Digestive Health: Finding the Root Cause of Your Symptoms
Many people live with ongoing digestive symptoms—bloating, reflux, constipation, diarrhoea, abdominal pain—that interfere with daily life. Often, they’re told it’s just “IBS” or that it’s something they have to live with.
But gut health is complex, and symptoms can come from a wide range of causes. The key is to find out what’s really going on in your digestive system, so we can support healing in the right way.
Common Digestive Health Conditions
As a gut health specialist, I work with clients who are struggling with:
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), including FODMAP sensitivities
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) such as Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis
- Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)
- Small Intestinal Fungal Overgrowth (SIFO)
- Coeliac disease
- Diverticulitis
- Reflux and heartburn
- Constipation or diarrhoea (or alternating between the two)
- Gas, bloating and abdominal pain
- Food intolerances
- Unintentional weight loss due to poor absorption of nutrients
These issues can all impact quality of life—and in many cases, people struggle for years before getting answers.
Why Nutrition Matters for Gut Health
Digestive health isn’t “one-size-fits-all.” What works for one person may make another feel worse. That’s why personalised nutrition is so important.
The right dietary approach can:
- Reduce inflammation and irritation
- Restore balance in the gut microbiome
- Support nutrient absorption
- Relieve uncomfortable symptoms
- Improve energy, mood and overall wellbeing
SIBO: An Overlooked Cause of Gut Symptoms
One area I specialise in is Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)—a condition where bacteria that belong in the large intestine overgrow in the small intestine, where they ferment food and cause symptoms.
SIBO can lead to:
- Bloating and gas soon after meals
- Constipation, diarrhoea, or both
- Reflux and abdominal discomfort
- Nutrient deficiencies (iron, B12, magnesium)
- Food intolerances
- Skin issues, fatigue, and more
Research shows that up to 84% of IBS cases are actually caused by SIBO. This means that some people diagnosed with IBS could actually be living with an undiagnosed bacterial overgrowth.
As a certified SIBO practitioner (trained under Dr. Nirala Jacobi, ND), I can provide testing, interpretation, and a clear treatment plan to address SIBO directly.
My Approach: Putting the Pieces Together
Digestive health is like a jigsaw puzzle—there are many different pieces that need to fit together. When we work together, I look at:
- Your unique symptoms
- Your medical history
- Your nutrition and lifestyle
- Possible root causes (such as SIBO, intolerances, or low stomach acid)
From there, I design a tailored nutrition plan that works for you, not a generic “gut health” approach. This often includes:
Adjusting your diet
Low FODMAP, SIBO Bi-Phasic, gluten-free, or tailored plans
Supporting digestion
With enzymes, motility support, or stomach acid where needed
Rebuilding gut health
Restoring microbiome balance and nutrient absorption
Reducing triggers
Managing stress that directly impacts the digestive system
Your Next Step
If you’ve been struggling with digestive issues and are tired of guesswork, now is the time to get clarity. With the right testing and a personalised nutrition plan, we can uncover what’s driving your symptoms and take steps to support your gut health and overall wellbeing.