Naturopathic philosophy states that most disease begins in the gut, and we have time honoured traditions for improving gut function that are now backed by modern science.

Gut health is not only important for the digestion, absorption and elimination of foods, but it helps to support the functioning of many of our other body systems. For example, many of our important mood regulating neurotransmitters are produced in the gut, as are many important hormones. A great deal of immunological activity takes place in the gut, too.

We have solid evidence that now proves that the health of our gut microbiome – the populations of microbes that populate our gut – plays an important role in regulating sleep and emotional health, thyroid function, optimal nutrition and the detoxification of heavy metals and other toxins. The gut microbiome has also been shown to play a critical role in modulating inflammation in the body and working on balancing and optimising the gut terrain is a key part of managing inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.

There are many factors that can contribute to poor gut health, and it’s often several or many occurring over a long period of time that can set gut health out of balance and trigger the development of a gut condition. Poor dietary habits, high alcohol intake, acute and chronic stress, certain medications, gastrointestinal infections and a range of environmental factors can all affect the gut terrain and the way it functions. Herbal and nutritional medicine can help to address and resolve these factors, leading to vast improvements in gut health and function over time.

In my clinic, I treat a range of diagnosed gut conditions, including:

• small intestinal bacterial imbalance (SIBO),

• irritable bowel syndrome (IBS),

• inflammatory bowel conditions (like ulcerative colitis and Chron’s disease)

• constipation

• diarrhoea

• gut infections, and imbalances resulting from them

• parasites

• gastritis

• leaky gut (intestinal hyperpermeability)

I also see patients who, while not having received a formal diagnosis, have obvious gut issues and complaints. At this stage, I’m able to refer patients for comprehensive gut testing and we can develop a treatment plan based on these results in addition to the information I gather from consultations and previous investigations.

In treating gut health, I may use a range of herbal medicines, nutritional supplements, prebiotics, probiotics and by looking at the diet and eliminating trigger foods while adding in specific foods to support and nourish the gut. A thorough holistic approach that’s individualised to each patient and addresses the underlying dysfunctions and their causes while building a strong foundation of good nutrition creates resilience and strength in the gut and digestion over the course of time.