How long should I follow the Gut Health Protocol?

“How long will it take to see results?” The truth is, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. Healing your gut is a journey, and the timeline depends on several factors, including how long your microbiome has been out of balance and the severity of that imbalance. Some people notice changes within a few short weeks, while for others it may take months. What matters most is consistency, patience, and listening to your body as it responds to the protocol.

Generally, the longer and more complex the imbalance, the longer it takes to restore equilibrium. Every microbiome is as unique as a fingerprint, so responses vary widely. Some people feel changes quickly; others need more time. Consistency is what matters most. But, if you’re looking for a rough guideline, check out the below –

1. Kefir

Our award-winning kefir is the foundation of the protocol.

How long should I take it for?

We recommend a minimum of 3–4 courses taken back-to-back before expecting meaningful results. Some people notice improvements within days, while others may take several months. On the farm, we drink it every day, forever! Think of kefir like exercise: the benefits come from showing up consistently. Ongoing input leads to ongoing results.

After the initial 3–4 courses, once your gut begins to rebalance, you can continue with daily kefir, or if this isn’t feasible, switch to a maintenance booster course every 2-3 months.

Why long-term use helps

Everyday factors – stress, sugar, environmental toxins, and antibiotics in the food chain – continually challenge your microbiome. A reliable source of probiotics, such as those found in our live, traditional goat’s milk kefir, helps keep your gut topped up and resilient.¹²

2. Complete Prebiotic

Our Complete Prebiotic feeds the good bacteria introduced by kefir. The two work synergistically.

How long should I take it for?

Like kefir, there’s no maximum duration. You can take it for as long as you wish to support optimal gut health. The longer you take it, the more consistently your beneficial bacteria are supported.

Research shows that the combination of our kefir and Complete Prebiotic produces noticeable changes in just 6 weeks, with the best results achieved through long-term consistency.³

Reminder: If you’re sensitive or dealing with severe imbalance, start slowly—for example:

1 TBSP kefir daily

½ TSP Complete Prebiotic daily

This gentle approach means early progress may feel slow, so allow extra time.

3. Collagen

Our Pure Fish Collagen supports tissue repair and strengthens the gut lining, helping to speed up the healing process.

How long should I take it for?

With daily use, improvements (skin, joints, and gut lining) are typically noticed within 6–12 weeks.⁴. Since collagen production naturally declines after age 30, long-term supplementation can be especially beneficial.⁵

4. Herbal tinctures

Boswellia serrata regulates inflammation and pain.

How long should I take it for?

Benefits tend to accumulate over time, usually noticeable after 4-8 weeks of daily use.⁶⁷ We recommend using it during active flare-ups of pain or inflammation, as it acts as a gentle, natural steroid.

Siberian Ginseng, Shatavari and Ashwagandha are adaptogenic herbs, taken for energy, hormonal support, and stress balance.

How long should I take them for?

Use daily for 8–12 weeks. When following the Gut Health Protocol, we recommend a minimum of 12 weeks to begin seeing significant changes.

Note: Siberian Ginseng is a stimulant, so occasional breaks are advisable. Shatavari and Ashwagandha are gentler and can be taken more continuously.

5. Vinegars

Our antimicrobial vinegars are designed to reduce overgrowth of pathogenic (“bad”) bacteria.

How long should I take them for?

We recommend a minimum of 90 days, followed by retesting to assess progress. They’re safe for long-term daily use, and many people continue them preventatively to keep pathogens in check.

6. Complete Mushroom Blend & herbal teas

Designed to support the protocol gently.

How long should I take them for?

Can be taken continuously, depending on your individual needs.

7. Lotions, soaps and balm

How long should I use them for?

Use daily as part of your skincare routine. The best results come from consistent, long-term use—especially when paired with internal gut healing.

Reminder: Patch test first on a small area of healthy skin before applying liberally.

8. Essential oils

How long should I use them for?

Use for skin, wellbeing, or diffusing according to your needs. There’s no fixed timeline.

Reminder: Always dilute properly before applying to skin.

Additional tips for success!

Diet changes

Gut healing is faster when dietary triggers are reduced. Take a look at our general dietary guidelines, and if you’d like a deep dive, check out Shann’s book, The Good Skin Solution.

Lifestyle, exercise and stress

Movement, sunlight, sleep, and stress management all play essential roles in maintaining microbiome balance and can help speed up healing. In consultations, we’ve noticed that poor mental wellness appears to be the biggest barrier to progress. Remember: this is a holistic approach. Check out Adam’s article on Breathe, stretch, thrive! Why stretching daily is more powerful than you think. For other articles on the gut-brain connection, click here.

Track your progress

Keep a daily journal of symptoms, rating them on a scale of 1-10. If you’ve purchased our Gut Microbiome Test, use the symptom tracker on the online portal. If not, you can download Shann’s Health Journal here, to track both symptoms and food. This helps you notice slow but meaningful improvements over time.

A note on expectations

Natural healing takes time—like tending a garden. Rather than masking symptoms, this protocol addresses root causes. It’s normal to experience ups and downs as your microbiome shifts. That familiar “two steps forward, one step back” pattern is a sign that deeper change is happening.

Early weeks—and even months—are still just the beginning. Stay patient, stay consistent, and look for subtle improvements. Over time, these small shifts add up to lasting change.

Medical disclaimer: All guidance provided is for general information only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Please consult with your GP or healthcare provider if you have any medical conditions, are taking medication, or have concerns about your symptoms.

Any questions? Contact one of our Nutritional Therapists via live chat, weekdays from 8 am to 8 pm.