Frequently Asked Questions

You will have 24 hours after gaining access to the program to get a 100% Money Back Guarantee. You can rest assured that you’ll get a chance to check it out and make sure it is for you. Some programs and products have lifetime guarantees. But I don’t have that with Gut Rebuilding. The reason is because I am a health coach and it is my job to hold you accountable. Some part of you wants to be here, wants to do this work, but there is likely another part of you that will come to this kicking and screaming. That part of you is what has sabotaged your past efforts. It’s that part of you that either gives up or doesn’t follow through to get the end with the programs you’ve purchased.

Many people believe that because they buy a program online that it’s a computer run, automated program. The truth is, our on-boarding process is all done by real people, my assistants and program manager. Sure, there are some automated emails that get sent to you, but my team manually enters you into our Facebook group, where my Gut Rebuilding moderator welcomes you into the program. You will meet with me live for video streaming conference calls with the group twice a month for live Q&A calls, where you get a chance to ask questions and get coached on the challenges that get in your way while listening to the questions from the other members.

When you register for this program, you’re making a commitment to yourself. To your healing. If I give you a way out after you’ve already started your process, the part of you that doesn’t want to change will resist if you step outside of your comfort zone.

That’s why I created a refund policy that will let you check the program out, and also support you in making real progress with your health.

They happen two times a month. All sessions are recorded. If you are not able to attend live, you will have access to the recordings. Plus you can submit your questions ahead of time so I can answer them on the live call. When you access the online course all the Events are listed so you can save the date to your calendar.

This program is highly adaptable to many diets. I’ve worked with people who have all kinds of dietary needs and wishes and I’m good at working with people where they’re at.

I’ve worked with people on vegan, omnivore, SCD, paleo, GAPS diets and more. It’s very doable to eat the right Gut Rebuilding foods while remaining on these diets.

I have various food recommendations, but for thousands of years and cultures people have been eating in a way that allows them to rebuild their guts with vastly different diets. There’s a lot of flexibility with what you can eat to make it work. Generally, I ask that you change the way you normally eat for a few weeks, but oftentimes people can still adhere to their special diets.

While we can work around many things, you may possibly need to meet me part way in order to rebuild your gut. I’ll be totally honest—I’m not going to try to make you go against your principles. If you’re a strict vegan and you have been sick for a really long time, this program will be challenging for you.

So did I during my process of healing! I went for two months without eating a single fermented food. There are many ways to work around this that it’s a non-issue. Once we get your body back on track, many people find that they can eat foods that were previously off limits again… which is one of my favorite side effects of Gut Rebuilding!

Maybe you’re right about to move or going through some other major life change. In that case, you will need to decide if you have the desire and/or bandwidth to do this now.

If you’re ready to make a change, then I say go for it. Yes, you’ll have to carve out some time to listen to the calls once a week and do a few quick daily things to track your progress. Many busy people find it doable. Depending on what’s going on with you, you might consider waiting, but with a little planning you could start now by fill up your fridge with Gut Rebuilding foods.

My suggestion is to get honest with yourself. Are you avoiding this (oh, our minds will play tricks!) or do you have a legitimate reason for waiting to better. Can you afford to wait?

Know that the sooner you start Gut Rebuilding, the sooner you’ll feel more energy. Many people don’t realize how tired they’ve gotten until they start feeling better. Personally, I’d love for you to get relief as soon as possible. Now that I know what it’s like to feel better, I would do anything to get back the years I spent feeling crappy.

The truth is that you can’t know for certain. That’s why I offer a 100% money back guarantee, so you can try it out. What I do know is that this program worked for me and it’s worked for many, many people when other things failed — even working with other practitioners and doctors.

That’s a fact.

I hear all the time that people have tried 99 things that have not worked…and then they try the [Gut Rebuilding Program]. Shortly after I see them post in the private forum that they’re making great strides, and all of us couldn’t be happier.

Even though the body responds well to the protocol, we are all unique. Some people have more complex issues that have been going on for years. They didn’t get that way overnight. Still, we can all get better and start making improvements. But we have to start somewhere, and ultimately, there is a leap of faith that has to happen.

I know you’re probably ready for things to change and I want that process to happen as quickly for you as possible. That’s why you get immediate access to the handbook and the first module.

Most people see results pretty quickly. And if you need additional support, I am available for private coaching.

There are a few herbs and supplements that I’ve found to be very helpful and supportive to those doing Gut Rebuilding. It makes the process go faster and is kinder and gentler on the body.

It averages out to a few dollars a day. Honestly, at the height of my busted gut I would have paid anything to feel better, and so I tried many different products. All that trial and error wasn’t lost, however, as it helped me find some great things that DO work, and now there are certain brands and formulas that I recommend to my clients as the perfect complement to Gut Rebuilding.

I know that it’s hard to get everything you need and don’t want to spend hours looking for the right brands that have the correct doses. That’s why I made a Gut Rebuilding Kit available for purchase through my website, or you can purchase the individual products and herbs at your local shop.

As an added perk, [the $400 discount] will help with the cost of the supplements.

You’ll also be saving money on future doctor visits, chronic issues that arise from gut imbalance, lost work, etc.

And on a slightly different note — if the cost of the program is the only thing that’s standing in your way of doing this, please consider how you might be get creative to make it work. I’m not suggesting you spend your last dollar to work with me, but for me there came a point where I had to decide to heal no matter what; that it was worth it because people needed me and I had better things to do than be sick all the time.

Gut Rebuilding is laid out with a step-by-step protocol. You get the right information at the right time, in a way that makes sense and that doesn’t overwhelm you.

I love the learning process myself — and there is nothing worse than getting a teacher who doesn’t present the information in a way that you can understand it. After years of teaching this material myself, I know what works and what doesn’t.

Yes, there are a lot of things you can do for free. The best books are out there, and you might even have some of them on your bookshelf right now. But they’re sitting there, and you’re still reading this, which leads me to think that you still need something more.

That’s one of the parts of Gut Rebuilding that I’m most proud of — the community. It really is what sets this program apart from anything else I’ve seen. You can ask questions right away as they come up, so you don’t get stuck. You can also post your celebrations and aha’s in the group, which is equally as important, in my opinion.

Going through any health challenge is hard enough. I really believe no one should do it alone. It’s so much better when you have others who’ve been there and who understand.

There are certain guidelines in Gut Rebuilding, but overall it’s a very flexible program. You might have to modify a recipe here or there, but that shouldn’t interfere with your food restrictions.

Once you’ve done Gut Rebuilding, you might find that you have less food allergies and sensitivities. That was certainly true for me, and I’ve seen it with countless others.

Plus, one of the best parts of Gut Rebuilding is that you’ll learn how to eat foods that really support you. It’s one of the principles — Intuitive Eating. Many people love this because it allows them to tailor the program to what their own body needs in order to thrive.

You can hit reply to this email and I’ll do my very best to get back to you as soon as I can. Once you’re in the program, you can also post unlimited questions in the Facebook group. It’s a very generous and engaged community and you can even tag the moderator to get your question answered.

If you’re still unsure, that’s okay. It’s probably a good thing to feel a little nervous, just like when you’re faced with any big decision. What I’ve come to understand is that when I trust myself, and when I want something bad enough, the effort that I put into it comes back to me tenfold.
I’m excited for you to make real progress and [I’m even more thrilled to offer you the $400 discount] because this program is going to make a big, noticeable difference in your life and in your body.

Doing a cleanse is like a total body reboot. It’s a chance to shed the gunk in your body and then refill it with beautiful things.

Watch this short video to see what our participants experienced.

Food. Whole foods. No fasting here. Buckle up—this is farm to table, baby! We are talking real nutrient dense food maybe a little steam and that’s it. Deliciousness. Don’t worry, it’s going to be super tasty with my special recipe for Miso dressings and a kraut brine chaser for those into fermented foods. Intrigued? You might just end up a convert ;).

We go slow—super gentle—meaning there is food eaten for each meal. During the 10 days of the cleanse I ask people refrain from meat if possible (and go back to it once they are done). But even then we have some who keep eating meat during the cleanse. It’s really about listening to your body’s needs. This shouldn’t be painful.

The cleanse is dairy, gluten, sugar, artificial everything-free…as you will learn during the program, these are the toxins I refer to as we move through this learning process. I do not recommend gluten, dairy, sugar, alcohol, or caffeine on the cleanse therefore none of the supplements should contain those items—whether you purchase mine or others. You will also get a list of other supporting herbs you can purchase if you’d like. This can save you money by DIY-ing it, plus it gives many a deeper connection to the process. But ultimately, it’s whatever works best for you.

No, there is no point in this cleanse where a fast is required. Summer is really cautious when it comes to fasting—it’s not recommended unless people have cleansed with her numerous times and are working with her or another practitioner closely. We help each person tailor the cleanse to work for them—we can make it work for most people.

Yes, the Probiotic Power Cleanse focuses on whole foods. Meat is an option for those who need that extra protein, but is not recommended as the cleanse deepens. I will share an amazing vegetable broth recipe, so you do not need to go the bone broth route to participate in the cleanse.

No, the cleanse menu is not set so you can mix and match recipes for your climate, preference and listen to what your body needs.

You can participate in the cleanse, but unlike most people on the cleanse, you will not remove protein and you’ll eat more fats. You will eat well – but you will eat incredibly clean foods! So it works, but we aren’t trying to get you to cleanse – just clean up your diet and boost probiotics so you can boost your baby’s nutrition through your healthy breast milk.

So you won’t be going into the deep phase and you will be modifying the gentle phase to include protein and eat more fats. This is important because you want to make sure and get enough nutrition for you and your baby! And once you’re not nursing anymore, you can do the cleanse again. There is no hurry if we have you eating cleaner than ever before with the support of an amazing community.

Yes, in fact you may be up for a promotion 🙂

The commitment is about two and a half weeks long, during which there will be regular Q&A phone calls to help you get through it easily. Plan for Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays evening trainings (Eastern Time). The exact dates and times will be available in the online course (we love Ruzuku) as soon as you have completed registration.

How to Prepare Training starts on the Friday, October 13th and the full-on cleanse begins on Friday, October 20th. That way you have time to buy groceries, prep your family and kitchen, and be ready to start. The cleanse is very flexible as to when you start and end…you can set it up on your schedule. All the materials are available to download and save for life!

Your fellow cleanse friends may start on Sunday or Tuesday or decide to break the cleanse after 3 days while others may continue for longer. You will learn to tune into your body to decide how to cleanse and when to stop. Set time in your schedule to attend the live guided cleanse sessions…even if you do not ask questions you will learn a lot from the questions asked by your fellow cleansers and the training I provide at the start of each session. And I record the entire session so even if you are not able to attend live save time to listen to the recording.

There are 2 phases—the gentle cleanse and deep cleanse.
The gentle phase involves eating food everyday, gradually increasing nutrient and mineral content.

The deep phase involves drinking special smoothies, or juices if you pass the pH tests that show your body is ready to cleanse.

You will test your pH at the beginning and throughout the cleanse to monitor their progress and make sure you are cleansing at the right pace. Depending on where you are at physically, you may stay on the gentle phase the entire time and that’s OK. The Probiotic Power Cleanse is all about progress, not some impossible goal.

We will talk about pH until you are an expert. The step-by-step guide you will get will help you, and after some practice you will get it! You’ll learn how to test your pH as part of the cleanse. The pH strips make it easy to be fully prepared. There is a video tutorial in the members-only cleansing downloads page explaining how to test your pH. I have included 30 strips in the cleanse kit so if you want to test multiple times per day you may want to cut the strips in half.

The Cleanse Kit will include enough strips to test twice a day for 10 days (you may not need that many). We buy through Micro Essentials, but you might be able to purchase something similar locally. If not, jump online to order them. We’ve done the research for you! We provide a list of resources with all the links to research and links to buy everything you’ll need. Check out the shop here.

We recommend that you purchase enough to practice and test your pH daily using 2 methods for all 10 days you are cleansing, so maybe 20 strips if you are going to start testing right away. We have included 30 in the cleanse kit so you can test three times per day for 10 days.

You will need to purchase mostly produce, have access either to a juicer, blender, or both.
You will do better to purchase a few additional herbal supplements. Approximately $200 for the whole two weeks is sufficient for the cost of the supplements. I offer a cleanse kit with everything you need, more information about ordering a kit will be available when you register. (Nothing processed.)

Remember, we do not recommend gluten, dairy, sugar, alcohol, or caffeine on the cleanse therefore none of the supplements should contain that – whether you purchase mine or others – you will get a list of other herbs you can purchase if you’d like to create your own kit. Be sure to review the complete list of foods in the Official Cleanse Handbook.

You may want one, but a regular blender will work. How do you like your smoothie? ….I hope you said delicious!

Lymphatic brushing and dead skin cell removal. It’s crazy but true! You skin is your largest detoxification organ. You’ll want to learn these ancient techniques of detoxification that you can use on and off the cleanse. A handout will be provided with tips on how to begin.

The kit includes powders and tea that contain a mix of herbs. If your allergens include herbs then you will want to read the ingredient list closely before consuming (as you would with any product). The cleanse will not “fix” your allergic reaction so use caution and seek medical advice prior to proceeding. The probiotic capsules are vegan as stated on the label.

The cleanse kit is not mandatory, but it will be referred to throughout the cleanse. We have hand crafted the most effective blends of herbs and supplements for this specific cleanse.
You will need enough herbal supplements for a 2 week supply. Read the ingredients! No gluten, soy, dairy, preservatives, additives, colors/dyes, etc. Those are all the toxins the cleanse will ease out leaving you feeling free and clear! You are welcome to purchase all the same supplements, but make sure they are high quality and free of all those no ingredients listed above (vegan would be good too).

There is a private Facebook group to get 24-7 support and feedback from participants. You can stay connected with your fellow cleansers for several months after the cleanse.
There are interactive training calls, webinars, videos, and handouts to get you up to speed on how to start. Plan to attend all the live sessions for support, ideas, and motivation. You also get a cleansing handbook that covers the details of the cleanse.

No, this program does not include private sessions with Summer. That is what the group Q&A sessions are intended for, and you’ll get those three days per week (6 total). We all learn from one another. We are social beings. We must build a support network. And you will have the wisdom of your Facebook group. (The private group only includes those who are in the cleanse, so no one else will see what is posted in this private group forum.)

Intro to Cleansing Reactions: Healing Crises
Cleansing Reactions II: Minimization Through Skill & Awareness
Cleansing Reactions III: Emotional & Spiritual Detox
Relaxation Techniques
Supportive Detox
Going Deeper: From Enemas to Nedi Pots -Clearing the Seven Channels of Elimination
Working While Cleansing: Daily Detox in the Daily Grind
Using Food as a Lever: Speeding Up or Slowing Down the Cleanse
Breaking the Cleanse I & II

You will personalize the cleanse to what you can do and what feels good for your body. Not all of us can go without meat, even for 10 days. Some of us may need to add a little extra to your meal. You are learning how to listen to your body, so go ahead and listen close! Tune in and take it one step at a time. Celebrate. Prance. Cry. Then get back to it. Be gentle with yourself.

And of course we offer The Powerful Cleanse Guarantee.

You can start now! As soon as you register and return the program participant agreement you get access to the first module. You’ll get all the information you need to setup your fermentation station, be able to review the supply list and watch the Making Fermented Veggies video series to start fermenting at home. Then we dive deep into the science of fermentation, the ways that fermented foods are beneficial, as well as when is the best time to use fermented foods to restore the microbiome. The rest of the ferment modules will be released weekly.

Supplies are not included. The good news is that you can order what you need from the supplies list for under $200 and even use jars you already have to ferment in until you are ready to purchase artisan crocks. But just a head’s up—fermenting is addictive and will make you want to budget for cool fermentation gadgets! Just as there are many types of ferments, there are tons of handmade, beautiful crocks, airlocks, cooking gadgets, and more to fuel your fermentation delight.

No travel is required. We used to have in person retreated but we decided to go 100% virtual so that we could keep the cost of the program low and make it accessible to our growing international community. All live group sessions are offered through ZoomMeeting. Love ya, Internet!

The program is a mix of PDF handbooks, MP3 audio recordings, and MP4 videos (including the live calls, which are recorded, too). Everything is recorded and you’ll have access to this information even as we add new scientific studies. Our students love the format of the program — you can take “A Look Inside the Program” by clicking here.

In the past, I’ve asked students to dedicate a block of time each week on the same day to cover their lessons. I suggest scheduling 5-10 hours each week (we release new lessons on Fridays). You should check the previous week’s ferment lesson for the “How to prepare” activity to plan on making that ferment once you’ve learned what supplies you need and how to get ready.

I’ve front-loaded the program so you’re making some of the longer ferments at the beginning such as miso. This way, as you near the end of the program, you will have more time to meet your certification requirements and harvest the ferments you started earlier in the program.

Warning: Once you get savvier with ferments, you might want to make more than just one ferment a week—it’s a really great creative outlet!

This program was made with the lifelong learner in mind. If you are fascinated by the world of bacteria, microbes, and fermentation then you will have a blast. You are not required to own or start a business to do this program, although many started charging for workshops and health consulting afterwards. We’ve had a few Fermentationists start CSA boxes or full on fermented foods processing companies after completing the program.

I’ve had many participants go through the program who used it for personal use only and had a great experience. The bottom line is that the Fermentationist™ Certification Program will teach you how to use fermented foods to get more energy and feel better, both physically and mentally, and give you the skills to develop your business if that is the path you choose.

Absolutely! As an herbalist and health coach, I have found that specializing in fermentation has been a boon to my practice. It helped me stand out and using the word “Fermentationist™” makes people smile and start asking questions–perfect when you are networking.

That said, we’ve had many moms, massage therapists, chefs, and master gardeners come through the program. The one thing they all had in common is they had the enthusiasm to learn!

For more details about what you will learn in the program, listen to the webinar here.

Many of our grads go on to get certified as a health coach after this program so they can start a practice helping people get better. A handful have started making and selling ferments at farmer’s markets and many others started charging to teach people how to make fermented foods! Really, it’s limitless. Whether you want to make your meals more exciting, or you want to help others use fermented foods to pack the microbiome with probiotics, it’s up to you.

The certification requirements include a fermentation log, instructional video, and final project.

The Fermentation Log is where you keep all your notes about each ferment you make, including at least one picture of each ferment to show you made it.

You’ll need to make a 3-5-minute video of you teaching how to make a ferment that is included in the program. You can record it on your phone or computer and upload the video to YouTube. (Share it with the world or set it to unlisted so only I can see it.)

There is also a final project, the requirement is to create a document explaining step-by-step the process of making one fermented food that is not included in the program. This is to test your skills in gathering new information about fermented foods. You may do a variation of one of the ferments already in the program. For example, you could offer instructions for making camel milk kefir (since I teach coconut, milk, and water kefir in the program).

No problem. You can take the course and learn everything without turning in the requirements. Certification is not required to participate in the course.

The following ferments are covered: Sauerkraut, Kimchi, Pickles & Brine, Miso, Yogurt, Injera, Non Dairy Cheese, Kombucha, Vinegar, Kefir, Idlis, and Tempeh!

One of the big distinctions of the program is that you learn all the science behind the ferments so you can be sure you know what you’re talking about.

Some people who came into the program to help themselves or their families have gone on to give talks in their community, while others have started big gardens to keep up with their newfound passion for fermentation. There’s really no limit to what you can do, especially since the material is presented in a way that teaches you how to be a critical thinker, problem solver, and creative fermentation artist.

Yes, I give access to my business building intensive to all participants, which includes my resources and lectures for both an online wellness practice and a food production company.

Whether you want to become a health coach or start a food-based company, this behind-the-scenes collection of over a dozen interviews with other 6-figure wellness practitioners will help you become a sharpshooter in business. Getting this creative business advice is like having a seasoned mentor right alongside you to fast track your financial success.

Additionally, you are invited to 4 group coaching sessions to share and learn along with your fellow Fermentationists™. If you are interested in getting personalized coaching for your business you can read about working with me privately here.

I studied pre-med at The Evergreen State College. The science programs and laboratory studies are graduate level – we had access to machines and devices that undergraduates rarely get to touch! At the end of my studies I decided that I didn’t want to write prescriptions, so I veered towards nutrition. At Evergreen you can write ‘contracts’ which are self-directed programs overseen by a professor. To obtain my second bachelor’s degree in science, I studied the propagation of Rhizopus oligosporus, which is the mold that makes tempeh – a bean ferment we cover in the Fermentationist™ Certification Program. I bought a ton of unique textbooks on microbiology, fermentation, and industrial food production. I also researched the gut. I’ve dedicated my entire adult life to fermented foods. I’ve used them to heal my own health issues and I’ve helped thousands of others to get rid of bloating, IBD, Candida, ADD, constipation, and more. And while I’ve since sold the company, I started an award-winning gourmet sauerkraut company.

I am certified in Integrative Nutrition from Columbia University and a graduate of the Institute of Integrative Nutrition. I completed my certification in Herbology in a full-time 650+ hour program in New Mexico in 2001. Everything else I have learned has been self-taught. I geek out on textbooks. I love reading research studies. I compile these scientific studies for your references into the handbooks in the Fermentationist Certification Program.

We don’t currently give out our graduates contact information—but you can go check out these videos to witness their experiences. Our grads are so passionate about what they learned in the program that they volunteered to submit videos of themselves sharing what they got out of it. I think you’ll find this useful. Watch the Fermentationists™ here.

The program is rolling, so yes, you can sign up for it in a few months. However the sooner you start the program, the sooner you’ll learn about how to save money on store-bought probiotics. Also, be sure to watch the webinar because I share a way that you can make the program even more affordable so maybe you can begin sooner than you thought!

The program is rolling, so yes, you can sign up for it in a few months. However the sooner you start the program, the sooner you’ll learn about how to save money on store-bought probiotics. Also, be sure to watch the webinar because I share a way that you can make the program even more affordable so maybe you can begin sooner than you thought!