Gut Health Symposium: Translating emerging evidence into everyday care

IBS, IBD, SIBO? What dietitians need to know
Join AdvAPD Liz Purcell for a practical overview of IBS, IBD and SIBO, learning how overlap in symptoms and clinical presentations can make diagnosis complex. This session will unpack key distinguishing features, common diagnostic pitfalls, and what dietitians need to consider when supporting clients navigating uncertainty. You’ll leave with a clear framework to guide nutrition care, plus actionable strategies to strengthen your collaboration with gastroenterologists and build trusted referral relationships for better patient outcomes.

Liz Purcell is an Advanced Accredited Practicing Dietitian, with more than 25 years’ experience. Throughout her career, Liz has developed extensive clinical expertise in a range of practice domains and across the continuum of care but harbors a particular interest and has advanced clinical knowledge in Gastroenterology and Intensive Care nutrition. Over the past few years, Liz has published research in Extended Scope of Practice models of care and Inflammatory Bowel Disease and represented her profession Nationally and Internationally in these areas, contributing towards the development of National Guidelines, Australian Standards and Action plans.

Constipation and fibre…it’s not that simple
Join Dr Eirini Dimidi, lead author of the newly published British Dietetic Association Guidelines for the Dietary Management of Chronic Constipation in Adults, for an evidence-based update on constipation care. Eirini will dive into the latest research on fibre and food-first strategies, including practical guidance from the first-ever dietary guidelines for constipation and how to apply them confidently in everyday practice.

Dr Eirini Dimidi is an Associate Professor in Nutritional Sciences at King’s College London, United Kingdom, and has been a registered dietitian since 2011. She is leading research on nutrition-based interventions, including fibre, prebiotics, probiotics, plant foods, and plant-based diets in gut function and dysfunction. She is also investigating the mechanisms through which nutritional interventions may affect immune and mental health via the gut microbiome. Dr Dimidi led the development of the first ever UK national dietary guidelines for the management of chronic constipation, which have been endorsed by the British Dietetic Association. Dr Dimidi was awarded the 2023 Cuthbertson Medal by the Nutrition Society, and the 2022 ISAPP Glenn Gibson Early Career Research Prize for her research on the effect of diet in gut health. She also received the 2021 Rising Star and 2020 Elizabeth Washington awards by the British Dietetic Association.

Beyond trends: evidence-based use of probiotics in nutrition practice.
Probiotics are everywhere, from everyday foods to supplements, yet they remain one of the most misunderstood areas of nutrition. In a world captivated by trends, quick fixes, and bold claims, this session cuts through the noise to unpack the evidence. Nicole will explore the science behind probiotic foods and supplements, including strain specificity, dosing, survivability, and clinical relevance. You’ll walk away better equipped to help clients navigate probiotic choices with confidence, knowing when they may be helpful, which strains to consider, and how to translate the evidence into clear, practical guidance in everyday practice.

Nicole Dynan is the Founder and Director of The Gut Health Dietitian Pty Ltd, and is recognised as one of Australia’s leading dietitians in gut health and probiotic science. A long-standing ambassador for Gut Health Month since its inception in 2023, Nicole has presented widely on probiotics, the gut microbiome and fermented foods, and is regularly interviewed across television, radio and print for her expertise. Nicole is passionate about translating complex gut science into simple, practical advice. She specialises in individualised, evidence-based nutrition that helps people improve digestion, support microbial diversity and feel better day to day. Nicole is a Media Spokesperson for Dietitians Australia and a guest lecturer at The University of Sydney. Outside of work, Nicole loves running, yoga and tending to her edible garden.

What is the neurobiotic sense, and how does it impact mood, appetite and more?
Discover the science behind our emerging sixth sense in this session with A/Prof Jessica Biesiekierski. Learn what the ‘neurobiotic sense’ is, and how new research is uncovering the key mechanisms driving the gut-brain axis. Jessica will explore how neurobiotics may influence mood, appetite, eating behaviours, weight, and overall health, helping dietitians better understand the powerful connection between the gut and the brain.

Associate Professor Jessica Biesiekierski is Head of Human Nutrition at the University of Melbourne, an NHMRC Emerging Leadership Fellow, and Registered Nutritionist. Her research focuses on how dietary exposures interact with expectation, sensory processing, and gut signalling to shape symptoms and food-related discomfort. She leads mechanistic studies and dietary trials translating gut–brain science into clinical practice. Jess is internationally recognised for her work on non-coeliac gluten sensitivity, a model for understanding symptom learning and gut–brain amplification. Her research also spans appetite regulation and sensory influences on gastrointestinal function. She is Secretary of the Australasian Neurogastroenterology & Motility Association.