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Gut Stuffed?

All body systems work together to maintain the optimum health of an individual. In particular, there are well identified links between the gut, the brain and the immune system. It has been known for a long time that that aspect of the nervous system (and brain) play a role in the regulation of digestive function.

How do you know if you should undergo a Gut Repair Program?

Below are some of the symptoms or conditions that can benefit greatly from a Gut Repair Program.

  •    Constipation

  •    Gastric reflux

  •    Bloating

  •    Food allergies or sensitivities

  •    Leaky gut

  •    Poor diet and difficulty in losing weight

  •    Diarrhoea

  •    Abdominal pain

  •    Nausea and vomiting

  •    Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

  •    Candida / yeast overgrowth

  •    Fibromyalgia Syndrome

  •    Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

  •    Long-term antibiotic / medication use

  •    Autoimmunity

  •    Irritability

  •    Depression

  •    Mood disorders

  •    Poor memory and concentration

The Gut Repair Program

A gut repair program is one way in which we can successfully correct these possible imbalances.

The aim of any gut repair program includes:

  •    “clean out” the digestive system and remove potential toxins and pathogens

  •    regulate a sluggish bowel – constipation / diarrhoea

  •    repair structural damage to the gut – “leaky gut”

  •    remove any allergens or irritants

  •    restore corrective balance of intestinal bacteria

  •    ensure optimal absorption of nutrients  

  •    alleviate gut symptoms related to digestive or neurological dysfunction  

It is highly recommended to work with a well experienced practitioner to guide you through a comprehensive Gut Repair Program. In my clinic we evaluate patients for gluten sensitivity, lactose or fructose intolerance, Helicobacter pylori infection or other microbial pathogens (using the Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analysis), medications, underlying conditions such as low thyroid function or neurotransmitter imbalances that may be a cause of your symptoms. For this reason specific supplements are not recommended here, rather we encourage you to make an appointment so that you can be assessed properly and treated properly.

The Elimination Diet

One of the biggest influences on the gut are the foods that we eat. Often a diet of highly refined foods which are deplete of nutrients, weaken our body leading to a build-up of toxins, contribute to foods cravings which results in eating more of the wrong foods, and result in many of the symptoms and conditions as listed above.

An elimination diet is one of the best ways to identify food allergies and sensitivities. This involves removing foods that people commonly react to, and only eat a list of low reactive foods for at least a two week period. After this time other foods are reintroduced one by one, and their effects are noted to determine whether there is a sensitivity or allergy to that food.

In my clinic I see many patients that have been to other practitioners and prescribed numerous supplements for their condition. When put on a well structured elimination diet these patients have found their symptoms "miraculously" disappear, or greatly reduced, without the need for additional supplements. In the same way patients report feeling much better when they go on a fast, as they eliminate the foods that they react to, only to feel the same in a few months as they resume their old diet. One patient reported feeling much better when they were required to fast for a period leading up to a religious festival. That was enough to convince her to do an Elimination Diet and finally be cured of her condition.

Specific Issues

Heartburn

This is one of the most common gut complaints which people seek help with either prescription medicines or over the counter medications. Heartburn refers to the symptoms or tissue damage caused by the reflux of gastric contents (usually acidic) into the oesophagus. There is a strong association with asthma as 80% of people with asthma experience reflux.

Heartburn may be due to delayed emptying of the stomach, drugs (e.g. anti-inflammatories, antibiotics), alcohol, caffeine, certain foods, insufficient digestive enzymes, etc.

The good news is that there are very effective natural treatments that can eliminate the symptoms of heartburn. These include the elimination of aggravating foods, lifestyle modification, correcting gastric acid, introducing digestive enzymes or taking a herbal supplement.  

Recommended: Elimination Diet, Zymax, Digestaid or Aloe Vera Gel

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

IBS affects up to 20% of the population. In addition to abdominal pain, symptoms include: diarrhoea or constipation, sometimes alternating, bloating, wind, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting. Women with IBS are more likely to report a history of constipation whereas men are more likely to report diarrhoea.

 In addition, women with IBS are more likely than men to report other disorders including migraine headaches, bladder discomfort, and chronic pelvic pain.

IBS can be confused with other disorders, including lactose intolerance, gluten sensitivity, inflammatory bowel disease, cystitis and endometriosis in women.

Dietary intervention together with herbal remedies and supplementation with specific probiotics can be very effective treatments for IBS.  

Recommended: Elimination Diet, Probex, Iberogast, Aloe Vera Gel

Constipation

Constipation is another common complaint which can have serious adverse effects on our health. Chronic constipation appears to be associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer. Women with chronic constipation have more gynaecological problems. It is important to assess any underlying causes of constipation. These may include: hypothyroidism, decreased liver / bile function, medications (painkillers, iron supplements, antidepressants, etc), mood disorders, gut dysbiosis, haemorrhoids, and diabetes.

Treatment options need to address any underlying issues that may be causing constipation, assess the diet (adequate fibre, water and foods that promote motility) and either herbal or dietary supplements need to be taken to promote normal bowel movements. In most cases a gut repair program is the best way to correct a sluggish bowel and maintain normal bowel habits.  

Recommended: Elimination Diet, Colozone, Aloe Vera Gel, Iberogast

There is nothing worse that a gut that is not working properly. Why put up with the discomfort of gut pain, heartburn, bloating, flatulence and so on when there are relatively simple solutions to most gut problems. Avoid putting up with the discomfort until it becomes a more serious.

For advice or to book a consultation call (03) 8802 7687 or email me. 

Always seek a consultation with a qualified practitioner first before trying any new treatments.

Natural therapies through a qualified practitioner, specialising in your disorder, provides safe and effective treatments that work.

 

Disclaimer

This website has no financial connection to the supplement or health products industry.

The information on this website is provided as a guide to your healthcare options only.  The All Natural Advantage website makes no statements, representations or warranties about the accuracy or completeness of, and should not be relied on as a sole source of information.  We take no responsibility or liability (including without limitation, liability in negligence) for any expenses, losses, damages or costs you might incur as a result of the information being inaccurate or incomplete in any way, and for any reason including but not limited to, you deciding whether or not to choose specific treatment based on the information.

Please contact me or another qualified health professional before embarking on any health treatment program

 
Send mail to All Natural Advantage with questions or comments about this web site.
Last modified: 05/28/08

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