The importance of a healthy gut

15 Nov 2019

Gut health has certainly become a hot topic in recent years.

Diet, stress, sanitation, medications and genetics all shape the bacteria that are present in your gut.

Poor gut health has been linked to many different diseases and conditions. These include Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) the collective term for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, type 2 diabetes, obesity, eczema, asthma and even mental health issues.

Disturbingly, Australia has one of the highest rates of prevalence and incidence of IBD in the world. Over 75,000 Australians, and more than 5 million worldwide, have Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.

St Vincent’s Gastroenterologist, Professor Michael Kamm, is at the forefront of digestive system disorder care. As well as undertaking clinical care, Prof Kamm conducts wide-ranging research with local, national and international partners, aiming to find the cures or best treatments for a number of gut disorders. 

Processed foods appear to be amongst the worst offenders for poor gut health. Prof Kamm advises that an excellent way to improve your gut health is to avoid any pre-packaged foods - fresh is best!

His research has effected real change in the way we understand and treat IBD - particularly Crohn’s disease - both here and overseas.

Click here if you would like to support Prof Kamm’s gut health research.

Professor Michael Kamm was the guest speaker at our recent Donor Thank You event. We have one final event coming up before the end of the year on Wednesday 4 December. Click here for details and to register for the Christmas Donor Thank You lunch.

Photo from left: Dr Amy Hamilton (Scientist), Dr Gina Trakman (Dietitian), Annalise Stanley (Research Nurse), Professor Michael Kamm (Gastroenterologist and Researcher), Dr Amy Wilson-O'Brien (Scientist), Alyson Ross (Research Nurse)

Contact

St Vincent's Foundation
Ground floor
Rear, 55 Victoria Parade
Fitzroy, Victoria 3065