Until quite recently, 'digestive health' was considered to be the sustaining interest of only health freaks and extremely alternative practitioners. Visions of enemas, colonic irrigation and heroic laxative purging persuaded most people to conclude that they were safer ignoring their inner workings unless something went seriously wrong.

But things are changing ... suddenly we are being bombarded by adverts exhorting us to buy yoghurts, pre-biotics, pro-biotics, soluble fibre and plant sterols. What has happened to cause such a change in attitude? How can a daily milk-based drink improve our life and health to such an extent?

Could it really be that easy?
The answer, of course, is both 'yes' and 'no'.

A vast amount of recent research has confirmed what the 'health freaks' knew all along - the digestive tract is not just about processing and digesting food, it is about immunity, detoxification, allergy prevention, and a host of other vital functions. So it seems that the old adage “death begins in the gut”, is true after all!

However, as might be expected, it is not as simple as drinking a pro-biotic yoghurt, or taking a fibre capsule. Whilst this may help to improve those with a generally healthy gut, anything more serious or chronic will need a deeper and more specific approach. Sometimes this may involve diagnostic testing to obtain a clear picture of an often complex problem.

Frequently the therapeutic approach may be in several gentle stages, using a combination of diet, herbs, supplements and possibly visceral osteopathy. Chronic conditions may need a little patience, but the reward can be improved wellbeing, better immunity, weight control and efficient detoxification.

The management of a variety of conditions can be improved by this holistic approach including:

Irritable bowel syndrome
Constipation
Inflammatory bowel disease
Diverticulosis and diverticulitis
Reflux and indigestion
Candida and dysbiosis
Hiatus hernia

There are a number of other health problems which are closely related to digestive un-health:

Allergies
Reduced immunity
Skin problems
Hormonal imbalance
Auto-immune disorders
Inflammatory conditions
Migraines
ME, fibromyagia and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)

Note: Persistent or unusual symptoms should always be discussed with your GP before embarking on a nutritional consultation

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