How to treat IBS, chronic constipation & chronic diarrhoea.
It is helpful to think of IBS as an umbrella term used when the underlying causes of abdominal symptoms have not been clearly identified after a comprehensive workup including endoscopy of the gastrointestinal tract.
Chronic constipation and diarrhoea are referred to as functional constipation and functional diarrhoea respectively when no underlying causes have been clearly identified.
In most people, it is a combination of the following factors that leads to the development of chronic gastrointestinal symptoms:
Gut dysbiosis (see explanation above).
Poor digestion of macronutrients, for example from poor digestive enzyme production and/or fermentation by gut bacteria.
Poor extraction and absorption of micronutrients from our food, leading to nutritional deficiencies which in turn directly affect the function of the gut itself.
Increased intestinal permeability.
Intolerances or sensitivities to a wide range of food ingredients, from lactose and whey to food additives.
Parasitic infections (in some cases parasites may worsen or sometimes cause symptoms similar to those of IBS).
The complexity of the gut environment described above explains why many current therapies implemented in isolation, including dietary and one-size-fits-all probiotic therapies, are not particularly effective.
Chronic fatigue and long COVID
Gut dysbiosis appears to be a very significant contributing factor in both these chronic conditions.
The gut dysbiosis hypothesis in long COVID has been supported by recent publications, including by a research team in Hong Kong which has identified a signature change in the gut bacteria caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
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If you have this or any other chronic condition, gastrointestinal or other, not listed above and wish to enquire whether my work may be of benefit, please contact us or enquire to book a virtual consultation. I am unfortunately unable to reply to long emails due to the high volume of emails received.
Please note that I don’t see children.