An Unhealthy Gut Makes You Ill.
Treat It Naturopathically
We are combining a medical and naturopathic approach to treat gut dysbiosis. The Hong Kong Gut Health Centre is dedicated to researching, diagnosing and treating all aspects of intestinal dysfunction, specifically due to imbalance of ‘good’ and ‘bad’ bacteria, parasites and Candida. Aligned with this will be diagnosing and treating food intolerance as well as allergies. We believe in combining a medical and naturopathic approach to bring balance in your intestine, then your life!
The Hong Kong Gut Health Centre team is led, in both a scientific and holistic basis by Dr Susan Jamieson and naturopathic doctor, Sara Jefferson, who has a background in biochemistry and research science, will give advice on diet, natural supplements including homoeopathy, herbs or vitamins which will rebalance and heal.
Hong Kong Gut Health Centre Therapists:
Leaky Gut Syndrome
The intestinal lining is a barrier that should allow digested fats, proteins, and starches to pass through and into the bloodstream. If this lining gets battered by things such as aspirin, bacterial toxins, or even the toxic pesticides sprayed on our food, the lining loses its integrity (structure and function). This is when the door is open to let in the bacteria, parasites, viruses, even undigested food molecules! These will activate the immune system and often hyperstimulate it so that it squirts out inflammatory substances called cytokines and act to weaken the intestinal wall. We refer to this loss of integrity as “the leaky gut syndrome.” The agitated immune system may also become so unstable as to attack your own body, producing autoimmune disease.
At The Hong Kong Gut Health Centre, our understanding of the root causes of many autoimmune diseases gives us a better chance of helping you resolve these conditions on a permanent basis.
Leaky Gut Syndrome Is Associated With The Following Conditions:
- Bloating and weight gain
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Celiac disease
- Crohn’s disease
- Environmental illness
- Hives
- Acne
- Allergies
- Inflammatory joint disease / arthritis
- Intestinal infections
- Pancreatic insufficiency
- Ulcerative colitis
- Giardia
- Psoriasis
- Food allergies and sensitivities
- Liver dysfunction
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Irritable bowel syndrome
Abdominal Bloating, Wind, Irregular Bowels
Millions of people are estimated to have gut health problems – in the U.S. alone up to 50 million. Often not severe enough to warrant a doctor’s visit, or not realizing these issues can be resolved, too many people tolerate symptoms that could easily be helped.
When you are not digesting and absorbing food properly, all kinds of problems can arise, leading to symptoms such as tiredness, and even some very serious illnesses.
Acid Reflux, Heartburn, Indigestion
Although counterintuitive, heartburn is more often about too little stomach acid than too much. After 50 years old we tend to produce less stomach acid and yet indigestion is a common complaint of older people. Sadly, many patients are inappropriately prescribed acid blockers that make their health problems much worse in the long term.
Having too little stomach acid has lots of ramifications. Our food is not digested as well before it enters our small intestine, making it more difficult to absorb nutrient and many harmful bacteria survive through the lowered acid conditions, which can lead to increased bacterial growth, ulcers and gastroenteritis.
Anxiety & Depression
The gut – brain connection has now been proven. Whilst we used to believe that ‘happy hormone’ neurotransmitters were manufactured and worked only in the brain, we now know better. New research shows that the majority – 70% – come from the intestine, and take their actions in the lining of the gut. Our expressions such as ‘I had a gut feeling’, are uncannily accurate!
Fatigue
Food nutrients may not be ingested fully causing a knock-on effect in all areas where those building block nutrients are needed. So many of our patients complain that although they eat a healthy diet and exercise, they are always tired.
Frequent Infections
Also, your immune system can become compromised, leading to increased viral and bacterial infections. This is because ’micronutrients’ such as zinc, essential in our body’s armory, are depleted.
Skin Problems
Painful and disfiguring skin issues such as eczema, or frequent rashes can be directly related to gut health – and effectively treated by rebalancing your gut flora.
Candidiasis
When the natural yeast or fungi found in the body grows out of control, it can result in a condition called Candidiasis, an infection caused by overgrowth of this fungus, which in small quantities is harmless. Candida is harmless in small amounts. However, the growth of Candida is usually controlled by the presence of the native – good – bacteria and by the body’s immune defenses. If the population of native bacteria is decreased, especially by antibiotics, or if the immune defenses are weakened by illness malnutrition, or certain medications, Candida can multiply enough to cause systemic symptoms – e.g. fatigue, by spewing many toxins into the bloodstream and liver.
Candidiasis can cause problems in many parts of the body, such as the mouth and throat (called thrush), the vagina (usually called a yeast infection), and in the case of children, as diaper rash. Candidiasis can overwhelm the whole body, and in some people, can result in not only stomach distress such as bloating and gas, but also fatigue, depression, anxiety, skin eruptions, and immune problems.
In fact, scientific research is finding that a healthy microbiome may play a role in reducing inflammation, which is a risk factor involved in illnesses ranging from colds to cancer, heart disease, arthritis, and cognitive decline. In addition, the bacteria may help burn body fat and reduce insulin resistance.
Gut Dysbiosis
Poor digestion can lead to toxic bacteria infesting your intestinal tract, a condition called gut dysbiosis. Digestion often becomes compromised by the medical system itself – prescribing antibiotics which wipe out ‘good bacteria’. However, improper eating, hormones, psychology, and lifestyle habits all have a part to play. The gastrointestinal tract in the average man is about 25 feet long, known as the GI Tract, or simply the Gut.
The Gut has Three Primary Functions
- Digestion of foods and conversion into vitamins
- Absorption of nutrients
- Prevention of toxins and pathogens from entering the body
What Can We Do?
Best Option:
See both Dr Jamieson and naturopathic doctor, Sara Jefferson, however you may also see one or the other. You will be guided on diet, supplements, special functional medicine testing you may need, and natural substances including homeopathy, herbs, and vitamins which will rebalance and heal your gut. Call (+852) 2523 8044 to book your appointment with The Hong Kong Gut Health Centre.
Gut Health Seminar 2018
Be sure to check out our Gut Health articles too.
