Have you tried many different approaches to improve your health and are you frustrated that nothing has worked?

It could be your digestion

Digestion problems

Problems in our digestive tract can cause more than just IBS type symptoms, they can be the root cause of many chronic health problems including: hormonal imbalances, autoimmune diseases, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, anxiety, depression, eczema and rosacea as well as many other common health conditions.

A properly functioning digestive system is essential to good health. We are all aware that what we eat has a profound effect on our health, mood and energy levels. Around 60 -80% of our immune system is located in our gut and 90% of our neurotransmitters (chemicals responsible for regulating mood such as serotonin) are made in our gut.  Few people are aware of the immense importance of also assessing how well we absorb and assimilate the food we’re eating.

Until digestion is improved we are unable to make best use of the various components of our food (proteins/oils/vitamins/minerals) and your underlying symptoms are unlikely to improve. Many factors influence digestive function and I look forward to exploring which factors are relevant for you. Excitingly, more and more health professionals are recognising the importance of the correct nutritional approach for people with digestive issues and I am now receiving regular referrals from a gastroenterologist as well as other healthcare practitioners.

Balancing gut bacteria

Once of the most exciting new areas of science is the microbiome – our family of gut bacteria that reside within our intestines. There are literally trillions of these bacteria and research is now flooding in to link these with a wide variety of health problems – not only poor digestion (IBS, inflammatory bowel disease etc.), but others that we would not expect such as cancer, dementia and emotional health and wellbeing.

Our gut bacteria react poorly to some of the foods we eat and thrive with others. We are now starting to understand that certain gut bacteria positively or negatively affect both our physical health and our mood – anxiety/depression etc. Our diet can influence the balance of our gut bacteria.

** If you have been diagnosed or suspect you may have one of the medical conditions stated above, you should consult your GP for advice, diagnosis and treatment and always inform your health professional before starting any alternative or additional therapies, treatments or making any major changes in your diet or exercise programme**

How nutrition and Functional Medicine can help to improve digestive health:

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How nutrition and Functional Medicine can help to improve digestive health:

The right dietary approach can significantly improve digestive health. We will work through the below steps together with the aim of helping you achieve long-lasting relief from your symptoms.

Step 1: A comprehensive case history will be taken during the initial consultation which will enable me to detect possible clues about what is contributing to your problems. We will discuss carrying out functional testing which will assist with targeting the root cause of your symptom picture.

Step 2: Shortly after our consultation you will be sent a personalised nutrition plan based on the information gathered to include relevant diet/lifestyle and supplement recommendations

I work using a 4’R’ Functional Medicine approach to gut health. This is a tried and tested way to address and support gastrointestinal dysfunctions and promote digestive health.

Step 3: We will regularly review progress and tweak your nutrition plan as necessary. Follow up testing may be needed, but not always – if symptoms have improved this will be enough for us to know we are on the right track!

**If you have ongoing digestive problems or a change in bowel habit, it is important to notify your GP before making dietary changes.

Why seek support from Helen?

This is one of my specialist areas of interest/expertise. My training ensures I am up to date with the latest thinking/evidence in this complex area. This includes training in 2017 with US SIBO Dr Alison Siebecker, (small intestine bacterial overgrowth expert) which enables me to help clarify the most effective approach for you based on your symptom picture.

I work in affiliation with Professor Tim Spector (British Gut Microbiome project, London) as one of ‘Map My Gut’s’ microbiome specialists. This exciting new service uses the latest technology to provide a personalised analysis of the microbiome (the thousands of bacteria living in your gut) together with information on how they associate with health and disease. These types of tests will provide you with important health enhancing advice on lifestyle and nutritional changes.

I have extensive experience working with people to improve the symptoms of: irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), indigestion, small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), imbalanced microbiome (dysbiosis), Chron’s, Ulcerative Colitis, Coeliac disease and other digestive problems.

As a colitis sufferer I have become so confused about how best to maintain a healthy gut. Thanks to Helen I now have a clear plan and the tools I need to stay healthy, and I haven’t felt so good in years! 

Andy, aged 39