G.E.M.M Protocol

Gut Ecology & Metabolic Modulation (G.E.M.M) Protocol

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.

The G.E.M.M. Protocol addresses the root causes of ill-health through optimising the function of all human cells.  The Food-First philosophy of the G.E.M.M Protocol is designed to educate and sustain long-term food and lifestyle changes to empower your own self-care and prevention of future illness.

Why is G.E.M.M. different from other gut repair systems?

The human body is an interconnected network of many different types of cells. No single body organ or system can function independently, so it makes sense to use treatment approaches that focus initially on the function of the microscopic cells before attempting to treat specific poorly-functioning organs which may have led to disease.

Working at the cellular level, the G.E.M.M. principles have their foundation in the integration of several branches of science including Nutrigenomics, Microbiology, Cell Biology and Immunology. 

Both gentle and effective, G.E.M.M. aims to restore and maintain the inbuilt defensive mechanisms within every cell of the body, progressively improving organs and systems that have been functioning poorly.

Your clinician will initially focus on the single layer of cells lining the digestive tract – the gut epithelium. These remarkable cells are directly connected to the cells of the immune network below them.  Restoring balance to the Gut-Immune interface creates the foundation for healthy communication with the trillions of other cells throughout the body. In this way, targeting gut function is the first step in restoring overall health.

How are G.E.M.M clinicians qualified to use this approach?

G.E.M.M. clinicians must have formal qualifications in Integrative Medicine, Naturopathy, Medicine or Nutrition and have enrolled and passed the G.E.M.M. Foundations course. G.E.M.M. clinicians then need to pass a rigorous test in order to be accredited.

GEMM is a post graduate programme for clinicians qualified in Integrative Medicine, Naturopathy, Medicine or NutritionScience 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.

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.  

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.

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.

G.E.M.M. is designed to incorporate a balanced lifestyle approach. It is a holistic approach to health, encompassing the many aspects of a health-promoting lifestyle.

Is G.E.M.M. a lifestyle approach?

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