Gut Health Treatment

A GP can assess your gut health concerns, identify underlying causes, and recommend appropriate treatment or lifestyle adjustments. You should consider consulting a GP for gut health issues if you experience:

• Persistent digestive issues: Frequent bloating, gas, or stomach pain that doesn’t improve with diet changes.
• Irritable bowel symptoms: Recurring constipation, diarrhoea, or a mix of both disrupting daily life.
• Food intolerances: Suspected sensitivities to certain foods causing discomfort or reactions.
• Unexplained weight changes: Sudden weight loss or gain without a clear reason.
• Gut-related fatigue: Feeling sluggish, unfocused, or unwell due to potential gut imbalances.
• Chronic conditions: Managing IBS, acid reflux, or inflammatory gut disorders like Crohn’s.
• Concerns about probiotics or diet: If you’re unsure about the right approach to improve your gut microbiome.

Your gut is often called the “second brain” because of its strong connection to overall health, particularly through the gut-brain axis. A well-functioning gut:

• Supports digestion and nutrient absorption
• Strengthens the immune system (around 70% of the immune system is in the gut)
• Regulates mood and mental health (producing neurotransmitters like serotonin)
• Helps maintain a healthy weight and metabolism
• Reduces inflammation, which is linked to chronic diseases

When gut health is compromised, it can affect multiple body systems, not just digestion. This is why maintaining a healthy gut is crucial for long-term well-being.

Thrush symptoms vary depending on the affected area but generally include discomfort, irritation, and abnormal discharge.

Oral thrush symptoms:

• White, creamy patches on the tongue, inner cheeks, roof of the mouth, or throat
• Redness or soreness in the mouth
• Pain or difficulty swallowing
• Loss of taste or a cotton-like feeling in the mouth
• Cracked corners of the mouth (angular cheilitis)

Vaginal thrush symptoms:

• Intense itching and irritation around the vagina and vulva
• Thick, white, cottage cheese-like discharge
• Redness, swelling, or soreness in the vaginal area
• Pain or discomfort during sex or urination

Other forms of thrush:

• Diaper rash: Red, irritated skin with white patches in babies
• Skin thrush: Red, itchy rash in moist skin folds
• Penile thrush: Redness, irritation, and white patches on the penis

Maintaining gut health requires a combination of diet, lifestyle changes, and medical intervention when necessary. Here are key strategies:

1. Eat a gut-friendly diet

• Increase fiber intake: Whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes feed beneficial gut bacteria.
• Consume probiotics and prebiotics: Yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, and fiber-rich foods support a healthy gut microbiome.
• Limit processed foods and sugar: These can cause an imbalance in gut bacteria and contribute to inflammation.
• Stay hydrated: Drinking enough water aids digestion and supports gut lining integrity.

2. Manage stress

Chronic stress can negatively impact gut health by altering gut bacteria and increasing inflammation. Stress management techniques include:

• Meditation and mindfulness
• Regular exercise
• Deep breathing and relaxation techniques

3. Get enough sleep

Poor sleep can disrupt gut bacteria and weaken the immune system. Aim for 7–9 hours of quality sleep per night.

4. Exercise regularly

Physical activity promotes healthy digestion, reduces inflammation, and supports a diverse gut microbiome. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week.

5. Identify food sensitivities

If you experience frequent digestive issues, keeping a food diary or trying an elimination diet can help identify problem foods. Consulting a GP or dietitian can provide further guidance.

If left unaddressed, poor gut health can lead to more severe complications, including:

• Chronic inflammation: A key driver of diseases like obesity, heart disease, and diabetes.
• Leaky gut syndrome: A condition where the intestinal lining becomes permeable, allowing toxins to enter the bloodstream, leading to immune reactions and chronic health problems.
• Increased risk of autoimmune diseases: A poorly functioning gut can contribute to conditions like multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
• Long-term digestive disorders: Untreated gut issues can progress to conditions like ulcers, severe IBS, or IBD.

The gut and brain are closely connected through the gut-brain axis. The gut produces neurotransmitters like serotonin, which influence mood, stress levels, and cognitive function. Poor gut health has been linked to anxiety, depression, and brain fog. Conditions like IBS often worsen with stress, highlighting the bidirectional relationship between mental and digestive health. Managing gut health through diet, probiotics, and stress reduction can improve mental well-being.

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that help balance gut flora and improve digestion. They are found in fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, and kimchi.
Prebiotics are fibers that feed probiotics, promoting their growth. They are found in foods like onions, garlic, bananas, and oats. Consuming both can enhance gut health.

Yes, gut bacteria influence metabolism, fat storage, and appetite regulation. An imbalanced gut microbiome can contribute to weight gain, cravings, and difficulty losing weight. A diet rich in fiber, probiotics, and healthy fats can support weight management.

Yes, acid reflux can result from an imbalanced gut, poor digestion, or bacterial overgrowth. Managing diet, avoiding trigger foods, and addressing gut health can help reduce acid reflux symptoms.

Hola Health provides online referrals if further assessment is needed or if your vitamin B12 deficiency is causing other issues. Hola Health provides referrals to

• Specialists
• Pathology tests
• Blood tests
• Radiology referrals

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• Online doctor consults
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