intolerance Australia

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