Dr. Jason Hawrelak - Probiotic Advisor

Dr Hawrelak is Head of Research at ProbioticAdvisor.com. His passion for gastrointestinal health, the GIT microbiota, and probiotics was ignited during the final year of his undergraduate training in 1999. Subsequently, Dr Hawrelak did his Honours (First Class) and PhD degrees in the areas of the gastrointestinal microbiota, irritable bowel syndrome, and the clinical applications of pre- and probiotics. He has written extensively in the medical literature on these topics – including 20 textbook chapters. A list of some of Jason’s publications is below, with links to some of the articles.

Dr Hawrelak has taught health professionals at both the undergraduate and postgraduate level for the past 20 years. He currently coordinates and teaches the Evidence-based Complementary Medicine Program in the College of Health & Medicine at the University of Tasmania (Hobart, Australia) and is the Gastrointestinal Imbalances lecturer in the Master of Science in Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine program at the University of Western States (Portland, Oregon). He is also a Visiting Research Fellow at the Australian Research Centre for Complementary and Integrative Medicine (ARCCIM) at the University of Technology Sydney (Sydney, Australia).

He regularly presents to other health professionals at National and International conferences and has been featured on a number of online Gut Health Summits. A number of his more recent presentations are detailed below.

Dr Hawrelak is on the Medical Nutrition Council of the American Society for Nutrition and in July 2015, Jason was awarded a Fellowship from the American College of Nutrition for his significant contributions to the teaching and practice of nutrition in Australia and North America. Dr Hawrelak was also awarded a Fellowship for his long-standing to the field of Western Herbal Medicine by the Naturopaths and Herbalist Association of Australia in 2017.

His lectures and publications have changed the way thousands of practitioners in Australia, Canada, and the US manage gastrointestinal conditions and modify the microbiome – specifically their use of prebiotics and probiotics.

Dr Hawrelak is a clinician with over 20 years’ experience working in busy natural medicine apothecaries and clinics. The main focus of his practice is modification of the gastrointestinal microbiota and the treatment of gastrointestinal conditions, both acute and chronic – such as irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, gluten-related disorders, peptic ulcer disease, intestinal parasites, fructose intolerance, autism sprectrum disorders, and SIBO.

Publications:

Parker J, O’Brien C, Hawrelak JA, Gersh FL. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: An Evolutionary Adaptation to Lifestyle and the Environment. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Jan 25;19(3):1336. doi: 10.3390/ijerph19031336.

Parker J, O’Brien C, Hawrelak JA. A narrative review of the role of gastrointestinal dysbiosis in the pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome. Obstetrics & Gynecology Science. 2022; 65(1): 14-28. doi: 10.5468/ogs.21185.

Erdrich S, Harnett JE, Hawrelak JA, Myers SP. Re: European guideline on indications, performance, and clinical impact of hydrogen and methane breath tests in adult and pediatric patients. United European Gastroenterology Journal. Published online December 9, 2021. doi/10.1002/ueg2.12184.

Parker J, Hawrelak JA, Gersh FL. Nutritional role of polyphenols as a component of a healthy diet pattern in the management of polycystic ovary syndrome. Journal of the Australasian College of Nutritional and Environmental Medicine. 2021;40(2).

Erdrich S, Tan E, Hawrelak JA, Myers SP, Harnett J. Hydrogen-methane breath testing results influenced by oral hygiene. Sci Rep 11, 26 (2021). doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-79554-x.

Bostock E, Kirkby K, Garry M, Taylor B, Hawrelak JA. Response to Commentary on Consumer reports of “keto flu” associated with the ketogenic diet. Frontiers in Nutrition. Published online Dec. 17, 2020; doi:10.3389/fnut.2020.575713.

Erdrich S, Hawrelak JA, Myers SP, Harnett J. A systematic review of the association between fibromyalgia and functional gastrointestinal disorders. Therapeutic Advances in Gastroenterology. Published online Dec. 8, 2020. doi: 10.21203/rs.2.21966/v1

Hawrelak JA. Prebiotics, Synbiotics and Colonic Foods. In: Murray M, Pizzorno J (eds). Textbook of Natural Medicine, 5th ed. Elsevier, 2020:797-808.

Hawrelak JA. Probiotics. In: Murray M, Pizzorno J (eds). Textbook of Natural Medicine, 5th ed. Elsevier, 2020:809-822.

Hawrelak JA, Harnett J. The Microbiome. In: Hechtman L (ed). Advanced Clinical Naturopathic Medicine. Elsevier, 2020:110-144.

Erdrich S, Hawrelak JA, Myers SP, Harnett J. Could test preparation & interpretation impact hydrogen-methane breath testing results? A survey of current practices. Inconsistencies in Hydrogen-Methane Breath Testing: A Case for Standardisation of Procedures. Advances in Integrative Medicine. Published online June 1, 2020. doi: 10.1016/j.aimed.2020.03.003.

Steel A, Goldenberg JZ, Hawrelak JA, Foley H, Gerontakos S, Harnett JE, Schloss J, Reid R. Integrative physiology and traditional naturopathic practice: results of an international observational study. Integrative Medicine Research. 2020;9(4):100424. doi.org/10.1016/j.imr.2020.100424.

Erdrich S, Hawrelak JA, Myers SP, Harnett J. Determining the association between fibromyalgia, the gut microbiome and its biomarkers: A systematic review. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. 2020; 21, 181. doi.org/10.1186/s12891-020-03201-9.

Avila A, Breakspear I, Hawrelak JA, Salmond S, Evans S. A Systematic Review and Quality Assessment of Case Reports of Adverse Events for Borage (Borago officinalis), Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara) and Comfrey (Symphytum officinale. Fitoterapia. 2020;142. doi: 10.1016/j.fitote.2020.104519.

Bostock E, Kirkby K, Garry M, Taylor B, Hawrelak JA. Consumer reports of “keto flu” associated with the ketogenic diet. Frontiers in Nutrition. 2020; 7:20. Published 13/03/2020. doi:10.3389/fnut.2020.00020.

Hawrelak JA, Wohlmuth H, Pattinson M, Myers SP, Goldenberg JZ, Harnett J, Cooley K, Van de Venter C, Reid R, Whitten D. Western herbal medicines in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Complementary Therapies in Medicine. 2020;48:102233. doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2019.102233.

Goldenberg JZ, Brignall M, Hamilton M, Beardsley J, Batson RD, Hawrelak JA, Lichenstein B, Johnstone, BC. Biofeedback for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Published Nov 12, 2019. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD012530

Hawrelak JA. Irritable Bowel Syndrome. In: Sarris J, Wardle J (eds). Clinical Naturopathy, 3rd ed. Elsevier, 2019: 73-103.

Hawrelak JA. Gastro-oesophageal Reflux Disease. In: Sarris J, Wardle J (eds). Clinical Naturopathy, 3rd ed. Elsevier, 2019:104-120.

Whitten D. and Hawrelak JA. Are maternally administered probiotic strains transferred to breastmilk: a systematic review of human studies. Advances in Integrative Medicine. 2019;6, S85. doi: 10.1016/j.aimed.2019.03.242.

Hawrelak JA, Wohlmuth H, Pattinson M, Myers SP, Goldenberg JZ, Harnett J, Cooley K, Van de Venter C, Reid R, Whitten D. Western herbal medicines in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Advances in Integrative Medicine. 2019;6, doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2019.102233.

Schloss J, McIntyre E, Steel A, Bradley R, Harnett J, Reid R, Hawrelak JA, Goldenberg JZ, Van de Venter C, Cooley K. Lessons from outside and within: Exploring advancements in methodology for naturopathic medicine clinical research. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. 2019. 25(2):135-140. doi: 10.1089/acm.2018.0403.

Whitten DL and Hawrelak JA. Are maternally administered probiotic strains transferred to breastmilk? A systematic review of human studies. Breastfeeding Medicine 2018; 13(7): A-55.

Bostock E, Kirkby K, Garry M, Taylor B, Hawrelak JA. Mania associated with herbal medicines other than Cannabis: A systematic review and quality assessment of case reports. Frontiers in Psychiatry. 2018;9(280): doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2018.00280.

Hawrelak JA. Diarrhea-predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Anxiety. In: Sarris J, Wardle J (eds). Clinical Naturopathy: In Practice. Elsevier, 2017: 2-5.

Hawrelak JA. Gastro-oesophageal Reflux Disease and Functional Constipation. In: Sarris J, Wardle J (eds). Clinical Naturopathy: In Practice. Elsevier, 2017: 6-9.

Hawrelak JA. Prebiotics. In: Braun L, Cohen M (eds). Essential Herbs and Natural Supplements. Elsevier, 2017: 697-714.

Hawrelak JA. Probiotics. In: Braun L, Cohen M (eds). Essential Herbs and Natural Supplements. Elsevier, 2017: 715-755.

Hawrelak JA, Whitten DL. Does partially hydrolysed guar gum have a role to play in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome: A systematic review. Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology. 2016;50(suppl 2):S200. (conference extract).

Walton R, Whitten DL, Hawrelak JA. The efficacy of Hibiscus sabdariffa (rosella) in essential hypertension: A systematic review of clinical trials. Australian Journal of Herbal Medicine. 2016;28(2)48-51. doi:

Hawrelak JA. Prebiotics. In Braun L, Cohen M (eds). Herbs and Natural Supplements, 4th ed. Elsevier, 2015: 760-770.

Hawrelak JA. Probiotics. In Braun L, Cohen M (eds). Herbs and Natural Supplements, 4th ed. Elsevier, 2015: 771-795.

Hawrelak JA. Psyllium. In Braun L, Cohen M (eds). Herbs and Natural Supplements, 4th ed. Elsevier. Elsevier, 2015: 796-801.

Hawrelak JA. Gastrooesophageal Reflux Disease. In: Wardle J, Sarris J (eds). Clinical Naturopathy: An Evidence-Based Guide to Practice, 2nd ed. Elsevier, 2014:101-117.

Hawrelak JA. Irritable Bowel Syndrome. In: Wardle J, Sarris J (eds). Clinical Naturopathy: An Evidence-Based Guide to Practice, 2nd ed. Elsevier, 2014:73-100.

Hawrelak JA. Prebiotics, Synbiotics and Colonic Foods. In: Murray M, Pizzorno J (eds). Textbook of Natural Medicine, 4th ed. Churchill Livingstone, 2013:966-978.

Hawrelak JA. Probiotics. In: Murray M, Pizzorno J (eds). Textbook of Natural Medicine, 4th ed. Churchill Livingstone, 2013:979-994.

Dwyer A, Whitten DL, Hawrelak JA. Herbal medicines, other than St John’s wort, in the treatment of mild-to-moderate depression: A systematic review. Alternative Medicine Review. 2011;16:40-49. PMID: 21438645

Hawrelak JA, Myers SP. The effects of two naturopathic formulations on irritable bowel syndrome symptoms: a pilot study. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. 2010;10:1065-1071. doi: 10.1089/acm.2009.0090

Hawrelak JA. Constipation-predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome. In: Wardle J, Sarris J (eds). Clinical Naturopathy: An Evidence-Based Guide to Practice. Sydney: Churchill Livingstone, 2010: 52-74.

Hawrelak JA. Gastrooesophageal Reflux Disease. In: Wardle J, Sarris J (eds). Clinical Naturopathy: An Evidence-Based Guide to Practice. Sydney: Churchill Livingstone, 2010: 75-87.

Hawrelak JA, Cattley T, Myers SP. Essential oils in the treatment of intestinal dysbiosis: a preliminary in vitro study. Alternative Medicine Review. 2009;14:380-384. doi:

Jenkins C, Evans S, Hawrelak JA, Wohlmuth H. Herbal medicines prepared by traditional and contemporary methods – a comparative study. Planta Medica. 2009;75:992. doi: 10.1055/s-0029-1234659

Hawrelak JA. Probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics. Journal of Complementary Medicine. 2007;6:28-35.

Whitten DL, Myers SP, Hawrelak JA, Wohlmuth H. The effect of St John’s wort extracts on CYP3A: a systematic review of prospective clinical trials. British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2006;62:512-526. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2125.2006.02755.x

Hawrelak JA. Prebiotics. In: Murray M, Pizzorno J (eds). Textbook of Natural Medicine, 3rd ed. St Louis: Churchill Livingstone, 2005: 1183-1194.

Hawrelak JA. Probiotics. In: Murray M, Pizzorno J (eds). Textbook of Natural Medicine, 3rd ed. St Louis: Churchill Livingstone, 2005: 1195-1216.

Hawrelak JA, Whitten DL, Myers SP. Is Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG effective in preventing the onset of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea: a systematic review. Digestion. 2005; 72:51-56. doi: 10.1159/000087637

Hawrelak JA. Probiotics and functional foods for gastrointestinal disorders. Journal of Complementary Medicine. 2005;4:42-50.

Hawrelak JA, Myers SP. Do medicinal herbs negatively impact the human gastrointestinal tract microflora: a preliminary in vitro study. Conference Proceedings from the 5th International Conference on Phytotherapeutics 2004.

Hawrelak JA, Myers SP. Herbal Medicine in Cardiovascular Disease. In: Cohen M (ed). Holistic Solutions for Sustainable Healthcare. Melbourne, Australian Integrative Medical Association 2004: 211-242.

Hawrelak JA, Myers SP. The Causes of Intestinal Dysbiosis: A review. Alternative Medicine Review. 2004; 9(2):180-197. PMID: 15253677

Hawrelak JA. Probiotics: Choosing the right one for your needs. Journal of the Australian Traditional-Medicine Society. 2003;9(2):67-76.

Hawrelak JA. Giardia: Pathophysiology and Management. Alternative Medicine Review. 2003;8(2):129-142.

Hawrelak JA. Medicinal plant monograph: Guava (Psidium guajava). Journal of the Australian Traditional-Medicine Society. 2003;9(1):25-30. PMID: 12777159

Hawrelak JA. Prebiotics: What are they and how safe? Journal of the Australian Traditional-Medicine Society. 2002;8(4):151-156.

Hawrelak JA. Probiotics: Are supplements really better than yoghurt? Journal of the Australian Traditional-Medicine Society. 2002;8(1):11-23.

Myers SP, Hawrelak JA. Intestinal Dysbiosis, Gastritis and Irritable Bowel Syndrome. In: Ngu MJ (ed). Proceedings of the Integrative Medicine Conference and Exhibition. Melbourne, Australian Integrative Medical Association. 2001:53-56.

Myers SP, Hawrelak JA. Evidence-based Complementary Medicine in Gastroenterology. Proceedings of the National Conference of the Gastroenterological Nurses Society of Australia. 2000:14.

Selected Academic Presentations:

SIBO Breath Testing: Is it Time for a Change in Protocol? Gastroenterology Association of Naturopathic Physicians Annual Conference. Virtual Event. Oct. 17, 2021. Presented remotely.

Probiotic Myth Busting: Facts and Fallacies in the World of Probiotics. Dietitians Unite Conference. Virtual Event. May 21, 2021. Presented remotely.

Endotoxemia: A Driver of Chronic Disease. National Symposium on Herbal and Naturopathic Medicine. Gold Coast, QLD. May 1, 2021.

Introduction to the Gastrointestinal System & the Microbiome. Australasian College of Nutritional and Environmental Medicine – Foundations of Nutritional and Environmental Medicine module. Melbourne, VIC. May 1, 2021. Presented remotely.

Probiotics – Sorting the Strain from the Chaff. GastroANP Gastroenterology Conference. Portland, Oregon, USA. Oct. 18, 2020. Presented remotely.

Effects of Pre- and Probiotics on the Microbiome in Autism Spectrum Disorders. Medical Academy of Pediatric and Special Needs Fall 2020 Functional Medicine Conference. Scottsdale, Arizona, USA. Sept. 25, 2020. Presented remotely.

Using Probiotics and Prebiotics to Enhance Immunity. Australasian College of Nutritional and Environmental Medicine 10th Science of Nutrition in Medicine Conference. Online Conference. May 11, 2020. Presented remotely.

The Gastrointestinal Microbiome – It’s Importance to Health. Complex Health Conditions in Autism Conference. Vancouver, Canada. Jan 25, 2020.

Tools to Assess and Modify the Microbiota. Complex Health Conditions in Autism Conference. Vancouver, Canada. Jan 25, 2020.

Blastocystis and Dientamoeba – Gastrointestinal Pathogens or Commensal Symbionts? Functional GI Symposium. Australian Traditional Medicine Society. Sydney, NSW. Sept. 15, 2019.

Probiotics – Their Role in Strengthening Immunity and Treating Infections. New Zealand Association of Medical Herbalists 2019 Annual Conference. Christchurch, New Zealand. May 26, 2019.

Using Herbal Medicines to Modify the Microbiota. 11th International Conference on Herbal and Naturopathic Medicine. Melbourne, VIC. Mar 29, 2019.

Gastrointestinal Microbiota Assessment – Dissecting Pathology Results. Australasian College of Nutritional and Environmental Medicine – Gastrointestinal Health module. Hobart, TAS. Mar. 4, 2019.

Prebiotics, Probiotics and Microbiota-Nourishing Foods – the Foundations of Treatment. Australasian College of Nutritional and Environmental Medicine – Gastrointestinal Health module. Hobart, TAS. Mar. 3, 2019.

Using Herbal Medicines to Modify the Microbiota. Botanica 2018. Brighton, UK. Sept 1, 2018.

Continuing Professional Education: What’s ethics got to do with it? Australian Naturopathic Summit. Lennox Head, NSW. Aug. 26, 2018.

A Case of Blastocystis Infection: Or is it? Australian Naturopathic Summit. Lennox Head, NSW. Aug. 25, 2018.

SIBO Diagnosis and Treatment. Naturopaths and Herbalists Association of Australia South Australian Seminar. Adelaide, SA. May 20, 2018.

The Vaginal Microbiome – the Vital Roles of this Under-Appreciated Ecosystem. MINDD International Forum. Sydney, NSW. May 11-13, 2018.

Stool Analysis Masterclass and Workshop. Probiotic Advisor Live Event. Perth, WA. Mar 11, 2018.

Stool Analysis Masterclass and Workshop. Probiotic Advisor Live Event. Hobart, TAS. Nov 26, 2017.

Depression and the GIT Microbiota. Australian Traditional Medicine Society. Gut-Brain Connection Seminar. Sydney, NSW. Nov 19, 2017.

Depression and the Gastrointestinal Tract Microbiota. Australasian Society of Lifestyle Medicine Conference. Sydney, NSW. Sept 17, 2017.

Stool Analysis Masterclass and Workshop. Probiotic Advisor Live Event. Melbourne, VIC. Aug 20, 2017.

Faecal Testing. Functional Nutrition Academy – Nutrition Summit. Brisbane, Qld. July 30, 2017.

Modifying the Microbiota in Metabolic Disease: An Under-utilised Clinical Approach. 10th International Conference on Herbal Medicine. Brisbane, QLD. March 18, 2017.

The Role of the Gastrointestinal Tract Microbiota in Metabolic Disease. Australasian Society of Lifestyle Medicine Conference. Melbourne, VIC. Nov 5, 2016.

Probiotics and Prebiotics in Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) Management. Australian SIBO Summit. Melbourne, VIC & Sydney NSW. Oct 8-10, 2016.

The Gastrointestinal Tract Microbiota in Metabolic Disease. Australasian Integrative Medical Association Conference. Sydney, NSW. Sept 3, 2016.

Does Partially-Hydrolysed Guar Gum have a Role to Play in the Management of Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Systematic Review. 8th Probiotics, Prebiotics and New Foods for Microbiota and Health. Rome, Italy. Sept 15, 2015.

Strategies to Protect and Restore a Healthy Gastrointestinal Microbiota. Australasian Integrative Medical Association Conference. Melbourne, VIC. July 18, 2015.

Creating, Sustaining, and Restoring a Healthy Gastrointestinal Tract Ecosystem. 9th International Conference on Herbal Medicine. Sydney, NSW. Mar 20, 2015.

Rediscovering Motherwort. 9th International Conference on Herbal Medicine. Sydney, NSW. Mar 22, 2015.

Phytotherapy in the Treatment of Dysbiosis of the Small and Large Bowel. The 2014 International Congress on Natural Medicine. Sydney, NSW. June 8, 2014.

What is Evidence-based Medicine? Tasmanian Chapter of the National Herbalists Association of Australia (NHAA). Hobart. April 30, 2014.

Natural Medicines to Prevent and Treat Traveller’s Diarrhoea. 8th International Conference on Herbal Medicine. Melbourne, VIC. Apr. 14, 2013

Probiotics: Sorting the Strain from the Chaff. 8th International Conference on Herbal Medicine. Melbourne, VIC. Apr. 13, 2013

The Clinical Applications of Prebiotics and Probiotics, with a Focus on Understanding and Treating Intestinal Dysbiosis and Gastrointestinal Infections (day-long workshop). Byron Bay, NSW. June 23, 2012.

Naturopathic Management of Common Chronic Gastrointestinal Tract Presentations – Fructose Intolerance, Gluten-related Disorders, Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Ulcerative Colitis (day-long workshop). Byron Bay, NSW. June 24, 2012.

The Clinical Applications of Pre- & Probiotics: with a Focus on Understanding and Treating Intestinal and Vaginal Dysbiosis (day-long workshop). Lismore, NSW. June 26, 2011.

The Gastrointestinal Microbiota – a Vital Human Organ. Organic Mission Konferencia. Budapest, Hungary. Oct. 18, 2009.

The Therapeutic Applications of Probiotics, Prebiotics and Fermented Foods. Organic Mission Konferencia. Budapest, Hungary. Oct. 18, 2009.

Therapeutic Applications of Pre-, Syn- and Probiotics. Tasmanian Chapter of the NHAA. Hobart. Sep. 9, 2008.

Forgotten Treasures: The Rediscovery of Some “Lost” Western Materia Medica. 6th International Conference on Phytotherapeutics. Canberra. Sept. 23, 2007.

Nutritional Management of Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Australian Traditional-Medicine Society Gastrointestinal Forum. Sydney. Nov.17, 2002.

Promoting Gastrointestinal Health with Probiotics. Australian Traditional-Medicine Society Gastrointestinal Forum. Sydney. Nov.17, 2002.

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