Gut & Digestive Dysfunction
ON THE RISE
Gut and digestive dysfunction is becoming increasingly common in today’s society, affecting millions of people worldwide. A combination of modern dietary habits, stress, antibiotics, environmental toxins, and other lifestyle factors are most likely contributing factors to the disruption in the function of the entire digestive tract from mouth to anus.
Contributing factors behind gut & digestive dysfunction
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The modern diet is high in refined sugars, unhealthy fats, artificial additives, and low in fibre. This depletes the diversity of our gut microbiota, leading to dysbiosis.
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Stress can impair the vagus nerve, which plays a crucial role in the gut-brain axis and general gut function. Poor vagal nerve tone can disrupt digestion, reduce motility, and contribute to issues like bloating, constipation, and “leaky gut”.
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Frequent use of antibiotics can wipe out beneficial gut bacteria, allowing harmful microbes to overgrow. Their use is also a potential trigger for “leaky gut”.
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Exposure to chemicals, heavy metals, and air pollutants can also negatively impact gut health and further contribute to “leaky gut”.
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Lack of physical activity slows digestion and affects gut microbiome composition.
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Overconsumption of these substances, and others, can irritate the gut lining and alter microbial balance.
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Babies born via C-section or not breastfed may have altered gut microbiota, increasing their risk of digestive issues and food sensitivities later in life.
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Medications that reduce stomach acid can lead to bacterial imbalances and poor absorption of nutrients.
Contributing factors behind gut & digestive dysfunction
-
The modern diet is high in refined sugars, unhealthy fats, artificial additives, and low in fibre. This depletes the diversity of our gut microbiota, leading to dysbiosis.
-
Stress can impair the vagus nerve, which plays a crucial role in the gut-brain axis and general gut function. Poor vagal nerve tone can disrupt digestion, reduce motility, and contribute to issues like bloating, constipation, and “leaky gut”.
-
Frequent use of antibiotics can wipe out beneficial gut bacteria, allowing harmful microbes to overgrow. Their use is also a potential trigger for “leaky gut”.
-
Exposure to chemicals, heavy metals, and air pollutants can also negatively impact gut health and further contribute to “leaky gut”.
-
Lack of physical activity slows digestion and affects gut microbiome composition.
-
Overconsumption of these substances, and others, can irritate the gut lining and alter microbial balance.
-
Babies born via C-section or not breastfed may have altered gut microbiota, increasing their risk of digestive issues and food sensitivities later in life.
-
Medications that reduce stomach acid can lead to bacterial imbalances and poor absorption of nutrients.
A well-balanced gut is the foundation of true health - I’m here to guide you with a functional approach.
Common Signs & Symptoms of Gut Dysfunction…
Constipation & / or diarrhoea
Bloating / excess wind
Stomach pain or cramping
Heartburn or acid reflux
Unexplained weight loss
Nausea or vomiting
Incomplete bowel movements
Rectal bleeding or bloody stools
Conditions associated with Gut Dysfunction
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An imbalance in gut bacteria, leading to digestive issues, inflammation, and weakened immune function.
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A chronic condition causing abdominal discomfort, bloating, and altered bowel movements due to gut motility and visceral sensitivity issues.
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Excessive bacteria in the small intestine causing bloating, gas, diarrhoea, and malabsorption of nutrients.
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Conditions where stomach acid irritates the oesophagus or throat, leading to heartburn, hoarseness, and difficulty swallowing.
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An overgrowth of Candida or other yeast in the gut, potentially causing digestive issues, fatigue, and skin or sinus problems.
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An autoimmune disorder where ingesting gluten damages the small intestine lining, causing malabsorption and a variety of gastrointestinal symptoms.
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Adverse reactions to certain foods, leading to digestive discomfort, inflammation, and other symptoms.
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Chronic inflammation of the digestive tract, including conditions like Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative Colitis, leading to symptoms such as diarrhoea, weight loss, and abdominal pain.
Conditions associated with Gut Dysfunction
-
An imbalance in gut bacteria, leading to digestive issues, inflammation, and weakened immune function.
-
A chronic condition causing abdominal discomfort, bloating, and altered bowel movements due to gut motility and visceral sensitivity issues.
-
Excessive bacteria in the small intestine causing bloating, gas, diarrhoea, and malabsorption of nutrients.
-
Chronic inflammation of the digestive tract, including conditions like Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative Colitis, leading to symptoms such as diarrhoea, weight loss, and abdominal pain.
-
Conditions where stomach acid irritates the oesophagus or throat, leading to heartburn, hoarseness, and difficulty swallowing.
-
An overgrowth of Candida or other yeast in the gut, potentially causing digestive issues, fatigue, and skin or sinus problems.
-
An autoimmune disorder where ingesting gluten damages the small intestine lining, causing malabsorption and a variety of gastrointestinal symptoms.
-
Adverse reactions to certain foods, leading to digestive discomfort, inflammation, and other symptoms.
GUT HEALTH & MENTAL HEALTH
The Gut-Brain Connection via the Vagal Nerve
The gut and brain are intricately connected via a network of nerves allowing communication between the two. This bidirectional communication helps to regulate our mood, digestion, and many other functions.
When gut health is compromised, so is mental health.
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With extensive training in Nutritional Therapy, Functional Medicine, Nutrigenomics, and the SIBO Mastery certification, I bring a comprehensive and deeply investigative approach to health and healing.
This diverse expertise allows me to go beyond symptom management, identifying and addressing the source of these systemic imbalances and the symptoms they generate.
TREATMENT & DIAGNOSIS
How I Treat Gut Health
While gut dysfunction can be complex, adopting specific dietary and lifestyle changes can significantly improve digestive health.
By identifying and addressing gut imbalances through nutrition, stress management, and functional testing, my clients can restore digestive health and improve overall well-being.
Functional Testing via stool or breath can help guide treatment and my additional training in the acclaimed SIBO Doctor Mastery course has empowered me with key strategies for this often intractable condition.
TREATMENT & DIAGNOSIS
Functional Testing - Personalised Results
Functional testing provides in-depth insights into your body’s systems, helping identify imbalances or dysfunctions that may be contributing ill health.
By uncovering the root causes, it allows for personalised, targeted treatment to restore you to optimal health.
There are a broad range of functional tests available, please enquire directly to find the test for you.
EXPERT ADVICE
How I can help
At Pom Nutrition, I am here to help guide your pathway towards wellness and symptom elimination. Together we can discuss your symptoms, refer for testing and create a tailored plan for nutritional and lifestyle improvements.