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.

Speaking to an online doctor via telehealth is simple and convenient. Hola Health allows you to consult a registered doctor from anywhere in Australia using your smartphone, tablet, or computer. You can fill in your details, make payment, and connect with a registered practitioner through a secure video or phone consultation within 15 minutes. During the consultation, you can discuss your gut health concerns, receive medical advice, and get prescriptions or referrals if necessary. Telehealth is especially useful for managing non-emergency health conditions, including digestive issues like bloating, IBS, or acid reflux.

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

You can get an online prescription for gut health through a telehealth consultation with Hola Health. Steps to get an online prescription:

• Book a telehealth appointment: Choose a 24/7 instant consult with Hola Health.
• Describe your symptoms: The doctor will assess whether medication is needed.
• Receive your eScript: If appropriate, the doctor will issue an online prescription via SMS.
• Fill your prescription: Collect your medication at a local pharmacy or opt for home delivery through an online pharmacy service.

Yes, telehealth is a convenient and effective way to address mental health concerns related to gut health. Since the gut-brain connection plays a significant role in conditions like IBS, anxiety, and stress-related digestive issues, consulting a telehealth doctor can help manage both mental and gut health. Through telehealth, you can receive professional guidance, treatment recommendations, and referrals for further support—all from the comfort of your home. Access a bulk-billed mental health care plan via telehealth within minutes.

If your gut health issues, such as food poisoning, IBS flare-ups, or chronic digestive discomfort, prevent you from working or attending school, you can obtain a medical certificate online via telehealth. A licensed practitioner will review your request and, if necessary, issue a medical certificate confirming your need for rest. The certificate is usually sent via email. Many employers and institutions accept telehealth medical certificates, making telehealth a convenient option for those unable to visit a doctor in person.

Yes, Hola Health provides 24/7 telehealth consultations, allowing you to speak to an after-hours doctor, on weekends, or during public holidays. This is particularly useful if you experience sudden gut-related symptoms such as food poisoning, acid reflux, or stomach pain at night. The doctor can assess your condition, recommend treatments, provide an online prescription if needed, or advise if you should seek urgent in-person care.

With over 1M+ transactions, Hola Health is helping Aussies get instant access to qualified health practitioners. Reach out to AHPRA-accredited doctors and healthcare practitioners 24/7 and within 15 minutes from anywhere. Telehealth helps through:

• Telehealth consultations: Receive expert advice through a telehealth appointment with a qualified practitioner.
• After hours access: Speak to a 24-hour doctor anytime, no matter where you are in Australia.
• Online prescriptions: Get convenient instant scripts approved by registered practitioners and get medicine at your local pharmacy or get it delivered through online pharmacy delivery.
• Sick certificates online: Quickly request a medical certificate online for work, school, or care duties from the comfort of your home.
• GP referral services: Receive online doctor referrals in Australia for specialists, blood tests, pathology, and radiology services.
• Mental health plans: Access bulk-billed mental health care plans online available nationwide.

Instantly connect to a registered practitioner within 15 minutes from anywhere in Australia, 24/7 for:

• Online doctor consults
• Online scripts instantly
• Valid medical certificates
• Doctor referrals online