Gut Health Nutrition

When speaking of gut health there are multiple elements to consider. What are the intestine's functions and how does it contribute to our health?

Here is a list of functions on which the intestine's health has an impact:

• Immune system production and regulation

• Mental health and mood

• Allergies and food intolerances

• Skin conditions

• Inflammation

• Endocrine balance

• Metabolism and energy regulation

• Sleep balance

• Overall detoxification

• Nutrients absorption

Gut diseases involve a variety of conditions that affect the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, leading to a range of symptoms and health issues. Here are some notable gut diseases:

1. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

IBS is a common disorder and often undiagnosed, characterised by:

• Abdominal pain or discomfort

• Bloating

• Diarrhoea (IBS-D), constipation (IBS-C) or variation between both.

• Incomplete emptying of bowels

• Mucus in stools.

The exact cause is multifactorial (poor diet, imbalance microbiome, stress, disregulate gut-brain axis) and it may involve gut motility issues and intense sensitivity.

2. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

This term generally refers to two major conditions: Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis. Both involve chronic inflammation of the GI tract leading to symptoms such as:

• Fever

• Abdominal pain

• Severe diarrhoea

• Blood in stool

• Fatigue

• Weight loss

A food intolerance test and antibody detection should be performed for IBD, and a Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD) would improve gut health.

3. Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)

Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) is a condition where excessive bacteria, normally found in other parts of the digestive tract, grow in the small intestine. This bacterial overgrowth can interfere with nutrient absorption, using nutrients for their growth and producing fermentation gases (like hydrogen and methane), leading to symptoms such as bloating, gas, abdominal pain, and diarrhoea or constipation.

SIBO is often associated with conditions that slow intestinal movement, including IBS (around 50% with IBS are diagnosed with SIBO), and diabetes. Diagnosis usually involves a breath test to measure gas levels, its treatment typically includes rebalancing the gut bacteria with dietary adjustments by following a FODMAP diet.

4. Coeliac Disease

An autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten consumption, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. It leads to damage in the small intestine mucosal wall and can cause symptoms such as diarrhoea, bloating, and malnutrition.
Symptoms are:

• Diarrhoea – Chronic or severe.

• Constipation (Less common but may occur, particularly in children).

• Mucus or blood in stools.

• Malnutrition includes any combination of iron (anaemia), vitamin B12 or folic acid deficiency.

• Bloating and Gas – A frequent symptom due to irritation in the gut.

• Abdominal Pain and Cramping – Often occurs due to inflammation and irritation.

• Weight Loss – Often due to malabsorption of nutrients from damaged villi in the intestines.

Gut diseases can vary in severity and impact daily life. Early diagnosis and management can significantly improve the quality of life and prevent complications related to these conditions. Consulting healthcare professionals for accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plans is always essential.