In this deeply nourishing chat, Helen welcomes Dr Cecilia Kitic—researcher, exercise physiologist, and founder of The IVF Project and Fertile Gut—to unpack the gut–fertility axis. With 80+ publications in immuno-nutrition, Dr Cecelia explains how the microbiome shapes hormones, inflammation, ovulation, implantation, and pregnancy outcomes. We cover the estrobolome and oestrogen balance, SCFAs, enzymes (e.g., β-glucuronidase), mitochondrial support for egg quality, links to PCOS, endometriosis, fibroids, male factor (incl. DNA fragmentation), IVF response and FET success. 

You’ll hear practical, evidence-led ways to “feed your microbiome”: food-first strategies, smart supplementation, movement, sleep, and stress regulation—plus when advanced metagenomic testing can help. If you’ve wondered why “normal” tests still leave you stuck, this episode translates cutting-edge science into simple habits that improve preconception health for all genders. A must-listen, with Dr Cecilia explaining in simple terms what can optimise your gut microbiome.

About Dr Cecelia Kitic: Dr Cecilia Kitic is a researcher and exercise physiologist with a PhD in immunonutrition and more than 80 published papers exploring how the gut microbiome, inflammation, hormones, and nutrition interact. She is the founder of The IVF Project—the world’s first accredited allied health integrated practice for preconception care, delivering dietetics, exercise physiology, and psychology services to optimise reproductive outcomes. Building on this expertise, she also founded Fertile Gut, a science-backed supplement brand dedicated to nurturing women’s gut health from menstruation through to menopause. Co-author of the book Create a Fertile Gut, Dr Kitic is passionate about turning complex science into practical strategies that empower women to take control of their health.

Follow Dr Kitic: https://www.instagram.com/theivfproject/?hl=en