bowel clinic

Welcome to The Gut Clinic

Did you know that one in ten people visiting their GP will have some sort of digestive issue?; the most commonly diagnosed is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS symptoms can include bloating, wind, constipation, diarrhoea and cramps – some or all of these symptoms can be experienced. If symptoms are mild to moderate you may be prescribed anti spasmodic drugs or peppermint capsules which may go some way to alleviate symptoms but long term offer no solution and the patient can be left to wade through the maze of information on the internet. This in turn can lead to unnecessary elimination diets e.g. gluten free, lactose free, yeast free, sugar free or send them down unscientific paths to find answers.

IBS has many causes and it’s important to find out what is particular to you. We can rigorously assess your diet to look for clues as to why you may be experiencing these symptoms, however often people have extremely healthy diets and are still symptomatic which can be highly frustrating. This is where further testing is paramount. Tests carried out include; breath testing and stool testing and specific diets targeted to the condition may help lessen symptoms. There are also other reasons why you can suffer with bowel issues, these can include IBD’s (Inflammatory bowel disease) and/or bacterial issues, e.g. ulcerative colitis, crohns disease, coeliac disease, diverticular disease, lactose intolerance, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) and low levels of bifidus and lactobacillus bacterias.

With our hectic stressful lives, over use of antibiotics and poor western diets high in refined carbohydrates and sugar and low in soluble fibre and natural probiotics it is not surprising that these symptoms are on the increase.

Kate advises on the following:

  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
  • Crohns Disease
  • Ulcerative Colitis
  • Diverticular disease
  • Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)
  • Lactose intolerance
  • Post infectious IBS
  • Parasitic infections
  • Coeliac Disease
  • Specialist diet advice for IBS and IBD
  • Probiotics and Prebiotics
  • Low FODMAP diet

Gut Testing

  • Comprehensive Stool testing
  • Faecal calprotectin
  • Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth breath test
  • Lactose intolerance breath test

Working closely with you, your GP and/or consultant we will do our best to get you back to full health! With all these issues it is not a one size fits all and everyone will need specific expert advice. For further details contact 01323 737814 / 01323 310532.

Typical questions Kate gets asked:

Probiotics and Prebiotics

  • Does everyone need probiotics?
  • How do I know what strength and brand to take?
  • Are there specific strains for specific conditions?
  • Should I try kefir, fermented food or kimchi?
  • Can I take probiotics with antibiotics?
  • I eat yogurt, am I getting enough probiotics?
  • I’ve heard that probiotics help with a number of conditions – what’s does the science say?
  • Are all probiotics the same?
  • Are there any side effects to taking probiotics?
  • What are prebiotics? How can I get them naturally in my diet?

Diet and the Gut Microbiome

  • Does diet help with IBS and IBD?
  • How does the gut microbiome impact health?
  • I’m really confused about what is the best diet for my IBS?
  • Is low FODmap the best diet to try for IBS?
  • Should I avoid gluten if I’m not coeliac?
  • All food seems to make me bloat, what can I do?
  • Am I allergic to food if I get symptoms after eating?
  • I’ve been told I’m intolerant to a whole host of foods – what does the science say?
  • I’ve been told to go vegan, but will it help my bowel issues?