What is your gut trying to tell you?

Written By Leeza Lapshin

Your digestive tract is a fascinating organ. At its core, it's a tube that runs through your body, starting at your mouth and ending at your anus. It’s like the central hollow of a doughnut, if you will. But how can this seemingly empty space truly be the foundation of our health? 

Let me elaborate, 

Digestion

This process depends on the health of several interconnected organs: the stomach, liver, gallbladder, pancreas and intestines. Each plays a specific role, releasing specialised fluids and enzymes in a precise order to break down the food that enters. The stomach’s acid is crucial for breaking down proteins, the liver and gallbladder work with bile to emulsify fats, and the pancreas aids in the digestion of sugars while regulating the activities of the other organs.

Common Signs of Dysfunction

    • Excessive or deficient hunger 

    • Excessive burping

    • Bloating

    • GERD and reflux 

    • Indigestion

    • Upper abdominal pain 

    • Pain radiating into the left shoulder

    • Alternating constipation and diarrhea

    • Nausea and headaches 

    • Skin issues: itching, hives, eczema, psoriasis 

    • Fat in the stool

    • Fullness or pain in the right upper abdomen 

    • Hunger related mood changes  

    • Hunger related dizziness 

    • Anxiety and depression

    • Fatigue and afternoon energy crashes 

    • Difficulty with weight loss 

    • Skin discolouration: hyperpigmentation

    • Skin issues: acne

Absorption

After food is digested by the combined efforts of the stomach, liver, and pancreas, it is transformed into a nutrient-rich juice that moves further into the long tubes of the intestines. Through the single-cell layer of the intestinal epithelium, nutrients are absorbed and distributed. Proteins and sugars are sent to the liver for processing, while fats enter the bloodstream immediately. This is why consuming too much fat can strain the heart—since the heart is one of the first organs to receive fat for energy, prolonged excess can lead to buildup and dysfunction.

Optimal absorption requires optimal digestion. If the upstream process of digestion is compromised, absorption will also be affected, leading to nutrient deficiencies or food sensitivities.

    1. Low energy and fatifue

    2. Low mood and irritability

    3. Poor wound healing 

    4. Difficulties gaining muscle

    5. Constipation or loose stools

    6. Skin discolouration 


Microbiome

Towards the end of the intestinal tract, specifically in the large intestine, resides a diverse colony of microbes. In optimal health, these microbes play a crucial role in breaking down residual food particles and synthesizing beneficial compounds. The gut microbiome is the largest endocrine organ, producing at least 30 hormone-like compounds including, short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), secondary bile acids, cortisol, and neurotransmitters such as GABA, serotonin and dopamine. They also influence the immune system, stimulating various blood and immune cells to prevent allergies and sensitivities, while keeping our immune response in balance. Additionally, they help prevent harmful microbes and parasites from colonizing and even impact the mood we experience. This is just a brief glimpse into the vast range of functions these microbes perform—many of which we are still working to fully understand.

A dysfunctional microbiome, often referred to as gut dysbiosis, can lead to a variety of health conditions. These can affect not only digestion but also other systems in the body due to the microbiome’s broad influence.

    1. Frequent Illnesses

    2. Abdominal discomfort 

    3. Constipation or diarrhea 

    4. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD)

    5. Weight gain and Metabolic Disorders

    6. Allergies and Food Sensitivities

    7. Autoimmune Conditions

    8. Mood and mental health disorders

    9. Skin Conditions like rashes and utricaria 

    10. Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)

    11. Chronic Fatigue and energy dysregulation 

Addressing a dysfunctional microbiome often involves dietary changes, probiotics, prebiotics, and sometimes medical interventions to restore a healthy balance of gut bacteria.


Elimination

The liver and kidneys are the body’s primary organs of elimination, using specialised enzymes to process waste and expel it through urine or stool. Optimal elimination is crucial for clearing wastes and toxins, and when this function becomes dysregulated, a range of issues can arise.

  • Common concerns include:

    1. Constipation or diarrhea

    2. Bloating and gas

    3. Bad breath

    4. Foul body odour

    5. Chronic rashes

    6. Acne

    7. Itchy palms or feet

    8. Electrolyte imbalances

    9. Abdominal pain

    10. Persistent fatigue

    11. Muscular pain and delayed muscle soreness

    12. PMS

    13. Brain fog or difficulty concentrating

    14. Joint pain or muscle aches

    15. Headaches

    16. Dark circles under the eyes

 This discussion highlights how symptoms in areas like skin, mental health, and immunity can often trace back to gut health. The gut isn’t just our energy source; it’s also a foundation for overall wellness. By focusing on gut health, we may find solutions to issues in other systems of the body.

What is a comprehensive stool assessment and why should I do it?

The Comprehensive Stool Assessment CSA is a diagnostic tool designed to provide valuable insights into your gut health. This detailed analysis examines various components of your stool, including microbiome diversity, digestive function, inflammation markers, and nutrient absorption. By identifying imbalances, the test helps the practitioner to uncover underlying health issues such as digestive disorders, food sensitivities, and gut dysbiosis. Results guide tailored recommendations for dietary adjustments, anti-microbial ane probiotic use, and lifestyle changes.

A CSA should be considered when experiencing persistent gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating, gas, abdominal pain, or irregular bowel movements. It is also valuable for individuals facing unexplained weight changes, fatigue, or autoimmune conditions. Those with a history of digestive diseases, food intolerances, or recurrent infections may also benefit from this test.


Something to try to improve digestion

References

  1. De Pessemier, B., Grine, L., Debaere, M., Maes, A., Paetzold, B., & Callewaert, C. (2021). Gut-Skin Axis: Current Knowledge of the Interrelationship between Microbial Dysbiosis and Skin Conditions. Microorganisms, 9(2), 353. https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms9020353 & https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7916842/#sec2-microorganisms-09-00353

  2. Wang, Y., Lai, H., Zhang, T., Wu, J., Tang, H., Liang, X., Ren, D., Huang, J., & Li, W. (2023). Mitochondria of intestinal epithelial cells in depression: Are they at a crossroads of gut-brain communication? Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 149, 105403. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105403 & https://www-sciencedirect-com.ccnm.idm.oclc.org/science/article/pii/S014976342300372X

  3. https://www.doctorsdata.com/Comprehensive-Stool-Analysis-CSA21

Leeza Lapshin
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