Whilst looking at research recently into the occurrence of gut issues I came across this information:
Bloating, indigestion and heartburn – it seems that the vast majority of UK consumers experience these ailments as new research reveals that as many as 86% of all British adults have suffered some form of gastrointestinal (GI) problem or ailment in 2016. (A study by Mintel)
Over the past 12 years of working with clients on digestive complaints, I find that many people have lived with poor digestive health for many years without the causative factors being looked into. Many people believe that their tummy issues are to do with food triggers. They may be avoiding certain foods such as gluten, dairy or wheat and potentially taking medications too such as Omeprazole or Gaviscon which come along with their own set of side effects.
So, if foods are not always the culprit, then what is driving the gut issues along? In the same study, stress is seen as the most likely factor contributing towards experience of GI problems, with some 30% of adults who have experienced GI issues in a 12-month period attributing them to stress. The next most likely culprit is poor diet (26%), followed by lack of sleep (17%). Meanwhile, alcohol consumption (14%) and viruses (14%) make up the remaining top five factors.
The same study noted that women were bearing the brunt of digestive distress. Overall, almost nine in 10 (88%) women have experienced some kind of GI ailment in the last year compared to 83% of men. I find this unlikely. Is it more feasible that women are more likely to talk about their gut issues whilst men often suffer in silence? In the same way that men shy away from talking about mental health. My point here, is that we should all be concerned about our gut issues and seek help.
Digestive distress is more far reaching than the immediate discomfort of belching, bloating and flatulence. When we feel digestion is strained it is possible that we are not absorbing our nutrients too. Poor absorption may lead overtime to sub optimal bone health, cardiovascular issues or poor immunity.
What does poor absorption look like?
· FATS. You may have light-coloured, foul-smelling stools that are soft and bulky. These stools are difficult to flush and may float or stick to the sides of the toilet bowl.
· PROTEIN. You may have dry hair, hair loss, or fluid retention. Fluid retention, also known as oedema, may feel or look like swelling, often in the feet or hands.
· CERTAIN SUGARS. You may have bloating, gas, or explosive diarrhoea.
· CERTAIN VITAMINS. You may have anaemia, malnutrition, low blood pressure, weight loss, or muscle wasting.
If these symptoms resonate then it is well worth the investment to restore gut health.
My job, as a nutritionist, is to take each client suffering from gut issues on a health journey unique to that individual client. On booking you will fill out a detailed health and diet questionnaire designed to get to the root causes of your case. I am looking to resolve gut issues long term so we will cover not only food types but how we eat, stress links, sleep issues, medications, alcohol consumption and more. We will also discuss the microbiome.
What Is the Gut Microbiome?
Bacteria, viruses, fungi and other microscopic living things are referred to as microorganisms, or microbes, for short. Trillions of these microbes exist mainly inside your intestines and on your skin.
Although many different types of microbes live inside you, bacteria are the most studied. There are up to 1,000 species of bacteria in the human gut microbiome, and each of them plays a different role in your body. Most of them are extremely important for your health, while others may cause disease.
We are all aware that antibiotics change the diversity and quantity of bacteria in the gut but there are many other driving factors to gut dysbiosis such as stress, insomnia, poor diet and other types of medications (NSAIDS and Proton Pump Inhibitors as examples).
TESTING
One of the tests which I am using routinely at the moment is the Invivo GI EcologiX - £379.
This stool test allows us to see clearly what is happening in the gut and what may be driving not only digestive symptoms but other health conditions.
Needing just three swabs from one stool sample, this is a simple and easy home testing kit. The results allow us understanding of gut inflammation, immune function, digestion, gut barrier health, and occult blood (not visible with the human eye). We can see if an overgrowth of yeasts (eg Candida Albicans), parasites or opportunist bacteria may be contributing to the symptoms and then work with dietary modifications, lifestyle change and supplements to support the gut back to a calmer existence.
Get your gut back to a calmer place before Christmas. If having read this post you would like to book for a consultation please get in touch. The best way is to email bellenutrition@gmail.com
I am offering a 10% discount on your first initial consultation for those booking prior to Xmas 2022 either with or without testing.
1 x Invivo GI EcologiX = £379
1 x Initial consultation of 1 hour (Zoom or Clinic In Hurstpierpoint) = full £115
NOW £103.50
Your health is the best investment you will ever make.