Gut Health
& Digestion

Gut health and digestion are really important for our overall health and well-being. Poor digestion can lead to a multitude of health concerns, which may impact other areas of health. The most common symptoms that indicate potential digestive issues are bloating, flatulence, constipation or

irregular bowel movements, as well as acid reflux, dyspepsia, indigestion and many other GI complaints.

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Gut Microbiome

Our gut microbiome/microbiota is involved in supporting digestion, while also having an affect on our immune system function, cognitive health, and even our endocrine system (hormonal health). This is known as the gut-brain axis (GBA), which is a communication between the enteric nervous

system (the millions of nerve cells lining our digestive tract), and our central nervous system (CNS - the brain and spinal cord).

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What can you do about it? 

There are many lifestyle interventions which can be very useful when it comes to digestive health management. Healthy habits around meal times are crucial, and are often a good place to start. For example, not rushing your meals, chewing well, and avoiding distractions during mealtimes, are all

beneficial habits for both children and adults when it comes to gut health. However, in many cases there are deeper rooted concerns or gut imbalances requiring more personalised attention. At our naturopathic complimentary health clinic, we utilise traditional herbal medicine with an evidence based approach, nutraceuticals such as vitamins and minerals (to address possible deficiencies), lifestyle and nutritional interventions, and functional testing. Combining these modalities gives us a better chance to not only manage the symptoms, but also a better chance at finding the root cause to your gut health concerns.

 

Herbal Medicine

At our clinic, we create fully bespoke personalised herbal formulae. For digestive health, these may include antispasmodic herbs, digestive stimulant herbs, and anti-microbial botanicals. In addition, depending on your medical history, other herbal extracts will be considered to ensure

your health is supported in full while using quality herbal extract formulations. 

 

Antispasmodics: Herbs possessing this action can assist in preventing or easing cramping within the digestive tract to help reduce both physical and psychological tension which may contribute to bloating and discomfort. Some antispasmodic medicinal herbs include Chamomile, Passion flower, Ginger and Crampbark.

 

 

Food Intolerance & Allergy Testing

We also offer both food intolerance testing using a trusted laboratory which measures your blood IgG antibodies against over 200 food and drink items. Food sensitivities can be very common, and contribute to a variety of digestive symptoms, such as bloating, constipation and many others. 

Allergy test covers both, most common food and environmental allergens. It tests for IgE antibodies in the blood. 

 

Microbiome Testing

We offer bespoke microbiome testing to rule out gut dysbiosis, confirm candida overgrowth, leaky gut and to measure calprotectin, a common inflammatory marker your primary health care can also test for. We also offer celiac tests and non-celiac gluten sensitivity test. Other functional testing is also available, such as genetic tests (DNA Diet) to help us tailor your naturopathic plan to your specific genetic make up. 

 

Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us to enquire about available testing and services we offer.