Raising Well Nourished Kids

63. Kids’ Gut Health 101: How to Build a Resilient Microbiome

Georgia Harding & Jane Faulkner Episode 63

A resilient gut sets the foundation for your child’s health, supporting everything from digestion and nutrient absorption to immunity and energy.

In this episode, Georgia speaks with clinical nutritionist Michelle Hislop about how to build and protect the microbiome in kids.

Michelle shares her beautiful “garden” analogy to help parents picture the trillions of bacteria that live in the gut and how diversity keeps that inner ecosystem strong. They explore why the first years of life are a golden window for gut health and how birth, breastfeeding, first foods, outdoor play and even contact with pets and soil shape resilience.

The conversation also looks at what happens when antibiotics are needed, how probiotics and prebiotics can help the gut bounce back, and why simple, colourful whole foods are the best ongoing support.

Other highlights include:

  • How the microbiome influences 70% of immunity
  • Signs that your child’s microbiome may need extra care
  • When testing is useful and when it isn’t necessary

Practical tips for picky eaters and lunchbox inspiration

This is a warm and practical discussion for parents who want simple, natural strategies to support their child’s wellbeing through gut health.

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About Michelle Hislop:

Michelle Hislop, a Clinical Nutritionist with over 13 years of experience in practice and the health industry. She’s the founder of TestWise Clinical Nutrition, where she specialises in functional testing, helping both clients and practitioners make sense of complex results and turn them into clear, practical programs. As a mother of two, Michelle knows just how important it is to build a healthy microbiome, and she’s passionate about empowering others to understand the crucial role it plays in gut health, hormones, energy, skin, and mood.

You can Connect with Michelle Hislop: