Nutritional Therapy for Diarrhoea and Constipation
Whereas diarrhoea is passing looser and more frequent stools than usual, constipation is the opposite: not being able to go when you need to and sometimes not at all. Most people have experienced diarrhoea or constipation or both at some point in their lives and it often resolves on its own or with over-the-counter medication.
Click here to see potential causes of diarrhoea:
- Food sensitivities and/or intolerances, including lactose intolerance
- IBS (irritable bowel syndrome)
- IBD (inflammatory bowel disease) including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
- Certain diseases including coeliac disease
- SIBO (small intestine bacterial overgrowth)
- Stress and anxiety
- Infections from viruses, bacteria and/or parasites
Diarrhoea can often be accompanied by pain, cramping, nausea, fever, bloating and feelings of weakness.
Click here to see potential causes of constipation:
- Not eating enough fibre
- Inadequate hydration
- Being inactive/not exercising enough
- IBS (irritable bowel syndrome)
- Vitamin and/or mineral deficiencies
- Underactive thyroid
- Stress, anxiety and/or depression
Constipation can often lead to bloating, irritability and lack of appetite.
How can a Nutritional Therapist help?
A Nutritional Therapist recognises that everyone is unique – the underlying cause or causes of your diarrhoea or constipation may not be the same as the next person’s. As a result, there is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to recommendations for improving these conditions and restoring regular bowel movements.
After taking a full medical history and reviewing your food and lifestyle diary, a Nutritional Therapist will consider ALL the potential causes of your diarrhoea or constipation and identify and prioritise the next steps to be taken that are relevant to you. These may include:
- Recommending dietary changes which may include the elimination of certain foods to establish any connection to your symptoms
- Referring you to your GP for further testing where it can be accessed free of charge
- Recommending private testing not available on the NHS
- Suggesting supplements
- Advising on lifestyle changes including diet, exercise and relaxation
Your personalised recommendations will be reviewed at each appointment to evaluate how they have been incorporated into your life and how effective they have been and your plan will be amended and updated accordingly. A course of 4 appointments 4 to 6 weeks apart is recommended for optimal outcomes and to allow sufficient time for changes to manifest.
The Nutritional Therapists at Irrefutable Health have helped many people identify and address the root cause of their diarrhoea and constipation with personalised plans tailored to their individual circumstances and goals to restore normal, pain-free bowel movements.
Call us to today to start your journey to better health on 020 3034 3000 email info@irrefutablehealth.co.uk.
