Why Digestive Health Matters

Optimal Gut Health through Functional Nutrition

  1. Nutrient Absorption and Energy: The digestive system breaks down food into essential nutrients that the body uses for energy, growth, and cellular repair. Poor digestion can lead to malabsorption, causing fatigue, weakened immunity, and skin or hair issues due to nutrient deficiencies.

  2. Immune System Support: Approximately 70% of the immune system resides in the gut, meaning a healthy digestive tract is vital for immune defence. Imbalances in gut bacteria (gut dysbiosis) or chronic inflammation can impair immune function, making one more susceptible to infections and autoimmune conditions.

  3. Mental Health and the Gut-Brain Connection: The gut is often referred to as the "second brain" because of the gut-brain axis, a network of communication between the gut and the brain. Imbalances in gut bacteria can influence mood and mental health, as certain gut bacteria play a role in the production of neurotransmitters like serotonin, which helps regulate mood.

  4. Detoxification: The gut also aids in detoxification by filtering out harmful substances, including toxins, waste products, and medications. Poor gut health can impair this process, leading to the buildup of harmful substances in the body.

Identifying Food Sensitivities and Allergies

Many people have undiagnosed food sensitivities (like gluten, dairy, soy, or corn) that can contribute to digestive symptoms such as bloating, gas, diarrhoea, and constipation. These sensitivities can lead to chronic inflammation and impair gut health over time.

Treatment: Our practitioners can assess your diet and identify patterns that can contribute to imbalances and intolerances. Using an elimination diet or specific tests to identify food sensitivities can help reduce inflammation, restore gut health, and alleviate digestive symptoms.

Thank you Sarah for taking the time and providing the opportunity for me to take the intolerance test.  I honestly can’t tell you have much difference it has made. Within a week of cutting dairy out completely the pain has stopped, my stomach is flat for the first time in what feels likes years and I have so much more energy. Oat milk is a revelation and I am enjoying exploring all the alternatives and have converted the whole family to my vegan cauliflower cheese!

Thank you!

CAROLINE, 51

"What made my time with Sarah a success was her approach of working with me to identify and confirm my goals and then help me develop and implement a plan which I could own. 

I’ve learned the importance of taking ownership as this gives me the motivation to keep to my plan and realise the ongoing tangible results I’d hoped for" 

CHRIS, 65

Sarah Cranage Functional Nutritionist

Balancing Gut Microbiome

A healthy gut requires a diverse population of beneficial bacteria. Gut dysbiosis (an imbalance of gut bacteria) can contribute to digestive issues and broader health problems like autoimmune diseases, allergies, and mood disorders.

Treatment: Our practitioners may recommend of prebiotics (foods that feed good bacteria), probiotics (supplements or foods containing beneficial bacteria), and fermented foods if tolerated. These can help re-establish a healthy microbiome balance, supporting digestion and immune function.

Addressing "Leaky Gut" (Intestinal Permeability)

“Leaky gut” occurs when the lining of the intestine becomes more permeable, allowing toxins, undigested food particles, and bacteria to "leak" into the bloodstream. This can trigger an immune response, leading to inflammation and possibly contributing to autoimmune conditions, allergies, and digestive issues.

Treatment: Our practitioners often use strategies like the "4R" protocol—Remove, Replace, Reinoculate, and Repair—to heal the gut lining. This approach includes removing irritants (e.g., processed foods, alcohol, or food allergens), replacing digestive enzymes if needed, reinoculating with probiotics, and repairing the gut lining with supplements like L-glutamine, zinc, and collagen.

Frequently asked questions by our clients

  • Our practitioners can assist in testing stomach acid levels and rebalancing the stomach acid levels or restoring digestive enzyme function to improve digestion. Lifestyle changes, such as mindful eating, slowing down at meals, and chewing thoroughly, are also encouraged to support natural enzyme production.

  • Chronic inflammation in the gut can stem from various factors, including diet, stress, and toxin exposure. Reducing inflammation helps protect the gut lining and improve digestion. Our practitioners often recommend anti-inflammatory foods (like leafy greens, berries, and fatty fish) and supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids, turmeric, and antioxidants.

  • Techniques to support the liver, kidneys, and colon (key organs for detoxification) can also be included, such as drinking plenty of water, fibre-rich foods, and possibly certain herbs or supplements that support detoxification.

If you’d like to know more, please get in touch or book in a free call with Sarah by clicking the link below.