Signs your digestive system needs help

Unexplained symptoms such as bloating, abdominal cramps, fatigue, IBS, brain fog and sleep disruption can signal that it may help to listen to your gut. Continued discomfort, weakness, lowered immunity, mood swings and headaches can be your bodies way of telling you something is out of alignment within.

Hippocrates said over 2500 years ago "All diseases begin in the gut". Well, it seems he had something there. There are many gut axis that connect all over the body sending messages, both good and bad.

The gut holds 70-80% of the immune system here as Gut Associated Lymphatic Tissue (GALT) & can be seen as the largest immune organ in the body.

Approximately 95% of serotonin and other neurotransmitters are made in the gut. Complex messages are sent via the gut / brain axis to release these neurotransmitters involved in mood, anxiety, sleep and depressive like symptoms.

In conjunction with today’s fast paced lifestyle, there are several environmental and dietary factors to consider that may play a role in disturbing a healthy gut function. Chronic stress, fast food/takeaway, excessive alcohol use, smoking/vaping, high sugar intake, long term use of NSAID's like ibuprofen, regular consumption of soft drinks and a lack of organic fruits and vegetables can build up overtime, lead to imbalances in intestinal flora and inflammation as well as bacterial, parasitic, fungal and viral infections.

So what do we do?

Simple steps may help to improve your gut health by removing inflammation triggers such as stress, sugar, alcohol, coffee, and pre-prepared fast foods. It's best to seek advice from a healthcare professional for personalised nutrition advice. Start with the basics such as a good clean diet.

Organic local fruit and veg is loaded with all the nutrition your body is craving – then add in some fermented foods to help your gut along such as kefir, sauerkraut and kombucha. Cut back on your meat consumption and enjoy a plate of vegetables. Ask your Naturopath for supplements to help relax the body and mind such as magnesium, detoxifying herbs and alkalising greens.

Ask your healthcare provider about available testing to find if there are any underlying causes to your symptoms. Gut microbiome mapping tests have been available for some time and can provide detailed information on a whole range of gut health (or illness) indicators.

A naturopathic protocol called 'The Four R's' is another tool to adhere to and may be beneficial for a wide range of digestive symptoms. It’s best to take a personalised approach to your own well-being as well as speaking with qualified professionals who can support you on your journey - there is no one size fits all treatment.

The Four R's

*Allow 6 weeks to 3 months to complete.

Remove - This phase involves using a range of herbal antimicrobials, antibacterials, antiparasitics, antivirals and anti-fungals, e.g.: oil of oregano, garlic, berberine, licorice, black walnut, artemisia, along with removing offending foods like gluten and some medications.

Replace - This phase will replace digestive enzymes and support digestion with herbal bitters.

Reinoculate - This phase focuses on recolonisation of healthy beneficial bacteria, supplementing with prebiotics like slippery elm, pectin, aloe vera, curcumin and a variety of broad spectrum and specific probiotics according to symptoms.

Repair and Rebalance - This phase aims to support the integrity of intestinal mucosa and intestinal barrier using dietary changes, herbal and nutritional supplements like L-Glutamine, aloe vera, quercetin, zinc carnosine, marshmallow root, omega 3 essential fatty acids, B vitamins, saccharomyces boulardii, along with lifestyle support to improve sleep, exercise and stress management.

Herbal medicines can be quite powerful, some have possible side effects & contraindications & should always be prescribed by a qualified medical herbalist.

Maintaining gut health and alleviating related symptoms is not always easy and can take some time. Working with your healthcare provider to determine your best approach and perseverance with a healthy diet and lifestyle will be your best outcome for long term gut health.

By Deborah Moore BHSc Comp. Med. Adv. Dip. Nat. www.naturopathipswich.com