Gut Ecology & Metabolic Maintenance ‘G.E.M.M.’
What is the G.E.M.M. Protocol?
The G.E.M.M. protocol is a way to improve your gut and overall health by utilising your body’s own defence mechanisms and healing abilities. It utilises an inclusive diet together with effective natural therapeutics to encourage your body to heal itself.
Why is G.E.M.M. different from other gut repair systems?
G.E.M.M.’s uniqueness lies in the fact that it is a lifestyle approach that utilises the principles of a branch of Nutrition Science called Nutrigenomics.
This is the study of how foods and specific food molecules influence the expression of our genes. Such food molecules activate ‘switches’ within our cells; if the source of these molecules is health-promoting food, our protective genes are ‘turned up’ – but if the molecules are from ‘junk’ food, these health-promoting genes are ‘turned down’ and the disease-promoting genes are ‘turned up’.
No other programme harnesses Nutrigenomics to optimise the function of the cells of the Gut-Immune interface as the bridge that targets disease in other parts of the body.
How are G.E.M.M clinicians qualified to use this approach?
G.E.M.M is a post graduate programme for clinicians qualified in Integrative Medicine, Naturopathy, Medicine or Nutrition Science and requires additional assessment and regular annual upskilling to maintain active accreditation.
Is this programme underpinned by science?
The G.E.M.M. Protocol was developed by Australian Nutritional Biochemist, Dr Christine Houghton PhD, who after several decades in clinical practice, realised that existing therapies for addressing gut health, metabolic and other chronic diseases were not effectively targeting the underlying causes of ill health. All aspects of the G.E.M.M. Protocol have their foundation in peer-reviewed scientific evidence.
Will G.E.M.M. give me long term results?
G.E.M.M. will help to set you up for the long term. It will give you a greater understanding of your body and how to take care of it. As long as you adhere to the principles that underpin the programme, you should enjoy long-lasting benefits to your health.
Does G.E.M.M. require a specific ‘diet’?
G.E.M.M. promotes a Diet of Inclusion, not Diets of Exclusion. A few foods may need to be excluded initially when embarking on G.E.M.M but the ultimate aim of the G.E.M.M. Protocol is to encourage a diverse array of minimally-processed whole foods which are introduced sequentially as you progress through the programme.
What conditions does this approach treat?
Whilst G.E.M.M. initially addresses the function of the gut, it then works to improve the function of all bodily systems. The nutrigenomically-active ingredients in the formulations together with the underlying diet help to improve the function of all the body’s cells at a fundamental level.
How long will this programme take?
As a guide, most patients will experience substantial improvement within 3 months; more complex and longstanding conditions may take longer. Your clinician may be able to provide approximate timeframes based on the information you provide together with his or her clinical experience.
Will G.E.M.M. help to improve my immune function?
While targeting digestive health is the first step of the G.E.M.M. Protocol, the second step focuses on restoring the communication between the gut and its underlying immune network. In doing so, G.E.M.M. balances the complex immune system, thereby enhancing the response to infection while reducing allergy and autoimmune reactions.