Digestive & Gut Health
Digestive and Gut Health: the Functional Medicine Approach
In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of gut health and its profound impact on overall well-being. Functional medicine offers a personalised approach to digestive and gut health, focusing on identifying and addressing the root causes of digestive issues rather than merely managing symptoms. This comprehensive strategy aims to restore balance and promote optimal function in the digestive system.
The most common gut conditions that we see are:
- Irritable Bowel
- Syndrome
- Reflux
- Diverticulosis
- Food reactions
- SIBO
More information about our approach to inflammatory Bowel Disease and Coeliac Disease is covered in our Autoimmunity page
We also address gut health with our patients who may have no gut symptoms. Functional medicine views the body as an interconnected system where gut health plays a central role. The gut, often referred to as the “second brain,” is home to trillions of microorganisms that form the gut microbiome. This complex community of bacteria, viruses, and fungi is essential for:
Digestion and Absorption: Breaking down food and absorbing nutrients.
Immune Function: Approximately 70% of the immune system resides in the gut.
Mental Health: The gut-brain axis links gut health to mood and cognitive function.
Inflammation Regulation: Balancing pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory responses.
How do we assess gut health?
We start by taking a detailed history in order to to understand the predisposing factors and triggers that may have affected your gut health.
This includes genetic predispositions, environmental exposures including antibiotic use, and lifestyle factors. We may also undertake Functional Testing depending on the possible root cause(s) identified in your appointment. The most common gut tests that we do are:
Breath testing for Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) – this accounts for account for approximately 60% of IBS cases
Comprehensive stool analysis: this looks at markers for digestive function, immune function, inflammation as well as microbiome analysis and parasites
Food sensitivity testing: food sensitivities are more likely to develop when there are gut issues so this is a commonly issue in patients that we see
IBS Smart test: This looks for a specific type of SIBO which is triggered by food poisoning
Once we have identified the root cause(s) of gut issues, your practitioner will suggest a treatment plan which starts to address this. This may involve changes to nutrition, lifestyle factors, supplements, medications or other supportive therapies from practitioners outside of Mosaic. The approach is collaborative and treatment plans need to be manageable with the other demands of your daily life. For this reason, different people will move through their Function Medicine treatment plan at different speeds. We have a team to support you which includes our Doctors, Nutritional Therapists and Health Coach.
Functional medicine is an ongoing process. Regular follow-ups ensure that the treatment plan adapts to changes in your condition and continues to address the root causes effectively.
Case Study: Uncovering the Root Causes of IBS
Patient Profile: Nina, a 34-year-old woman, had been experiencing persistent abdominal pain, bloating, and alternating constipation and diarrhea for over five years. She was diagnosed with IBS and had tried various medications and diets with little relief.
Initial Assessment: Nina’s initial consultation involved a comprehensive health history review and several advanced diagnostic tests, including SIBO test, stool analysis, food sensitivity testing. Her lifestyle, diet, stress levels, and sleep patterns were also thoroughly evaluated.
Nina’s findings:
- Small Intestinal Bacterial overgrowth (Hydrogen-predominant): this is a common cause of IBS.
- Dysbiosis: The stool analysis revealed an imbalance in her gut microbiota, with low levels of beneficial bacteria occurring alongside the SIBO.
- Food Sensitivities: Testing identified sensitivities to gluten and dairy, which Nina consumed regularly.
- Chronic Stress: Nina reported high stress levels due to her demanding job and lack of effective stress management techniques.
Nina’s treatment involved an 8 week exclusion diet then transition to a personalised anti-inflammatory diet that was manageable with her busy home, work and social life. She also received specific treatment for SIBO which involved herbs to address bacterial overgrowth in the gut, as well as support gut motility. She also started going to regular yoga classes as well as seeing an online breathwork coach which helped her to manage her work stress better.
Over six months, Nina experienced significant improvements. Her abdominal pain and bloating reduced dramatically, and her bowel movements became more regular. She also reported better energy levels, mood, and overall quality of life. Regular follow-ups ensured that adjustments were made to her treatment plan as needed. Continuous monitoring and support helped maintain her progress and address any new challenges.
