Struggling With Stomach Issues?

Gut health is something many of us whisper about or shy away from discussing altogether, but the truth is, gut issues are far more common than we often realise. And they can be incredibly frustrating, painful, and even isolating (trust me, I get it, this is coming from an undiagnosed coeliac for nearly two decades).

When your gut is out of balance, you definitely feel it — everything from bloating and discomfort to fatigue and mood swings. On the flip side, when your gut is healthy, you feel energised, your immune system is stronger, and your emotional well-being is more balanced. A healthy gut is essential for our overall wellness!

Let’s dive into some of the most common gut issues that might be affecting you.

Common Gut Conditions

If you’ve been experiencing persistent digestive issues, these might be a sign of a more serious condition that requires medical attention. Listen to your body and trust your instincts.

Here are some of the most common digestive disorders, along with their symptoms and management tips.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

IBS is a common gastrointestinal disorder that affects the large intestine (colon). This is different to Irritable Bowel Disease (below). Typically, it is categorised by a group of symptoms and the elimination of other conditions.

What It Looks Like:

• Bloating (sometimes severe enough to feel like you're pregnant)

• Stomach cramps (intense enough to stop you in your tracks)

• Alternating between constipation and diarrhea

• Unpredictable trips to the bathroom

Possible Triggers:

• Stress and anxiety

• Certain foods (e.g., dairy or high-FODMAP foods)

• Hormonal changes

• Lack of sleep

Management Tips:

• Keep a Food Diary: Track what you eat and how it affects your gut to identify trigger foods.

• Manage Stress: Stress can exacerbate IBS. Practices like yoga, meditation, and deep breathing can help reduce stress levels.

• Consider the Low-FODMAP Diet: This diet involves limiting certain carbohydrates that can irritate the gut. It’s a temporary diet used to pinpoint specific food triggers and tollerences, and many people find it helpful for long-term relief.

• Consult a Gastroenterologist: If your symptoms are persistent or worsening, a Gastroenterologist can help diagnose and guide treatment for IBS.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

Unlike IBS, IBD is an inflammatory condition that causes actual damage to the digestive tract. The two primary forms of IBD are Crohn's Disease (impacts the whole digestive tract) and Ulcerative Colitis (impacts colon and rectum).

What It Looks Like:

• Severe abdominal pain and cramping

• Persistent diarrhea

• Unexplained weight loss

• Extreme fatigue

• Skin rashes or joint pain

Possible Triggers:

• Genetic predisposition

• Autoimmune responses (your immune system attacking your tissues)

• Imbalance in the gut microbiome

How to Manage It:

• See a Specialist: IBD often requires medications like anti-inflammatory drugs or immunosuppressants. A doctor will also monitor your condition closely.

• Follow a Personalised Nutrition Plan: A dietitian can help create a gut-friendly meal plan that reduces inflammation specific for you.

• Manage Stress: Chronic stress can worsen symptoms, so regular relaxation and mindfulness practices are crucial.

Leaky Gut Syndrome

Leaky gut occurs when the lining of the small intestine becomes damaged, allowing toxins and undigested food particles to "leak" into the bloodstream. This can trigger widespread inflammation and immune responses.

What It Looks Like:

• Unexplained food sensitivities

• Chronic fatigue

• Skin issues (e.g., acne, eczema)

• Brain fog or mood swings

• Joint pain or autoimmune flare-ups

Possible Causes:

• Poor diet (high in gluten, sugars, and processed foods)

• Chronic stress

• Autoimmune diseases

• Alcohol consumption

• Toxins or environmental factors

How to Manage It:

• Reduce Inflammatory Foods: Minimise processed foods, sugars, and alcohol.

• Gut-Healing Diet: Focus on nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory foods such as leafy greens, fermented foods, probiotics, and fibre-rich whole grains.

• Manage Stress: High stress is a major trigger, so finding ways to manage stress is key to healing.

Autoimmune Digestive Conditions

Autoimmune digestive conditions occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s digestive system. Some common autoimmune conditions include Coeliac Disease, Autoimmune Gastritis, and Autoimmune Hepatitis.

What It Looks Like:

• Coeliac Disease: Triggered by gluten, which causes damage to the small intestine lining. Likely bloating, diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss, and skin rashes when gluten is consumed.

• Autoimmune Gastritis: Occurs when the immune system attacks the parietal cells in the stomach, affecting stomach acid production and vitamin B12 absorption. Likely experience stomach pain, nausea, loss of appetite, fatigue, and vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms like weakness or numbness.

• Autoimmune Hepatitis: Occurs when the immune system attacks the liver, leading to inflammation and possible liver failure if left untreated. Likely experience fatigue, jaundice (yellowing of skin/eyes), abdominal pain, and dark urine.

Possible Causes:

• Genetic predisposition

• Chronic stress

• Environmental toxins (e.g., infections, dietary triggers, medications)

• Hormonal changes

• Aging

How to Manage It:

• Work Closely with Your Doctor: These conditions require ongoing care, medications, and monitoring.

• Follow a Specialised Diet: For example, those of us with Coeliac Disease must avoid gluten for life to allow the intestine to heal.

• Consider Supplementation: Depending on the condition, your doctor might recommend certain supplements to support gut health and overall digestion.

General Tips for Gut Health

A healthy gut doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a journey that requires patience and consistency. Here are a few general tips to support your gut health:

• Eat Fibre-Rich Foods: Include a variety of fiber-rich foods like vegetables, fruits, and whole grains to promote gut motility and healthy microbiota.

• Include Probiotics: Foods like yogurt, kefir, and fermented vegetables can support the balance of beneficial gut bacteria.

• Manage Stress: Practices like deep breathing, meditation, or gentle exercise can help your gut.

• Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps keep your digestive system functioning properly.

• Prioritise Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to support gut health and overall well-being.

Don't ignore chronic pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, or food sensitivities. If you experience persistent or worsening symptoms, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment.

Gut Health Is About Progress, Not Perfection

Remember, gut health is not about perfection — it’s about understanding your body and working with it. What works for one person may not work for another, and that's okay. With the right information, support, and a bit of patience, you can regain control over your digestive health and feel your best. Be kind to yourself as you embark on your gut-healing journey.

With love and balance, my Friends x