Having gut issues can be debilitating, embarrassing and downright anxiety-provoking.

Thankfully, there are a range of resources now available at your fingertips to help you better-manage them independently. But let's face it - having an IBS specialist Dietitian at your fingertips to help you get to where you want to be is not an expense - it's an investment.

This IBS Awareness Month, we sat down with Nick Dunn APD AN - the Managing Director and Lead Dietitian at GutCode, bringing over 15 years of expertise in gastrointestinal health. 

Read on learn more about Nick; his point of difference, and his WHY.

1) Nick, why did you start GutCode?

I saw a real gap in the industry—particularly in gut health. GutCode is the bridge between standard dietetics, which can be quite cookie-cutter and siloed, and more holistic health practices. Most people don’t have textbook cases. The body is incredibly complex, and each person is unique. One-size-fits-all solutions simply don’t work.

GutCode offers highly personalised support focused specifically on gut health—an area that influences the entire body and mind. Our approach is science-backed but holistic, combining clinical knowledge with individualised, real-world strategies that make a tangible difference.

2) Do you suffer from gut issues yourself?

Personally, I don’t suffer from gut issues, but I spend a lot of time and thought maintaining my gut health—and that of my wife and our four boys. I come from a family with a history of gastrointestinal diseases, so I’m proactive in reducing my own risk.

I believe gut health isn’t just for people with a diagnosis—it’s something we all need to prioritise. It's dynamic, responsive, and impacts nearly every aspect of your wellbeing. The better care you take of your gut, the more resilient your health becomes.

3) What are your top IBS resources for patients just starting out on their symptom management journey?

Before diving deep into symptom Googling or influencer rabbit holes, get your basics right. There are four fundamental pillars of health: diet, sleep, movement, and stress. Mastering these gives you a strong foundation, and for many, it brings noticeable relief.

• Diet: Aim for 30+ plant foods a week. If your diet is highly processed or sugar-laden, start shifting toward a Mediterranean-style diet, which we know supports gut health.

• Sleep: Focus on both quality and quantity. Sleep is when your body restores itself—including your gut.

• Exercise: Moderate, consistent movement like walking, yoga or Pilates helps your microbiome thrive. Overdoing it with high-intensity exercise can stress the gut, so tune into your body.

• Stress: This is often overlooked, but chronic stress can wreak havoc on the gut. Build in 15–20 minutes a day just for you—no phone, no distractions. Ground yourself by noticing what you see, hear and feel. Meditate if you can. Even limiting screen time helps.

Getting these fundamentals in place not only brings relief, but helps clarify what’s actually going on beneath the surface. If symptoms remain, that’s when we dig deeper and get more specific.

And remember—support is available. At GutCode, we know how hard it is to prioritise your own health when life is busy, especially if you're caring for others. But your health is the foundation. You’re doing the best for everyone around you when you take care of yourself.

4) What services does your clinic offer that others don’t?

The biggest difference? True personalisation.

At GutCode, we take time to understand all aspects of your health and lifestyle—not just your symptoms. Our support goes beyond food swaps and fibre supplements. We’re here to find your root cause and create a tailored plan that works for your life.

IBS looks very different in a 20-year-old just starting their career compared to a perimenopausal mum, or a child with food fears. So why would they all get the same treatment?

We often see clients who’ve been through multiple health professionals, tried endless restrictive diets, or been told "it's just stress." They’re frustrated, exhausted, and still looking for answers. That determination to keep going is something I deeply respect, and I’m committed to helping them find the relief they deserve.

We also work collaboratively with gastroenterologists, GPs, naturopaths, allied health practitioners, and even eastern medicine professionals. No two bodies are the same, and we approach every client with fresh eyes and a curious mind. You are not a template—we treat every case as a unique puzzle with your health as the goal.

5) Where can we go for further information or support?

You can find us at gutcode.co—our central hub for everything gut health. Whether you’re just starting out on your journey or have been searching for answers for a while, you’ll find a range of helpful resources, including:

• Digestion Decoded – our growing blog series where we break down the science, explore common gut conditions, and share practical, real-world strategies to support your gut health.

• Free discovery calls – if you're not sure where to start or want to see if GutCode is the right fit, we offer complimentary discovery calls to answer your questions and help guide your next steps.

• Online bookings – you can book consultations easily through our website, with flexible appointment options to suit busy lives.

We’re also active on Instagram @gutcode, where we share bite-sized tips, myth-busting posts, and updates on the latest in gut health. It’s a great way to stay connected, ask questions, and get a feel for our approach.

And as a special offer for FodShop customers, you’ll receive 10% off your initial appointment with the code FODSHOP10.

We’re here to support you—no matter where you’re starting from.

About Nick Dunn, APD AN

Nick is Monash-trained FODMAP dietitian, he specialises in complex gut conditions, integrating evidence-based and holistic care. Renowned for his leadership, Nick has presented at national conferences on IBS, prebiotics, and faecal microbiota transplants. His practice focuses on personalised, results-driven nutrition strategies for adults and children, aiming to optimise gut health through tailored interventions. With a career spanning Melbourne and London, Nick remains at the forefront of gut health innovation, transforming dietetic care at GutCode.