1:1 GUT HEALTH: Digestion, foundational HEALTH & skin
gut health is general health
Do you suffer from bloating and look like you’re 6 months pregnant by the end of the day?
Does eating give you reflux?
Are you chronically constipated?
Is bad breath that nothing seems to cure stopping you from living?
Do you have acne, eczema, rosacea, dermatitis or a skin autoimmune disease?
Are you chronically anaemic?
how functional nutrition & natural medicine supports gut health
Our gut functions not only as a digestive organ, but also as a key player in immune function, hormonal regulation, neurotransmitter production and mood, skin health and nutrient absorption.
Healing our gut is often the gateway to better general health, as well as immune, hormonal, skin, thyroid, metabolic and mental health.
Digestive Health
Functional nutrition and natural medicine emphasises supporting optimal digestion, absorption, and elimination processes in the gut. This involves consuming a nutrient-dense diet rich in fiber, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, which provide essential nutrients and promote regular bowel movements.
Gut Microbiota Balance
Functional nutrition and natural medicine recognise the importance of a diverse and balanced gut microbiota for overall health. Probiotic-rich foods, prebiotic fibers, and fermented foods are key components of a gut-friendly diet, helping to nourish beneficial gut bacteria and maintain microbial balance.
Gut Barrier Integrity
The gut lining serves as a protective barrier, regulating the passage of nutrients and preventing the entry of harmful substances into the bloodstream. Functional nutrition supports gut barrier integrity through the consumption of nutrients like glutamine, zinc, and vitamin A, as well as anti-inflammatory foods such as omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants.
Immune Function
Approximately 70-80% of the body's immune cells reside in the gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT), highlighting the critical role of the gut in immune function. Functional nutrition supports immune health by promoting a healthy gut microbiota, reducing inflammation, and providing essential nutrients for immune cell function.
Hormonal Regulation
The gut produces and responds to various hormones involved in appetite regulation, metabolism, and mood. Functional nutrition focuses on supporting hormonal balance through balanced meals, blood sugar regulation, and the consumption of nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, and vitamin D.
Neurotransmitter Production
The gut-brain axis involves bidirectional communication between the gut and the brain, with the gut producing neurotransmitters like serotonin and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Functional nutrition supports neurotransmitter production by providing precursors like tryptophan and promoting gut health to support optimal neurotransmitter signaling.
Inflammation Management
Chronic inflammation in the gut has been linked to a wide range of health issues, including digestive disorders, autoimmune conditions, and metabolic dysfunction. Functional nutrition emphasizes anti-inflammatory foods, such as fruits, vegetables, spices, and omega-3 fatty acids, to help reduce gut inflammation and support overall health.
gut conditions supported
Gas, bloating, discomfort, pain, belching, indigestion
Reflux, GERD
IBS and IBD (Chron’s Disease, Ulcerative Colitis)
Chronic Constipation and Diarrhea
SIBO
Intestinal permeability (leaky gut)
Gallbladder and Liver health
Halitosis or Bad Breath
High oxalates
Immune Health eg Histamine Sensitivity and MCAS
Asthma
Skin eg acne, eczema, skin autoimmune disease
halitosis
Often people say they’re tried everything to get rid of bad breath, but nothing has worked.
Halitosis can be more than just deeply embarrassing, but socially isolating, halting career advancement, and more.
But there are things that can be done to improve or eradicate halitosis with the right knowledge and approach.
I deal with halitosis via the gut, which is connected to all our body’s systems.
Low stomach acid, liver toxicity, and gut flora imbalances are usually behind chronic bad breath.
But importantly, I find the liver to be key. Blocked detox pathways or non-alcohol fatty liver (quite possibly undiagnosed) are a common feature of my clients’ halitosis. And all of this is fixable.
oxalate sensitivity
Most people resolve oxalate sensitivity by cutting out oxalates.
But not me.
I’m always asking why is someone sensitive to oxalates, and what can be done to allow greater food freedom, and actually, better health at the same time.
I know that reducing oxalate intake works to an extent by reducing our oxalate load.
I also know that our own body continues to create them due to gut dysfunction, putting us constantly at the edge of our oxalate tipping point.
I’ve healed my own oxalate sensitivity, which ranged from having kidney stones to painful joints and skin problems, by focusing on my gut health.
Now I can eat the foods I used to enjoy, like green veggies, whole grains, raspberries and dark chocolate.
about gut & skin health
Your skin is your largest organ. Its main role is as a physical, chemical and antimicrobial defence system. If something goes wrong with your skin, it often reflects a deeper problem.
Studies show a clear link between gut problems & skin disorders like
Acne is related to diet
Acne rosacea can indicate SIBO (small intestine bacterial overgrowth) and/or H Pylori
Eczema and psoriasis are linked to an overactive immune response, possibly related to intestinal permeability and the system-wide inflammation it causes
Dermatitis herpetiformis can be a manifestation of Coeliac disease
Skin problems may be a manifestation of Ulcerative Colitis, Crohn’s Disease and intestinal permeability
Yeast/fungal infections, including some types of dandruff and cradle cap, are often related to gut imbalances and infections
the link between gut & skin health
Gut health is crucial for clear, resilient skin because it influences inflammation, nutrient absorption and detoxification.
Functional nutrition and natural medicine addresses the root causes of gut imbalances, leading to improved skin health and overall wellness. Gut and other testing can reveal any imbalances.
Microbiome Balance
A healthy gut microbiome supports a balanced skin microbiome, promoting clear and resilient skin.
Inflammation
Gut inflammation can trigger systemic inflammation, leading to skin conditions like acne, eczema, and rosacea.
Nutrient Absorption
Proper gut function ensures absorption of essential nutrients like vitamins A, D, E, and omega-3 fatty acids, crucial for healthy skin.
Detoxification
A well-functioning gut helps eliminate toxins, reducing the burden on the skin, our largest detox organ.
Hormonal Regulation
Gut health influences hormone levels, which can affect sebum production and skin health.
Immune System
A strong gut supports a robust immune system, which helps protect against skin infections and supports healing.
Stress and Mood
Gut-brain connection impacts stress levels, which can exacerbate skin issues like psoriasis and acne.
functional gut & other testing
Microbiome Testing
The GI Map, GI 360, Microba Map and Nutripath Microbiome Map or CSDA stool testing, screen for pathogenic bacteria, commensal bacteria, opportunistic pathogens, fungi, viruses and parasites that can cause gut dysfunction and health problems. Some of these tests also provide information on gut leakiness, gut inflammation, fat digestion, gluten response and more. This forms the basis of a personalised and targeted protocol to eradicate these and restore gut health and immunity
Food Sensitivity & Allergy testing
Includes P88, FIT, IgG, IgA, IgE, Complement testing and more, outlining which foods to avoid while healing your gut and body before beginning a possible reintroduction program
SIBO testing
Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth testing is useful when other gut healing has not fully resolved digestive issues
Functional Blood Chemistry
A comprehensive and fresh new look at blood testing to identify developing nutritional deficiencies and disease patterns
Genetic testing
Designed to optimise well-being and health, improve longevity and reduce disease risk by personalising lifestyle and diet choices based on specific gene variants. This can be useful with complex illnesses when married with other testing to see which genes are expressing and need to be turned off
Other testing
Also available, including Thyroid, Hormone & Adrenal, OAT, OMX, Oral Microbiome and more