Digestive Health

Learn more about Digestive Health Conditions and how I could support you

Digestive Health Support with Nudrat Chagtai, Nutritional Therapist

Your gut is at the centre of your overall wellbeing, influencing everything from digestion and immunity to mood and energy. When the gut is out of balance, a wide range of symptoms and conditions can arise, some common, some less so, but all impacting quality of life.

Understanding Gut Health Conditions

I've summarised a few of the most common gut health conditions I see in clinic. Whether you’re struggling with bloating, discomfort, irregular bowel habits, or more complex digestive issues, understanding the root causes is the first step towards healing.

From inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis, to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), constipation, dysbiosis, candida overgrowth, diverticulitis, and reflux (GERD), each condition has its own triggers and challenges. Food sensitivities, the gut-brain connection, and even the balance of your gut microbiome can all play a role.

If you recognise your symptoms here, know that you’re not alone, and that support is available. For each condition, I share a brief overview and one simple tip to get you started. For personalised guidance and a holistic plan, why not book a consultation.

Irritable Bowel

Syndrome (IBS)

IBS is a functional bowel disorder causing abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits.

IBS-D: Diarrhea predominant
IBS-C: Constipation predominant
IBS-M: Mixed/alternating diarrhea and constipation

Symptoms are often triggered by stress, certain foods, or hormonal changes, and can vary over time.

Quick Tip: Keep a food and symptom diary to spot patterns and triggers.

Constipation

Constipation involves infrequent, hard, or difficult-to-pass stools. Causes include low fibre intake, dehydration, lack of exercise, certain medications, and underlying gut conditions.

Symptoms can include bloating, discomfort, and a sense of incomplete evacuation. Increasing fibre, fluids, and physical activity often helps.

Quick Tip: Increase your fluid intake and add gentle movement to your day.

Dysbiosis

Dysbiosis refers to an imbalance in the gut microbiota, the community of bacteria and other microorganisms in your digestive tract.

It can result from dietary changes, antibiotics, stress, or illness, and may cause symptoms like bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal discomfort.

Quick Tip: Aim for a variety of colourful fruits and vegetables to support a diverse gut microbiome. Why not try have a look at my 'Eat a Rainbow' under my resources.

Inflammatory Bowel
Disease (IBD)

IBD is an umbrella term for chronic inflammatory conditions of the digestive tract, primarily including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the digestive tract (most often the small intestine and colon) and involves deeper layers of the bowel wall.
Ulcerative colitis affects only the colon and rectum, causing inflammation and ulcers in the lining.

Symptoms often include abdominal pain, diarrhea (sometimes with blood), fatigue, weight loss, and periods of flare-ups and remission.

Quick Tip: During flare-ups, stick to gentle, well-cooked foods and avoid known triggers.

Gastroesophageal
Reflux Disease
(GERD)

GERD is chronic acid reflux, where stomach acid flows back into the oesophagus, causing heartburn, regurgitation, chest pain, and sometimes difficulty swallowing.

Lifestyle changes, diet, and medications can help manage symptoms and prevent complications like oesophagitis or strictures.

Quick Tip: Try eating smaller meals and avoid lying down soon after eating. For more tips, check out my 'Reflux' resources.

Diverticulitis

Diverticulitis is inflammation or infection of small pouches (diverticula) that can form in the colon wall.

Symptoms include lower abdominal pain (often left-sided), fever, nausea, constipation or diarrhea, and sometimes bloating. Severe cases may require medical attention.

Quick Tip: During acute episodes, a low-fibre diet may be recommended—always consult a professional.

Candida Overgrowth

Candida is a type of yeast that normally lives in the gut. Overgrowth can occur after antibiotics, with high-sugar diets, or immune suppression.

Symptoms may include bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation, sugar cravings, fatigue, and recurrent yeast infections.

Quick Tip: Reducing added sugars may help manage symptoms.

Other Common
Gut Conditions

Coeliac Disease: An autoimmune reaction to gluten causing damage to the small intestine, leading to malabsorption, diarrhea, weight loss, and fatigue.

Tip: Avoid all sources of gluten and check food labels carefully.

Haemorrhoids: Swollen blood vessels in the rectum or anus, often due to constipation or straining, causing pain, itching, and sometimes bleeding.

Tip: Don’t strain during bowel movements and increase fibre gradually.

Gastritis and Peptic Ulcers: Inflammation or sores in the stomach lining, often from infection (H. pylori), NSAIDs, or stress, leading to pain, nausea, and sometimes bleeding.

Tip: Avoid irritants like NSAIDs and spicy foods; eat smaller, more frequent meals.

Gut Health Workshops

Because I'm so passionate about gut health, having experienced digestive symptoms for most of my life, I have partnered with yoga practitioners and have run a number of Gut Health Yoga and Nutrition Workshops.

If you're interested to learn more, you can find details of my past workshops under my Group Programmes and if you subscribe, you'll be the first to know when I'm launching the next one.

Digestive Health