Case 1: 44year mother presenting with severe and debilitating unexplained joint pain and inflammation impacting her ability to maintain a desk job. In addition, bloating, constipation, IBS as well as upper GI problems (reflux and pain) had plagued her life since childhood.

Extensive testing revealed excessive oxalates, very low gut bacteria, parasites and gut immune defences, poor B vitamin status and a histamine problem likely related to the gut lining. SIBO and potentially H Pylori was also suspected but not tested.

The intervention: The client was already gluten and mostly dairy free. A thorough elimination diet revealed a significant intolerance to nightshade vegetables (in particular tomatoes). Initially treatment addressed the reflux and stomach issue as this took priority over the lower gut problems. Antimicrobials was necessary to clear up potential parasites and potential SIBO, and the client was put on prebiotic and probiotic food to slowly re-build gut bacteria. Reported back with 90% pain free within 3 months, with the odd day ‘twinge’.

Case 2: 10year old Aspergers/autistic boy presenting with a chronic cough (6m+), chronic diarrhoea alternating with constipation, and bad breath. Inhailers had been offered by specialists to manage the cough but failed to offer a satisfactory long term solution. The diet was very restricted due to sensory issues.

We noted that the child was breathing through his mouth, with suspected blocked sinuses. Removal of dairy together with a special nose spray to promote a healthy ‘nose microbiome’ cleared the sinuses within a week or so. Withdrawing from dairy immediately gave firm and normal stool for first time in child’s life.

Follow up appointment at 6 weeks the mother reported the cough was disappearing ‘by iteself’, the bad breath had disappeared, and he now breathed through his nose.

Dairy was not reintroduced, so calcium replacement products together with a pleasant tasting Vitamin D spray was provided.

Female professional presenting with severe chronic constipation. Symptoms were improved by large quantities of water intake, but this was impractical. Symptoms were exacerbated by all types of dietary fibre, making it challenging to have a healthy wholefood diet. This was the clients main objective.

Client had trialled dairy and gluten free without much success. The client had also been taking Thyroid medication x 20yrs.

We ran a comprehensive stool analysis, which indicated the presence of ‘deficiency dysbiosis’ (lack of good gut bacteria), slowing down gut transit. From the history of thyroid medication use together with a few clues from the stool test analysis we could deduce that this client also required more ‘bile support’.

The client was put on a adapted semi-IBS diet for three months, with supplements to support production of stomach acid, bile flow and bowel movements.

By the second session, constipation was more or less eliminated as long as she took her supplement. As a bonus, she felt more clear headed and had more energy. She also had no more gnawing feeling in her stomach after eating, something she had been unaware of previously.

Step 2 in the treatment was re-building good gut bacteria which we did in a gradual and methodical way due to the status of her gut bacteria. This client had to start on a microdose for 2 months before being able to up the dose and gain real benefits.

By the 3rd session this client could go to the toilet without the help of a herbal laxative, and she appeared overjoyed with this progress. The client then went away on a maintenance program to continue to improve gut transit, and is making lifechanging progress.