In celebration of World Digestive Health Day 2025, we sat down with Dr Piper Dobner, NMD, MS, Senior Manager, Science & Education at SFI Health Americas, to explore what truly inspires her work – and why the gut microbiome is so much more than a clinical focus. It’s a calling.

Rooted in Nature, Guided by Science

“What inspires my passion for the human microbiome,” Dr Dobner begins, “is how deeply it aligns with the roots of naturopathic medicine. Naturopathy is about the small, intentional choices we make each day to support health – it’s a lifestyle, a mindset, and, for many of us, a sacred practice.”

For Dr Dobner, the microbiome is a mirror of how we live. It’s in the grounding act of walking barefoot on the earth. It’s in the soil under our fingernails after a day in the garden. It’s in the sunlight that touches our skin and the food we choose to nourish ourselves with. “Nature truly is medicine,” she says. “And the microbiome is one of its most beautiful expressions.”

From Clinical Practice to Microbial Restoration

In her clinical work, Dr Dobner focused on patients with autoimmune conditions and recurrent C. difficile infections – cases where traditional treatments often fall short. “Supporting these patients throughhas reshaped how I approach care,” she explains. “It’s not just about eradicating illness. It’s about restoring balance.”

That restoration goes beyond protocols. It includes hydration, nutrient-dense foods, time in nature, mitochondrial support, and meaningful connection. “These may sound simple,” she says, “but integrating them into daily life is where the real challenge – and the real healing – begins.”

Learning, Growing, and “Nourishing the Nerd”

Dr Dobner’s role at SFI Health has only deepened her appreciation for the microbiome. “Each week, I get to dive into the latest research, attend conferences, and learn from brilliant colleagues. It’s intellectually fulfilling – and it reconnects me with the foundational principles that can sometimes get lost in the busyness of practice.”

She laughs, “It’s a great way to nourish my inner nerd.”

“Nourish to Flourish” – What It Means in 2025

This year’s World Digestive Health Day theme, “Nourish to Flourish,” resonates deeply with Dr Dobner. “To me, it’s about embracing diversity – especially within the gut. A resilient digestive system depends on feeding your internal ecosystem what it needs, and that’s different for everyone.”

She envisions a world where people crave fermented foods, not just tolerate them. But she also acknowledges that healing isn’t linear. “Sometimes, nourishment means stepping back – through intermittent fasting or even ‘nature fasts,’ where we unplug and reconnect with the world around us.”

Her message is simple but powerful: “It’s never too early – or too late – to start supporting your body. Whether you’re just beginning your journey or refining it, the most effective nourishment is always rooted in understanding your body’s unique needs.”

At SFI Health, we’re proud to support practitioners like Dr Dobner who bring both heart and science to the forefront of digestive health. This World Digestive Health Day, we invite you to reflect on what nourishment means to you – and how small, intentional choices can help you flourish from the inside out.