A starved & stressed gut won't work as it should.

Undernutrition 

Lack of adequate and varied nutrition impacts the gut in many ways:

• Disrupts normal motility anywhere along the gastrointestinal tract.

• Changes the gut microbiome.

• Increased permeability of the gut wall ("leaky gut") increasing the likelihood of unusual immune system responses to food you normally manage well.

• Decreased activity of digestive enzymes making parts of your food more difficult to digest than usual.

• Lower levels of stomach acid which helps digest protein, access important nutrients and fight of bacteria in the stomach.

Stress & Mental State 

Chronic stress and poor mental health affects the gut in many ways:

• Disrupts normal motility anywhere along the gastrointestinal tract.

• Changes the gut microbiome.

• Can contribute to increased sensitisation of gut nerves.

• Negatively impacts gut blood flow impairing digestion.

• Increased permeability of the gut wall ("leaky gut") increasing the likelihood of unusual immune system responses to food you normally manage well.

• Increased worry and difficulty coping with the escalating Gl symptoms.

When you put all of this together, it's no surprise that it is difficult to break the cycle of stress and poor nutrition that comes with experiencing distressing Gl symptoms. 

Early intervention is important. 

If your Gl symptoms are starting to cause you difficulties with food and you notice your day-to-day life or mental state is being affected by your symptoms, please reach out for help early by connecting with health providers which may include:

• Your GP

• A neurogastroenterologist

• A dietitian specialising in DGBI

• A psychologist specialising in DGBIs