digestive health

There are a number of possible causes of digestive illness such as:

Food intolerances: It is now well documented that certain foods can cause a delayed immune response and generate gastro intestinal symptoms. This reaction can take between minutes and hours to take effect so it is often hard to pinpoint the exact problem foods without the help of a nutritional therapist, and can be an underlying factor in many digestive disorders.

Pathogenic microbes (such as parasites or symptom causing bacteria). Having an ‘uninvited guest’ in the gut is much more common than most people think. Recent studies have shown a link between parasites such as Blastocystis Hominis, Giardia Lamblia and Dientamoeba Fragilis with gastrointestinal symptoms.

Candida overgrowth. Candida is a common yeast that is found in most people without causing a problem. However, studies show that it can flourish and grow out of control if the immune system is low or the levels of good bacteria are not sufficient enough to protect against invasion (e.g after course of antibiotics). Research has linked it to a number of symptoms and affect different systems of the body. 

Low stomach acid or digestive enzymes: Stomach acid is secreted when we think about food and start eating, it helps to break the food down into a pulp. If the levels of acidity in the stomach is suboptimal, this can impair the digestive processes and leave the gut more susceptible to invasion by pathogenic bacteria.

To make an initial appointment or to speak to Kate Osborne, London Nutritional Therapist, please see our contact page.