Katherine Barlow

Emerging Dietitian, She/Her

Katherine is an Accredited Practicing Dietitian and final year PhD candidate with a special interest in microbiome health, functional gut conditions, menopause and interstitial cystitis.

Grounded in practicality and lived experience, Katherine also takes a neurodivergent-affirming and trauma-informed approach.

Katherine joined Savvy Dietetics in January 2026, and will be supported by our team as she up-skills in the special interest areas of our clinic.

Katherine Barlow Hypermobility Invisible Illness Dietitian Nutritionist Australia

Special interest areas

Gut Disorders

Broad interest in gastrointestinal disorders and management, including food allergies and intolerances.

Invisible Illness Care

Nutrition for invisible illnesses, including hypermobility, POTS & MCAS.

Women’s & AFAB Health

With a strong focus on navigating peri-menopause and menopause, and irritable bladder conditions.

Microbiome Health

Considered and evidence-based management of gut microbiome health, including dysbiotic presentations and SIBO.

I’ve always loved food. Growing up with a mum who was a home economics teacher, I was often in the kitchen from a young age, learning not just how to cook, but the importance and pleasure of fresh, nutritious food.

But my relationship with food hasn’t been straightforward. At various points in my life, I’ve faced chronic health issues that impact my ability to eat freely, including a particularly severe case of post-infectious IBS in my 20s, multiple food intolerances, and other ongoing health challenges. These types of conditions aren’t well understood medically and can be difficult to manage, as there’s no “one-size-fits-all” solution. Being a foodie while managing this has often felt like a constant balancing act.

When my daughter was born and faced her own food allergies and intolerances, it cemented my desire to understand more about how diet can influence and shape health, and I was fascinated by the potential of the emerging gut microbiome science. I left my corporate career and returned to university to study dietetics, determined to better understand my own health challenges and to turn my personal experience into knowledge and support for others.

Hello, I’m Katherine!

I’m now in the final stages of a PhD exploring how the oral and gut microbiomes influence mental health and cognition. Through my research and lived experience navigating complex gut challenges, I’ve come to appreciate how interconnected the gut is with almost every aspect of our health, including immunity, hormones, metabolism, and mood. Understanding these connections has deepened my passion for helping people with complex gut issues, and for translating microbiome science into practical strategies that work for each individual’s body.

I know firsthand how stressful food can feel when every choice comes with a “what if?” and understand the frustration of loving food but feeling limited by your own body. I also appreciate the practical challenges we often face juggling work, family, a busy life, and a budget, as well as the fatigue that comes with chronic health issues. All of these things can make healthy eating feel even more complicated. That’s why my approach is practical, compassionate, and evidence-based. I aim to help people find answers and strategies that help them optimise their health but also work with their lifestyle, so they can nourish their bodies, enjoy food, and live without constant anxiety.

Booking In

The nitty gritty

Peer reviewed journal article: Cancer survivors’ perspectives of dietary information provision after cancer treatment: A scoping review of the Australian context.

Academic Presentations | Australian Society for Microbiology Conference, Brisbane (2024) – Longitudinal changes in the oral microbiome of healthy adults undergoing an intensive training program | Commonwealth Dept. of Defence Human Sciences Symposium, Brisbane (2023) – Exploring the oral microbiome and wellbeing: Findings from the HPRnet Microbiome Study.

Awards | 3-Minute Thesis Winner – QUT School of Biomedical Sciences (2023) | Dietitians Australia Queensland Branch Prize – Outstanding Academic Performance (2021).

Memberships | Dietitian's Australia | Dietitian Connection | ACNEM | Australian Human Microbiome Research Network

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Career highlights

2024 | Microbial Healthcare Symposium | Mental Health First Aid

2023 | Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering Mentoring Program | Australian Gastrointestinal Research Alliance Seminar, Australian Human Microbiome Research Network Annual Symposium,

Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics (Honours, First Class) | Queensland University of Technology

Bachelor of Business - University of Strathclyde

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Learning

Katherine is currently seeing new clients!

Click here to be taken to our online booking portal to schedule an Initial Consult. If you’d like a hand with this, email us at admin@savvydietetics.com.au.

As an Emerging Dietitian, Katherine is currently building her clinical experience in working with invisible illnesses. She is strongly supported and mentored by the team to help her build confidence and ensure every clients receives a quality experience.

NOTE: Katherine does not see clients under 15y/o, or those primarily seeking eating disorder care.