The IBS & Gut Health Clinic

27/05/2026

🌿 Could digestive enzymes help your IBS?

Bloating, gas, cramping after meals — sound familiar? You're not alone. And digestive enzymes might be one piece of the puzzle. 🧩

Here's what you need to know:

✅ Enzymes like lactase can help if dairy triggers your symptoms
✅ Alpha-galactosidase breaks down carbs in beans & legumes — reducing gas
✅ Enzyme blends may ease post-meal discomfort & bloating
✅ They work best alongside a personalised diet & lifestyle plan

They're not a cure — but used correctly, they can make a real difference to your daily comfort.

https://ibsguthealthclinic.co.uk/digestive-enzymes-and-ibs/

Learn how digestive enzymes can help manage IBS symptoms like bloating, gas, and discomfort at IBS Gut Health Clinic.

19/05/2026

🦠 Your gut bacteria might be affecting your weight — here's how.

Research shows that people who are overweight tend to have a less diverse gut microbiome — one that's better at extracting calories from food and worse at regulating hunger hormones.

The good news? What you eat can shift this — and diet accounts for over 20% of your microbiome's composition.

Key foods that support both gut health AND healthy weight:

✅ Prebiotic-rich veg, oats & legumes
✅ Fermented foods like kefir & sauerkraut
✅ Quality protein (eggs, fish, legumes)
✅ Omega-3 fats (oily fish, olive oil, nuts & seeds)

Improving gut health alone won't replace the basics — but it might be the missing piece of the puzzle.

🔗 Read the full article via the link.

As interest in gut health continues to rise, so does the areas where research is going. One key area is metabolic heath, such as weight loss and management.  While we...

30/04/2026

🧠 Your gut and your mood are more connected than you think.
What you eat doesn't just fuel your body — it shapes how you feel. Here's what the science says:

🥦 Fibre feeds your gut bacteria, which produce compounds that support the gut-brain connection

🥛 Fermented foods (yoghurt, kefir, kimchi) may help balance serotonin and reduce anxiety

🐟 Oily fish & healthy fats reduce inflammation and support brain cell function

🍳 Protein supplies tryptophan — the building block for serotonin

No single food is a magic fix, but consistent, balanced eating patterns make a real difference over time. Think variety, whole foods, and less ultra-processed stuff.

Small changes. Big impact. 💚

Contents H2: How Does Food Affect Your Mood? H2: What Is the Link Between Diet and Mental Wellbeing? H2: Which Foods May Help Support a Better Mood? H3: Fibre-Rich Foods (e.g. Vegetables, Whole Grains, Legumes) H3: Fermented Foods (e.g. Yoghurt, Kefir, Sauerkraut, Kimchi) H3: Healthy Fats (e.g. Oily...

13/04/2026

🥛🥬 Your gut will thank you for these 🥬🛢️

Fermented foods have been part of the human diet for thousands of years — and the science backs up why. A landmark Stanford study found that a diet rich in fermented foods increased microbiome diversity and reduced 19 markers of inflammation.

Here's what to add to your diet:

🥛 Kefir — up to 61 strains of bacteria & yeast, supports gut lining health and digestion

🥣 Live yoghurt — look for "live cultures" on the label, no added sugars

🥬 Sauerkraut & kimchi — studies show these can reduce IBS bloating and discomfort

🍜 Miso & tempeh — fermented soy that boosts microbiome balance and B & K vitamins

Beginner tips:
✔️ Start small (1–2 tbsp of sauerkraut, 100ml kefir)
✔️ Introduce one at a time
✔️ Keep them refrigerated — heat kills the good stuff
✔️ Daily small servings beat occasional large ones

⚠️ Got IBS? Some people need to go even slower due to histamine sensitivity or FODMAP issues. Always listen to your body.

Your microbiome diversity is one of the best investments you can make for your long-term health. 🌱

Contents What Are Fermented Foods and Why Are They Good for Your Gut? How Do Fermented Foods Support Digestion and Immunity? Which Fermented Foods Are Easiest to Add to Your Diet? Yoghurt with Live Cultures Kefir Sauerkraut and Kimchi Miso and Tempeh Practical Tips for Beginners Are Fermented Foods....

18/03/2026

Living with a stoma is a major adjustment — but it doesn't have to mean putting life on hold. 🩺

From diet and exercise to travel and intimacy, the right support makes all the difference. With nearly half of stoma patients experiencing depression post-surgery, compassionate, evidence-based care has never been more important.
Here's what can help:

🥗 Start with a lower-fibre diet for the first 2 months post-surgery, then transition to a Mediterranean-style diet to reduce dehydration and hospitalisation
🏃 Exercise (especially Pilates-based movements) can reduce hernia risk and boost body confidence — don't skip it!
✈️ Travelling? Pack extra supplies in both carry-on and hold luggage, and request a travel certificate from your IBD team

💬 Empty your pouch and use discreet covers to support confidence with intimacy — 50% of patients don't resume activity, but most who do report satisfaction

🛡️ Use barrier rings and change pouches proactively to prevent leaks and protect skin health

🧠 If you're struggling emotionally, you're not alone — seek formal support, as 77% of ostomy patients with depression or anxiety never receive it

Read our full guide 👇
🔗 ibsguthealthclinic.co.uk/living-with-a-stoma

Contents What is a Stoma? Types of Stomas for IBD Patients The Stoma Surgery Process Emotional and Psychological Impact Caring for Your Stoma & Managing Leaks Diet and Nutrition Considerations Physical Activity and Exercise Sexual Health and Intimacy Travel Tips Common Myths Conclusion Last Updated....

20/02/2026

Antibiotics save lives, but they can also disrupt up to 30% of your gut microbiome.

If you’ve recently taken antibiotics, your gut may need extra support to restore balance, diversity, and function.

Research shows that rebuilding gut health involves more than just probiotics.

It also includes:
• Prebiotic-rich foods
• Fermented foods
• High-fibre whole foods
• Quality sleep and stress management
• Proper hydration

Gut health plays a key role in digestion, immunity, and long-term disease prevention.

Read our latest blog to learn about the science-backed strategies for rebuilding your gut after antibiotics.

Contact us for your free gut health assessment.

Contents The Impact of Antibiotics on Gut Health Why Rebuilding Gut Health is Important Steps to Rebuild Your Gut After Antibiotics The Role of Probiotics in Gut Recovery Prebiotics and Their Role in Gut Health Foods to Include for Gut Rebuilding Foods to Avoid During Gut Recovery Hydration and Its....

19/11/2024

Gut cleansing can be a popular term that’s used to describe a range of approaches to help with gut health. This may involve certain supplements to support the gut microbiome by killing off certain bacteria.

Often it’s used when someone is experiencing digestive symptoms such as bloating or diarrhoea, but it can also be used in situations where symptoms may stem back to issues in the gut.

For example, it might be considered that a gut clean may help address the cause of skin issues.

While gut cleansing may be helpful for some, approaching the gut and the microbiome from a science-based perspective is crucial.

This week's blog covers this topic in more detail.

https://ibsguthealthclinic.co.uk/gut-cleansing/

07/11/2024

SIBO is a leading cause of IBS symptoms with some research indicating that up to 80% of those with IBS actually have SIBO and the underlying issue.

A misunderstanding which surrounds SIBO is that it needs to be treated as if it were an infection. This can lead SIBO patients down the path of repeated antibiotics or herbal antimicrobials.

While there is certainly a role for these approaches, other aspects of the gut often need to be taken into consideration. This is especially true if there hasn't been an improvement with antibiotic therapy.

This week's blog covers this topic in more detail.

Learn 7 natural ways to manage SIBO effectively, from dietary tips to lifestyle changes. Expert insights from The IBS & Gut Health Clinic for better gut health.

01/11/2024

While the causes of IBS and bloating need to be addressed to resolve symptoms, shorter-term symptom management can be very helpful.

This can be a way to provide more clarity around what is triggering symptoms but also improve quality of life as quickly as possible.

Do you suffer from bloating?

Read more in this week's blog about how it can be addressed.

A question we are often asked at the clinic is what relieves bloating fast. This post aims to answer that question & symptom management

28/10/2024

One of the main symptoms of IBS is a change in bowel patterns. This can refer to diarrhoea or constipation.

This specific change can lead to adjustments in short-term symptom management and treatment approaches that address the underlying issues.

For many, these underlying issues may include:

- Methane SIBO (IMO)
- Dysbiosis
- Dehydration or electrolyte imbalances
- Inappropriate levels of fibre
- Inactivity
- Do you suffer from IBS with constipation?

Read more in this week's blog about how it can be addressed.

In working to address IBS-C, there are often 2 elements or considerations to a therapeutic approach. Read on to learn more...

01/07/2024

Watch the video 👇

The incredible health benefits of Chlorella from expert advice! Dive into the nutrient-packed world of this superfood with tips from leading health professio...