Community Guidelines

Core Principles

The Gut Community was created to provide support, share knowledge, and build connections between people experiencing digestive health challenges. These guidelines help ensure our community remains helpful, respectful, and safe for all members.

Sharing Experiences

• Share personal experiences - We encourage you to share what worked for you personally, using "I" statements when possible.
• Avoid universal claims - Everyone's body is different. Please avoid statements like "This will cure your condition" or "Everyone should do this."
• Provide context - When sharing what worked for you, include relevant context about your situation that might help others determine if your experience might be applicable to them.
• Respect medical advice - While sharing your experiences, please encourage others to consult with healthcare providers rather than suggesting they ignore medical advice.

Respectful Communication

• Be kind and supportive - Remember that digestive health issues can be sensitive and embarrassing for many. Approach all interactions with empathy.
• Respect diversity - Our community includes people of all backgrounds, ages, and experiences. Be mindful and respectful of differences.
• Avoid judgment - Everyone's journey is different. What works for one person may not work for another. Avoid criticizing others' choices or experiences.
• Constructive contributions - Focus on adding value to discussions. If you disagree with someone, do so respectfully and explain your reasoning.

Content Guidelines

• No promotion or spam - Don't use the community to promote products, services, or external content without clear disclosure of any affiliations.
• Appropriate content - While we discuss digestive health openly, please keep content appropriate and considerate of the community.
• Privacy matters - Respect others' privacy and don't share others' personal information without permission.
• Medical emergency guidance - If someone appears to be describing a medical emergency, encourage them to seek immediate medical attention rather than waiting for community advice.

Resource Sharing

• Quality sources - When sharing resources or research, try to provide reputable sources when possible.
• Disclose relationships - If you're sharing a resource you're affiliated with, please disclose your relationship to it.
• Context matters - When sharing research or articles, provide context about why you found it helpful or relevant.