Gut Health, Hormones & Longevity: Why Your Microbiome Shapes How You Age

Did you know your gut plays a critical role in your overall healthspan?

In this episode of the Biohackher Podcast, Azra sits down with Dr Craig Haifer, clinical gastroenterologist, microbiome researcher and one of Australia's leading voices bridging medicine and preventative wellness, to unpack why gut health is the master regulator of ageing, hormones, immunity and inflammation.

From bloating and brain fog to menopause, mood and longevity, this conversation goes far beyond "eat more fibre" — diving into the real science of the gut–brain–hormone axis and what women need to know to age well.

What You'll Learn in This Episode

• Why the gut is the control centre of the body — influencing immunity, hormones, mood, metabolism and ageing

• The underrated estrogen–gut connection and how your microbiome acts like a natural form of hormone therapy

• Why bloating isn't always about food — and how pelvic floor dysfunction and "gut flow" play a major role

• The surprising reason many gut issues begin in adolescence, not adulthood

• Why restrictive diets (including long-term low-FODMAP) can backfire — and how to think about diet like a prescription

• How stress, sleep and the nervous system shape your microbiome more than most supplements

• What centenarians' guts reveal about healthy ageing and longevity microbes

• The truth about probiotics vs prebiotics — and why feeding your own gut ecosystem matters more than chasing trendy strains

• What gut hypnotherapy is, how it works, and why it's backed by clinical trials

• The science behind faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) — from inflammatory bowel disease to cancer and longevity research

• Why you can't "supplement your way out" of a poor lifestyle — even with cutting-edge microbiome therapies

Key takeaway

Your gut isn't just about digestion — it's a dynamic ecosystem that talks constantly to your brain, hormones and immune system. Supporting it isn't about extremes or detoxes, but about flow, fibre, nervous system regulation and sustainable habits that help you live well longer.

About Dr Craig Haifer Dr Craig Haifer is a specialist gastroenterologist at St Vincent's Public Hospital in Sydney and runs a busy private practice at St Vincent's Private Hospital. In addition to his clinical work he is an Associate Professor of Medicine at UNSW where his team explores how the microbiome influences disease and how interventions like diet, probiotics, and FMT can enhance outcomes, particularly when combined with traditional pharmaceuticals and immunotherapy.
Dr Haifer completed his PhD at The University of Sydney, focusing on the gut microbiome and faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT). He led national FMT guidelines and has overseen the world's first clinical trials using capsule based FMT for ulcerative colitis and in patients receiving cancer immunotherapy. Dr Haifer's research has received over $2 million in funding and is published in top journals including Nature, Gut, and The Lancet: Gastroenterology & Hepatology. A strong advocate for holistic care, he integrates psychology, exercise, meditation, gut hypnotherapy, and nutrition into treatment. He is a regular speaker in the wellness industry where he endeavours to bring the medical and wellness worlds closer together.

CONNECT WITH DR CRAIG HAIFER

INSTAGRAM: @drcraighaifer

LINKEDIN:https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-haifer/

JOIN OUR LIVE WELL LONGER WOMEN'S BIOHACKING RETREAT

1–6 May 2026 | Revīvō Wellness Resort, Bali

Live Well Longer Retreat has been named Group Retreat of the Year 2025 by the prestigious Destination Deluxe Awards.

Following this global recognition, we're thrilled to return to Revīvō Wellness Resort in Bali, 1–6 May 2026, for a deeply personalised, science-led retreat created exclusively for women ready to reclaim their vitality and redesign their future.

Co-founded by renowned biohacking experts Azra Alagic and Camilla Thompson this award-winning women-only experience blends cutting-edge biohacking with soulful rituals and ancient practices to deliver lasting transformation.

At this intimate retreat, limited to just 16 women, you'll experience:

• Daily biohacking workshops tailored to women's health
• Private coaching, DNA testing, and optional hormone/gut diagnostics with naturopath
• Hot/cold therapy, hydrotherapy, meditation and MOVEŌ movement classes
• A curated, functional medicine-inspired gourmet menu
• Spa treatments, traditional Balinese blessings, full moon ceremony
• 1:1 consult with Cocoon medical Dr

Whether you're curious about biohacking or already on your longevity path, this retreat delivers the clarity, support, and practical tools to thrive at every stage of life.

Spaces are extremely limited — and this retreat will sell out so get in quick :)

Find out more here www.livewelllongerretreats.com

Contact Revivo Retreat directly with any questions or to book directly (deposit required) reservation-nusadua@revivoresorts.com

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WANT TO LEARN MORE?

If you're keen to get started on your biohacking journey to optimise your health and live well longer please join me on my socials:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/biohackher_official

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Website: www.biohack-her.com

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