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Digestive Health

Solutions for Optimal Digestive Health and Function –Joondalup

The large intestine, or bowel, contains more microbes than any other part of the body.  These micro-organisms live in a carefully balanced community known as the microbiome.  When the microbiome is in balance, it plays and important role in in maintaining human health. However, if this balance is disrupted, disease can develop.

Are you suffering from LIMO?

Some bacteria that live within the microbiome have the potential to be harmful, however, their numbers are normally kept in check by other beneficial bacteria.  Poor diet, some medications (e.g. antibiotics and antacids), and chronic stress can allow these potentially harmful bacteria to overgrow and causing a condition known as large intestinal microbial overgrowth (LIMO)

What causes LIMO?

Symptoms of LIMO include:

  • Chronic abdominal pain

  • Indigestion, heartburn and reflux

  • Bloating, belching, and flatulence

  • Nausea and/or constipation

  • IBS – (irritable bowel syndrome)

  • Fatigue – physical and mental

As these harmful bacteria proliferate, they surround themselves with a thick substance called a biofilm, which protects them from the immune system, antibiotic drugs, and other bacteria within the microbiome.  This biofilm also allows them to easily communicate with each other, coordinate their growth, and share resources such as nutrients and even genetic adaptations.

Disrupting the biofilm and their communication pathways is vital to addressing LIMO.

Antibacterial herbs can help, however, it is not a one size fits all. Professional assessment is always desirable as your microbiome is as individual as you are.

Can Altering Your Microbiome Alter Your Mood?

Recent research has discovered something extraordinary: that consuming specific probiotic supplements and keeping check on your acid/alkaline pH balance can have a positive effect on mood, through interactions with the microbiome and effects on the the gut-brain axis.

Makes sense, after all 70% of serotonin is in your gut.

How does the microbiome affect mood?

Gut bacteria affect mood through a communication pathway called the gut-brain axis.  this involves microbiome-mediated Vagus Nerve signaling, production of neurotransmitters and other neuroactive substances, and control of inflammation

Scientific Research

Scientists have shown that the make-up of the microbiome is different in people with mood disorders and neuro-development conditions like Autism Spectrum Disorder than in the general population.  Preliminary research shows that altering the microbiome can improve mood and even beneficially alter behaviour.  The microbiome can be positively altered through fibre supplementation and supplementation with specific probiotics known as PSYCHOBIOTICS.

What are psychobiotics?

Psychobiotics are a class of probiotic which confer a mental health benefit when ingested in adequate amounts.  These benefits may come directly from the psychobiotics or may come about through interaction of the psychobiotics with the the existing microbiome already in your digestive system.

New and novel psychobiotics are used in our Joondalup clinic. The exact effects depend on the type and the strain of bacteria used.  There are many strands of Lactobacillus for example, the one however needed to aid in the improvement of social behaviour is called Lactobacillus Reuteri ATCC PTA 6475.  This is mediated through its effect on gut lining integrity, systemic inflammation and neurotransmitter production.  Other strains used in our clinic however, have shown benefit in improving low mood.

If you want to know more about psychobiotics and caring for your microbiome and what strategies you can use to improve your overall health and well being not just your digestive health contact us today to find out more or book your initial consultation with Claudia today!

Taking a holistic approach

At the BetterHealth Clinic is known in Perth for providing a truly individual and holistic approach to your health based on best available evidence. You will experience a comprehensive consultation lasting approximately 1 hour, usually a  live blood screening will be done to assess levels of inflammation, nutritional deficiencies and liver stress. Also a urine test will usually be done in order to read acid/alkaline levels and any possible heavy metals.

Alternatively a comprehensive Health Assessment Questionnaire is emailed to you for a telehealth/zoom consultation. External testing maybe recommended at time of consultation such as the Bio Compatibility test (providing specific list of foods to eat- 6 month program or Genetic Testing for nutrition.

Based on these results and your personal health history a treatment plan will be presented to you in order to help you achieve healthy digestive function and improved quality of life

Book now for your  consultation at our Wanneroo (Perth) naturopathic clinic and take a positive step towards your life

Digestion & Spinal Injuries In The Thoracic Region

These can alter the nerve and blood supply to the stomach or other organs of digestion, making normal function impossible. At the clinic we look at treating these injuries, either recent or long-standing, when treating digestive disorders (the use of our SCENAR/PHYSIOKEY/LASER  or Energy Blankets may be recommended for use in clinic).