Terms of Service - GutSignals Newsletter

Last Updated: November 18, 2025

1. Agreement to Terms

By subscribing to, accessing, or using the GutSignals newsletter ("Service"), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms"). If you disagree with any part of these Terms, you may not access the Service.GutSignals ("we," "us," or "our") operates from Germany and provides the newsletter service available via email subscription through our website and Beehiiv platform.

2. Description of Service

GutSignals provides educational content about gut health, digestive wellness, and related topics via email newsletter. The Service includes:

  • Weekly/bi-weekly email newsletters with educational content

  • Access to archived content on our website

  • Optional premium content or products (if applicable)

The Service is for informational and educational purposes only and is NOT a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

3. Eligibility

You must be at least 18 years old to subscribe to this Service. If you are under 18, you must have parental or guardian consent to subscribe.By subscribing, you represent and warrant that:

  • You are at least 18 years of age (or 16 with parental consent for EU residents under GDPR)

  • You have the legal capacity to enter into these Terms

  • You will comply with all applicable laws and regulations

4. Medical Disclaimer and Health Information

4.1 Not Medical Advice

IMPORTANT: The content provided through GutSignals is for educational and informational purposes only and is NOT intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in our newsletter.

4.2 No Doctor-Patient Relationship

Subscribing to GutSignals does NOT create a doctor-patient, therapist-patient, or any other healthcare professional-patient relationship between you and GutSignals, its owners, authors, or contributors.

4.3 Individual Results May Vary

Any health information, recommendations, or testimonials provided are not guarantees of results. Individual results may vary based on numerous factors including but not limited to individual health conditions, genetics, lifestyle, and adherence to recommendations.

4.4 Consult Healthcare Professionals

Before making any changes to your diet, exercise routine, supplement regimen, or health practices based on information from GutSignals:

  • Consult with a licensed healthcare professional

  • Inform your doctor of any supplements or dietary changes you plan to make

  • Do not stop taking prescribed medications without consulting your doctor

4.5 Emergency Situations

If you have a medical emergency, call emergency services (112 in EU, 911 in US) immediately. Do NOT rely on information from GutSignals for emergency medical situations.

4.6 Product Recommendations

Any products, supplements, foods, or services mentioned in GutSignals newsletters are for educational purposes. We do not guarantee their safety, efficacy, or suitability for your individual needs. Always:

  • Research products independently

  • Consult your healthcare provider before use

  • Follow manufacturer instructions

  • Be aware of potential allergies, interactions, and contraindications

Full Medical Disclaimer: https://gutsignals.beehiiv.com/medical-disclaimer

5. Subscription and Payment Terms

5.1 Free Subscription

The basic GutSignals newsletter is currently offered free of charge. We reserve the right to introduce paid subscription tiers in the future with advance notice.

5.2 Paid Content (If Applicable)

If you purchase paid content, products, or premium subscriptions:

  • All fees are stated in EUR or USD as specified

  • Payment is due immediately upon purchase

  • Fees are non-refundable except as required by law or stated in our refund policy

  • EU consumers have a 14-day right of withdrawal for digital content (unless waived)

  • We reserve the right to change pricing with 30 days' notice to existing subscribers

5.3 Automatic Renewal

If you subscribe to a paid tier with automatic renewal:

  • Your subscription will automatically renew at the end of each billing period

  • You will be charged the then-current subscription fee

  • You may cancel automatic renewal at any time before the renewal date

  • Cancellation does not entitle you to a refund for the current billing period

5.4 EU Right of Withdrawal

EU consumers have a 14-day right of withdrawal from distance contracts under EU Consumer Rights Directive (2011/83/EU). However, for digital content:

  • The right of withdrawal expires if you consent to immediate access and acknowledge losing your withdrawal right

  • This consent is obtained during checkout for digital products

  • Physical products retain the full 14-day withdrawal right

5.5 Cancellation and Refunds

Free Subscriptions: You may unsubscribe at any time using the unsubscribe link in any email.Paid Subscriptions:

  • You may cancel at any time, effective at the end of the current billing period

  • Refunds are provided as required by applicable EU and German consumer protection law

  • We reserve the right to offer discretionary refunds on a case-by-case basis

6. Intellectual Property Rights

6.1 Our Content

All content provided through GutSignals, including but not limited to text, graphics, logos, images, and software, is the property of GutSignals or its content suppliers and is protected by German, EU, and international copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws.You may:

  • Read and consume the content for personal, non-commercial use

  • Print individual newsletters for personal use

  • Share links to our web content on social media

You may NOT:

  • Reproduce, distribute, or republish our content without written permission

  • Use our content for commercial purposes

  • Create derivative works from our content

  • Remove copyright or attribution notices

  • Use our content in any way that infringes intellectual property rights

6.2 Trademarks

"GutSignals" and our logo are trademarks. You may not use our trademarks without prior written consent.

6.3 User-Generated Content

If you submit comments, questions, testimonials, or other content to us:

  • You grant us a worldwide, perpetual, royalty-free license to use, reproduce, modify, and distribute that content

  • You represent that you have the right to grant this license

  • You waive any moral rights in the content to the extent permitted by law

  • We reserve the right to remove any user-generated content at our discretion

7. Privacy and Data Protection (GDPR Compliance)

7.1 Privacy Policy

Your use of the Service is governed by our Privacy Policy, which complies with the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Please review our Privacy Policy at: https://gutsignals.beehiiv.com/privacy-policy

7.2 Your GDPR Rights

As a data subject under GDPR, you have the following rights:

  • Right to access: Request copies of your personal data

  • Right to rectification: Request correction of inaccurate data

  • Right to erasure ("right to be forgotten"): Request deletion of your data

  • Right to restrict processing: Request limitation of how we process your data

  • Right to data portability: Receive your data in a structured, machine-readable format

  • Right to object: Object to processing of your data for specific purposes

  • Right to withdraw consent: Withdraw consent at any time without affecting prior processing

  • Right to lodge a complaint: File a complaint with your national data protection authority

To exercise these rights, contact us at: [email protected]German Data Protection Authority (BfDI): https://www.bfdi.bund.de/

7.3 Legal Basis for Processing

We process your personal data based on:

  • Consent: You have given explicit consent (subscription signup)

  • Contract: Processing is necessary to provide the Service

  • Legitimate interests: For analytics, security, and service improvement (where not overridden by your rights)

7.4 Data Retention

We retain your personal data only as long as necessary for the purposes outlined in our Privacy Policy or as required by German and EU law. Upon unsubscribing:

  • We will delete or anonymize your data within 90 days

  • Exception: We may retain data longer where required for legal or accounting purposes (e.g., tax records for 10 years under German law)

7.5 International Data Transfers

Your data may be processed by our service provider Beehiiv (located in the United States). Such transfers comply with GDPR through:

  • Standard Contractual Clauses approved by the EU Commission

  • Adequacy decisions where applicable

  • Other approved transfer mechanisms

7.6 Cookies and Tracking

Our website uses cookies. You can control cookies through your browser settings. For details, see our Privacy Policy.

8. Affiliate Relationships and Advertising

8.1 Affiliate Disclosure

GutSignals may contain affiliate links to products or services. If you purchase through these links, we may receive a commission at no additional cost to you.We only recommend products we believe may be valuable to our audience. However:

  • We do not guarantee the quality, safety, or efficacy of affiliate products

  • Our affiliate relationships do not influence our editorial content

  • We are not responsible for the actions of affiliate partners

Full Affiliate Disclosure: https://gutsignals.beehiiv.com/affiliate-disclosure-policy

8.2 Advertising

We may display advertisements in our newsletters through Beehiiv's Ad Network or direct sponsors. Advertisements are clearly marked as "Sponsored" or "Advertisement." We do not endorse advertisers or their products unless explicitly stated.

8.3 Transparency

We comply with German competition law (UWG) and EU consumer protection directives regarding advertising transparency. All material connections (sponsorships, affiliate relationships) are clearly disclosed.

9. Acceptable Use Policy

You agree NOT to:

9.1 Prohibited Actions

  • Use the Service for any illegal purpose or in violation of German, EU, or applicable laws

  • Impersonate any person or entity or misrepresent your affiliation

  • Transmit viruses, malware, or other harmful code

  • Attempt to gain unauthorized access to our systems

  • Scrape, harvest, or collect user data without permission

  • Interfere with or disrupt the Service or servers

  • Use automated systems (bots, scrapers) to access the Service

9.2 Content Restrictions

  • Share content that is defamatory, obscene, offensive, or harmful

  • Post content that infringes intellectual property rights

  • Distribute spam or unsolicited communications under German UWG and GDPR

  • Share false, misleading, or fraudulent health information

9.3 Enforcement

We reserve the right to:

  • Remove any content that violates these Terms

  • Suspend or terminate your subscription for violations

  • Report illegal activity to German law enforcement authorities

  • Take legal action for serious violations

10. Disclaimer of Warranties

THE SERVICE IS PROVIDED "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED.TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY GERMAN AND EU LAW, WE DISCLAIM ALL WARRANTIES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO:

  • MERCHANTABILITY: We do not warrant that the Service is suitable for your particular purpose

  • FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE: We do not warrant that the Service will meet your specific needs

  • NON-INFRINGEMENT: We do not warrant that the Service does not infringe third-party rights

  • ACCURACY: We do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content

  • AVAILABILITY: We do not guarantee uninterrupted, timely, secure, or error-free service

  • RESULTS: We do not guarantee any specific health outcomes from using the information provided

WE MAKE NO WARRANTIES REGARDING:

  • The effectiveness of any health information, recommendations, or protocols

  • The safety or suitability of any products or services mentioned

  • The qualifications or credentials of any contributors or guests

  • The results you may achieve from following our content

IMPORTANT: These disclaimers do not affect mandatory consumer rights under German and EU law. Nothing in these Terms limits your statutory rights as a consumer.

11. Limitation of Liability

11.1 Statutory Liability (Cannot Be Limited)

We are fully liable under German law for:

  • Intentional misconduct (Vorsatz)

  • Gross negligence (grobe Fahrlässigkeit)

  • Personal injury, death, or health damage

  • Liability under the German Product Liability Act (Produkthaftungsgesetz)

  • Breach of essential contractual obligations (Kardinalpflichten)

11.2 Limited Liability

For slight negligence (leichte Fahrlässigkeit) in non-essential contractual obligations, our liability is limited to:

  • Reasonably foreseeable damages typical for this type of contract

  • For free subscriptions: EUR 100

  • For paid subscriptions: The amount you paid us in the 12 months preceding the claim

11.3 Health-Related Liability

Subject to statutory liability above, we are not liable for:

  • Any health consequences resulting from following information in our newsletters (where we are not grossly negligent)

  • Adverse reactions to products, supplements, or foods mentioned

  • Interactions between our recommendations and your medications or health conditions

  • Delayed medical treatment due to reliance on our content

  • Any actions taken or not taken based on our content

11.4 Third-Party Liability

We are not responsible for:

  • The content, accuracy, or practices of third-party websites we link to

  • Products or services provided by third parties

  • The actions or omissions of affiliate partners or advertisers

  • User-generated content or comments

EMAIL SERVICE PROVIDERS:

We use third-party email service providers to deliver our newsletter. Currently, we use Beehiiv, Inc. (USA), but we may change providers to improve our service, enhance features, or optimize deliverability.When we change email platforms:- Your subscription continues automatically- Your data is transferred securely to the new provider- The new provider must meet our data protection standards- We'll notify you of the change- You can unsubscribe at any timePrevious and current email service providers:- Beehiiv, Inc., 228 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10003, USA (Current as of 2025)All email service providers process data under Standard Contractual Clauses approved by the European Commission for international data transfers (where applicable).

11.5 Consumer Rights

Nothing in these Terms limits your mandatory consumer rights under:

  • German Civil Code (BGB)

  • EU Consumer Rights Directive (2011/83/EU)

  • Product Liability Directive (85/374/EEC)

  • Other applicable German and EU consumer protection laws

12. Indemnification

To the extent permitted by German law, you agree to indemnify and hold harmless GutSignals, its owners, operators, employees, contractors, and affiliates from claims arising from:

  • Your use of the Service in violation of these Terms

  • Your violation of applicable laws or regulations

  • Your violation of any third-party rights, including intellectual property rights

  • Content you submit or transmit through the Service

  • Your willful misconduct or gross negligence

This indemnification does not apply to claims arising from our own negligence or misconduct. This obligation survives termination of these Terms.

13. Modifications to Service and Terms

13.1 Service Changes

We reserve the right to:

  • Modify, suspend, or discontinue the Service at any time

  • Change content, features, or delivery methods

  • Adjust subscription pricing with 30 days' notice

  • Introduce new features or requirements

We will make reasonable efforts to notify you of material changes.

13.2 Terms Changes

We may update these Terms at any time. When we do:

  • We will update the "Last Updated" date at the top

  • We will notify you via email or through the Service

  • Material changes require your explicit consent or continued use after notification

  • You have the right to terminate if you disagree with changes

If you disagree with updated Terms, you may unsubscribe from the Service without penalty.

14. Termination

14.1 Your Right to Terminate

You may terminate your subscription at any time by:

  • Clicking the unsubscribe link in any email

  • Contacting us at [email protected]

  • Adjusting your preferences in your account settings

For paid subscriptions, you may cancel with immediate effect or at the end of the billing period.

14.2 Our Right to Terminate

We may suspend or terminate your access to the Service for:

  • Material violation of these Terms

  • Fraudulent or illegal activity

  • Abuse of the Service or other users

  • Non-payment (for paid subscriptions, after proper notice)

  • Any reason with reasonable notice, subject to German law

We will provide notice where required by German consumer protection law.

14.3 Effect of Termination

Upon termination:

  • Your right to access the Service immediately ceases

  • For paid subscriptions, refunds are provided as required by German/EU law

  • Sections of these Terms that should reasonably survive (Disclaimers, Limitations of Liability within legal limits, Governing Law) remain in effect

  • We will process your data deletion request in accordance with GDPR

15. Dispute Resolution and Governing Law

15.1 Governing Law

These Terms are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Federal Republic of Germany.EU Consumer Protection: EU consumer protection laws apply and provide additional protections where they are more favorable than German law.

15.2 Informal Resolution

Before initiating any legal proceedings, please contact us at [email protected] to attempt to resolve the dispute informally. We will make good faith efforts to resolve disputes within 60 days.

15.3 Jurisdiction and Venue

For legal disputes:

  • Disputes are subject to the jurisdiction of German courts

  • If you are a consumer residing in the EU, you may also bring proceedings in the courts of your country of residence

  • We consent to the jurisdiction of courts competent for your place of residence for consumer disputes

  • Legal proceedings may be conducted in English or German

Consumer Rights: Nothing in these Terms restricts your right as an EU consumer to bring proceedings in your country of residence.

15.4 EU Online Dispute Resolution

EU consumers may access the European Commission's Online Dispute Resolution platform at: https://ec.europa.eu/consumers/odr/We are committed to participating in alternative dispute resolution procedures for consumer disputes where required by law.

15.5 German Consumer Arbitration

We participate in dispute resolution proceedings before a consumer arbitration board (Verbraucherschlichtungsstelle) as required under German law. For disputes we cannot resolve informally, you may contact:Allgemeine Verbraucherschlichtungsstelle des Zentrums für Schlichtung e.V. Straßburger Straße 8 77694 Kehl, Germany https://www.verbraucher-schlichter.de

16. International Users

16.1 Global Access

While the Service is accessible globally, it is operated from Germany within the European Union. We comply with German and EU law.

16.2 Compliance with Local Laws

You are responsible for compliance with all local laws in your jurisdiction regarding:

  • Online conduct

  • Acceptable content

  • Import/export of content

  • Health information regulations

16.3 Language

These Terms are provided in English. A German translation may be provided for convenience. In case of conflicts between language versions, the English version shall prevail unless German law requires otherwise for consumer contracts.

16.4 Consumer Protections

Nothing in these Terms limits any mandatory consumer protections you may have under the laws of your country or region, particularly within the European Union, including:

  • EU Consumer Rights Directive (2011/83/EU)

  • EU E-Commerce Directive (2000/31/EC)

  • Distance Selling Directive

  • Unfair Commercial Practices Directive

  • German Civil Code (BGB) consumer protection provisions

17. Communications and Electronic Signatures

17.1 Electronic Communications

By subscribing, you consent to receive electronic communications from us, including:

  • Newsletter content

  • Promotional emails (if opted in separately)

  • Service announcements

  • Responses to your inquiries

  • Legal notices

These communications satisfy legal requirements for written notice under German law.

17.2 Opting Out

You may opt out of promotional communications while continuing to receive:

  • Transactional emails

  • Service updates

  • Legally required notices

Under GDPR, you have the right to object to direct marketing at any time.

17.3 Electronic Signatures

Your subscription constitutes your electronic signature and agreement to these Terms under:

  • EU eIDAS Regulation (910/2014)

  • German law on electronic signatures (Signaturgesetz)

  • Other applicable electronic signature laws

18. Accessibility

We strive to make our Service accessible to all users, including those with disabilities, in compliance with:

  • EU Web Accessibility Directive (2016/2102)

  • German Barrierefreie-Informationstechnik-Verordnung (BITV 2.0)

If you experience accessibility issues, please contact us at [email protected].

19. Miscellaneous Provisions

19.1 Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy, Medical Disclaimer, and Affiliate Disclosure Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and GutSignals regarding the Service.

19.2 Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable or invalid under German or EU law, that provision shall be limited or eliminated to the minimum extent necessary. The remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.Under German law (§ 306 BGB), if a provision is invalid, the valid provision that comes closest to the economic purpose of the invalid provision shall apply.

19.3 No Waiver

Our failure to enforce any right or provision of these Terms shall not constitute a waiver of that right or provision. Any waiver must be in writing and signed by an authorized representative.

19.4 Assignment

You may not assign or transfer these Terms or your subscription without our written consent. We may assign or transfer these Terms without restriction, subject to notice requirements under German consumer protection law. Any attempted assignment in violation of this section is void.

19.5 Force Majeure

We are not liable for any failure or delay in performing obligations under these Terms due to circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including:

  • Acts of God (höhere Gewalt)

  • Natural disasters

  • War, terrorism, or civil unrest

  • Government actions or embargoes

  • Internet or telecommunications failures

  • Pandemics or public health emergencies

19.6 Relationship

These Terms do not create any agency, partnership, joint venture, employment, or franchise relationship between you and GutSignals.

19.7 Third-Party Beneficiaries

These Terms do not confer any third-party beneficiary rights except as explicitly stated.

19.8 Headings

Section headings are for convenience only and do not limit or affect the interpretation of these Terms.

19.9 German Legal Requirements

These Terms comply with:

  • German Telemedia Act (Telemediengesetz - TMG)

  • German Unfair Competition Act (Gesetz gegen den unlauteren Wettbewerb - UWG)

  • German Civil Code (Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch - BGB)

  • EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)

  • EU Consumer Rights Directive

  • Other applicable German and EU regulations

20. Contact Information and Legal Information

20.1 Contact Us

If you have questions about these Terms, please contact us:GutSignals Email: [email protected] Website: https://gutsignals.beehiiv.comFor GDPR data protection inquiries: Email: [email protected]For consumer complaints: You may also contact your local consumer protection agency or the EU Online Dispute Resolution platform at https://ec.europa.eu/consumers/odr/

20.2 Legal Information (Impressum)

In accordance with § 5 TMG (German Telemedia Act), the following information is provided:Service Provider: GutSignals Email: [email protected] Website: https://gutsignals.beehiiv.comResponsible for content according to § 55 Abs. 2 RStV:
Service Provider: GutSignals
Responsible Person: Berzan Keskin
Address: c/o MDC Management#4146, Welserstraße 3, 87463 Dietmannsried, Germany
Email: [email protected]
VAT Identification Number (if applicable): [Your USt-IdNr. if required]Dispute Resolution: EU Online Dispute Resolution Platform: https://ec.europa.eu/consumers/odr/ Consumer Arbitration Board: https://www.verbraucher-schlichter.de

20.3 Related Legal Documents

Privacy Policy: https://gutsignals.beehiiv.com/privacy-policy Medical Disclaimer: https://gutsignals.beehiiv.com/medical-disclaimer Affiliate Disclosure: https://gutsignals.beehiiv.com/affiliate-disclosure-policy


Acceptance of Terms

BY SUBSCRIBING TO GUTSIGNALS, YOU ACKNOWLEDGE THAT YOU HAVE READ, UNDERSTOOD, AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THESE TERMS OF SERVICE.IF YOU DO NOT AGREE TO THESE TERMS, DO NOT SUBSCRIBE TO OR USE THE SERVICE.Your rights as a consumer under German and EU law are not affected by these Terms where those laws provide greater protection.


Last Updated: November 18, 2025 Version: 1.0 Applicable Law: German Law / EU Law