Digestive Disorders

Irritable Bowel Syndrome or IBS

What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?
IBS is one of the most common gastro-intestinal disorder reported to GPs. In fact, up to 50% of referrals to gastroenterologists are for IBS. There is clinical evidence that stress is a major factor in this unpleasant complaint and there are often underlying problems in the digestive tract too.

Most of the patients seen at Harley Street IBS Clinic have had problems with their digestive system for many years. They have continually asked the question – What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome and what is causing it? They have usually done the rounds of GP’s and gastroenterologists, been given only temporary relief with symptomatic treatment, yet their problems may still persist. Deborah’s approach to treating IBS is to identify the underlying problem, which is fuelling the IBS. Patients have non-invasive medical tests to help with the diagnosis of the underlying problem. Natural Medicine along with dietary modification is usually very effective at treating this condition, attaining a very high rate of clinical success.

What are the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome or IBS?
Patients may suffer recurrent abdominal pain, abdominal spasms, excessive gas, allergies and severe bloating with diarrhoea and/or constipation. Symptoms may include pain low down on the left and/or right of the abdomen. There is often discomfort just below the stomach. There are usually loud bowel sounds, which can be embarrassing. Patients may also experience nausea and/or acid reflux. There is usually quite a dip in energy as well, with patients feeling tired most of the time. Their sleep may also be poor.

What can be done?
Depending on the results of the diagnostic non-invasive medical tests, a personalised prescription of natural medicine and prescription health supplements is formulated and dispensed to meet each patient’s unique needs. Every patient’s experience of IBS is different so a prescription tailored to the patient’s condition works far better than a one-size-fits-all approach.

As mentioned earlier, stress is highly significant in the exacerbation of IBS. It is therefore important to adjust lifestyle to allow for relaxation and to support the nervous system and adrenal function with natural medicine. Patients usually express surprise at how effective the natural treatment for IBS is. This is an inflammatory condition so it is very important to identify and address the source of the inflammation rather than merely mask the symptoms.

On average, it takes around 6-8 weeks of treatment for IBS to start noticing an improvement. Treatment continues until the patient is symptom free and the underlying issue resolved. Diet is an important part of the treatment and dietary guidance is given to support the treatment and help recovery.

If you feel you could benefit from this natural approach to treatment for your IBS

Food Allergy Testing As Featured In The Guardian

Do you find that you are becoming intolerant to foods you used to comfortably eat?
Having an allergic reaction to them? Worried about what to eat in case you get a bad reaction? If so, you have probably been food allergy testing doing the rounds, allergy testing and reading all you can on the internet about allergy testing in the hope of finding an answer to your problem.It seems that an increasing number of people are suffering with allergies. Patients, who attend clinic, are usually exhausted, underweight and stressed out. They have tried other food allergy testing yet are still unsure of what is going on with their body and why they are having these allergic reactions to food they could once eat without any problem.

Specialising in allergy caused through gastrointestinal problems, we run non-invasive diagnostic medical tests in order to diagnose the underlying problem, which may be causing the allergic reaction or intolerance. A treatment plan is then formulated, based on the test results, to meet each patient’s unique needs. Detailed dietary guidance is also formulated based on the food allergy testing. We find that this approach works better than a one-size-fits-all approach. Deborah Grant’s work on allergy was featured in The Guardian.

If you would like to a natural approach to treatment for your allergies

Bloating & Gas

Are You Looking For Treatment For Bloating or Excess Gas?
Bloating seems to be a very common problem. There may several reasons why bloating happens. At Harley Street IBS Clinic, we work to diagnose the underlying problem and treat that instead of treating only the symptoms.stomach bloating and gas

We see a growing number of patients reporting stomach bloating and gas, who have been told that they have Irritable Bowel Syndrome or IBS and are given treatment only for their symptoms. There are several reasons why bloating occurs and these can be diagnosed through taking an in-depth case history and using non-invasive diagnostic medical tests.

At Harley Street IBS Clinic we find it’s more likely to result in a good clinical outcome if the patient is tested (non-invasively) to ascertain what the underlying issue is and also the extent of it. The patient can then be retested after the second stage of treatment to monitor progress and enable the treatment to be tailored according to the latest result. This approach usually works well.

Naturally, diet is an important part of recovery and helps to support the treatment. Dietary guidance also helps to achieve a good clinical outcome. This guidance also aids the digestive system to gradually start working properly again. After the digestive problems have been resolved and treatment has ended, patients are given adequate advice on how to maintain their digestive health in order to help prevent any relapse.

Many patients seen at Harley Street IBS Clinic have been searching for years to find an answer to why they bloat, have excess gas and perhaps acid reflux, joint pain, foggy brain and low energy. They report feeling relieved, when they have their underlying problems explained. Better still, when treatment for bloating and gas commences and they begin to feel the benefit!

If you would like treatment for your bloating

Leaky Gut Treatment as featured in The Guardian

Leaky Gut Syndrome (Increased Gut Permeability)
Unless specifically investigated with diagnostic medical testing, Leaky Gut Syndrome often goes unrecognized. Yet this is very common health problem and we see many patients with it. Leaky Gut Syndrome (Increased Gut Permeability) has been leaky gut treatment associated with many serious diseases and can often lead to an inappropriate immune response, resulting in allergies. Deborah Grant’s successful treatment for Leaky Gut Syndrome has been featured in The Guardian.

What causes Leaky Gut Syndrome?
Leaky Gut Syndrome is usually caused by exposure to certain substances, which may damage the lining of the small intestine. The most common causes of increased gut permeability are antibiotics; anti-inflammatory drugs for pain relief – NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs) including the over the counter one, Ibuprofen; steroids; alcohol, which is an irritant to the gut lining; stress; infection by virus, bacteria or parasite; and a poor diet full of sugar and starchy foods.

What is Leaky Gut Syndrome?
The small intestine is 21 ft long and is where the food is digested. The lining of it is like a fine sieve, which allows only the broken down products of digestion to pass through it and into the bloodstream. It normally keeps undigested food molecules, bacteria, yeast and toxins out.

The small intestine is lined with finger-like projections Contacted villi. These have hair-like projections Contacted microvilli, which serve as a point of absorption of nutrients. Antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, alcohol or infection can cause the intestinal lining to become inflamed and the microvilli to become damaged, losing their hair-like projection – so in effect, getting bald patches. These damaged microvilli cannot then produce the necessary enzymes and secretions that are essential for healthy digestion and the absorption of nutrients. This can lead to malabsorption and weight loss.

When the samll intestine becomes inflamed in this way, the lining which keeps out undigested protein, bacteria etc. from passing into the bloodstream is weakened. Gaps open up between the cells. The sieve has now become more of a colander allowing undigested particles and toxins to escape into the body. This of course puts the immune system on red alert. In response, it produces antibodies to locate and attack these foreign objects because they are perceived as invaders. This can cause allergic reactions. Large amounts of this escaping material can overwhelm the body and a cascade of inflammatory events may begin that can trigger autoimmune disease.

What conditions are associated with Leaky Gut Syndrome?
In a very interesting article by the American Herbalist, Paul Bergner, he states that the theory of Leaky Gut Syndrome being associated with various illnesses, including autoimmunity, has been postulated by alternative medicine since the mid-1980s and that studies and trials that support the theory now abound in the scientific literature. He also states that “research studies indicate that gut permeability may be pathologiContacty increased by antibiotic therapy (Rutgers et al; Whang et al), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Jenkins et al; Louis et al; Nylander et al; Wallace), food allergies (de Boissieu et al; Louis et al; Troncone et al,1994), alcohol (Bjarnason et al), stress (Saunders et al), and poor nutrition (Rodriguez et al).

Research also shows that the gut does not increase in permeability due to normal aging (Saltzman et al), that mother’s milk can protect against permeability-inducing injuries (Crissinger et al.). Various researchers have also linked increased intestinal permeability with autoimmune diseases in general (Parke; Zananian), arthritis (Paganelli et al; Parke); ankylosing spondylitis (Martinez-Gonzales et al); collagen autoimmune diseases (Tsutsumi et al), Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative colitis (Geboes; Ma; Stevens; Zanjanian), and autoimmune skin disorders (Kieffer and Barnetson; Paganelli et al; Parke.)”

The Treatment for Leaky Gut Syndrome
Many patients attend The Harley Street IBS Clinic for the treatment of Leaky Gut Syndrome. They have usually done the rounds but have not found any answers to their worrying and uncomfortable condition, yet they continually sense that something is wrong. Patients presenting with any symptoms, which suggest increased gut permeability or leaky gut, are tested to see if their gut wall has been weakened and also to measure the extent of any problem with it. Knowing the extent of the problem helps to tailor the treatment to meet the patient’s unique needs. Progress can be monitored by retesting.

Patients may also be tested to find out if anything else is fuelling this increase in permeability. An extensive case history is taken, including drug history. Leaky Gut can be improved by avoidance of drugs that cause this problem and foods that cause an allergic reaction. Diet, dietary supplementation and Natural Medicine are the mainstay of the treatment for Leaky Gut Syndrome. Support is also given to the liver to help it with detoxification.

Every patient’s experience of this very complex condition is different so there are no set prescriptions. Instead, treatment for Leaky Gut Syndrome is formulated and dispensed to meet each patient’s needs. This approach works better than a one-size-fits-all approach.

If you feel that you may have Leaky Gut Syndrome

Treatment for Parasites

What are parasites?
Parasites are organisms that feed off other living organisms known as hosts. They may be transmitted from animals to humans, from humans to humans, or from humans to animals. Several parasites have emerged as significant causes of both foodborne treatment for parasites and waterborne illness. Parasites live and reproduce within the tissues and organs of infected human and animal hosts, and are often excreted in faeces.

How are they transmitted?
They may be transmitted from host to host through consumption of contaminated food and water, or by putting anything into your mouth that has touched the stool (faeces) of an infected person or animal.

How do they vary in size?
Parasites are of different types and range in size from tiny, single-celled, microscopic organisms ( protozoa) to larger, multi-cellular worms ( helminths) that can be seen with the naked eye. The size can ranges from 1 to 2 µm (micrometres) to 2 metres long.

What is a common parasite?

Giardia duodenalis, the cause of giardiasis, is a one-celled, microscopic parasite that can live in the intestines of animals and people. It is found throughout the world and is one of the most common causes of waterborne (and occasionally foodborne) illness.

Giardiasis is frequently associated with drinking contaminated water, but some people might get infected by consuming uncooked meat also contaminated with G. duodenalis cysts (the infective stage of the organism). It is also associated with putting anything into your mouth that has touched contaminated surfaces or the stool of a person or animal with giardiasis. It can cause diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, gas, and nausea. Chronic infection may cause dehydration and severe weight loss. However, some cases may be without symptoms.

Symptoms usually appear 1 to 2 weeks after ingestion of a G. duodenalis cyst and may last 2 to 6 weeks in otherwise healthy persons. Some cases can last months or even years.

Cryptosporidium parvum, causes the disease cryptosporidiosis is a microscopic shelled parasite and a significant cause of waterborne and foodborne illness globally. It is found in the intestines of many herd animals including cows, sheep, goats, deer, and elk. This parasite can be found in soil, food, water or surfaces that have been contaminated with faeces from infected humans or animals.

Symptoms include watery diarrhoea, stomach cramps, upset stomach, and slight fever. Symptoms appear 2 to 10 days after ingestion of C. parvum oocysts. The illness usually goes away without medical intervention in 3 to 4 days. For healthy people, symptoms may last up to 2 weeks. For individuals with weakened immune systems, cryptosporidiosis can be serious and long-lasting.

At Harley Street IBS Clinic, we diagnose parasites by testing for them and a treatment plan using natural medicine is then formulated, based on your results.

Ulcerative Colitis Treatment

Ulcerative Colitis (UC) is a very uncomfortable and debilitating condition. It affects the colon and rectum and usually involves just the innermost lining (mucosa) of the gut wall. It presents as continuous areas of inflammation and ulceration, with no segments of normal tissue. During the 20th Century, there was a significant increase in Ulcerative Colitis and it currently affects between 1 and 2 million people in the America. The figure for the UK has been estimated at 243 per 100,000. There is compelling evidence ulcerative colitis treatment that environmental factors are far more important than genetic factors in Ulcerative Colitis. The most common symptoms of ulcerative colitis are abdominal pain and bloody diarrhoea. Patients also may experience anaemia, fatigue, weight loss, loss of appetite, rectal bleeding, skin lesions and joint pain.

About 50% of the people diagnosed with ulcerative colitis have mild symptoms. Others people suffer frequent fevers, bloody diarrhoea, nausea, and severe abdominal cramps. Ulcerative colitis may also cause problems such as arthritis, inflammation of the eye, liver disease, and osteoporosis.

In clinical trials, it was noted that natural treatment for Ulcerative Colitis provided beneficial effects to patients. In fact, those who received Natural Medicine, had a remission rate of 70% compared to 40% for pharmaceutical treatment.

At Harley Street IBS Clinic we treat the underlying cause and not just the symptoms. We see many patients, who come to us having relapsed after coming off steroids – in many cases several times – because the underlying issues fuelling the condition have not been diagnosed or treated.

Treatment for ulcerative colitis at Harley Street IBS & Autoimmune Clinic includes addressing the imbalance of the gut flora (gut dybiosis), the immune dysregulation, the inflammation and the diet. Diagnostic medical tests (non-invasive) are run in order to tailor the treatment for ulcerative colitis and to meet the unique needs of the patient as everyone’s presentation of this condition is different and unique to them. This approach gets the best results – far better than a one-size-fits-all approach.

Patients usually progress well on natural treatment for ulcerative colitis, providing they are diligent with their diet. It has usually taken many years for this condition to slowly develop and so it is not unusual for treatment to take some time to rebalance the body and help restore health. However, some progress is usually seen early on in the treatment, depending on the severity of the patient’s condition.

If you would like a natural approach to Ulcerative Colitis treatment

SIBO Treatment

Natural SIBO Treatment
The Harley Street IBS Clinic has diagnosed and treated many patients with SIBO. Most of them had been suffering the uncomfortable symptoms of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth for many years, without receiving a correct diagnosis. Our patient outcomes are said to be “remarkable” by one of the UK’s leading pathologists.

Patients had previously been treated symptomatically rather than having the underlying issue addressed. Many had been prescribed sibo treatment extensive antibiotic therapy in the past for various health issues. The role of the small intestine is to digest and absorb food. It is a 21 foot long tube. The entire gastrointestinal tract, including the small intestine, normally contains bacteria, that aid the digestive process. The number of bacteria is greatest in the colon (at least 1,000,000,000 bacteria per ml. of fluid) and much lower in the small intestine (less than 10,000 bacteria per ml. of fluid). The types of bacteria normally found in the small intestine are different to the types of bacteria that reside in the colon.

The beneficial bacteria stimulate the growth of the intestinal lining and the immune system of the intestine. They prevent the growth of disease-causing bacteria within the intestine and produce vitamin K, which is needed for blood coagulation. The beneficial bacteria are also important for the muscular activity of the small intestine (the waves that drive the contents along). Without this bacteria, there is reduced muscular activity.

The small intestine contains an extensive immune system, which protects the intestine from disease-causing viruses, bacteria, and parasites. It’s the home guard of the digestive system. The effects of the immune response have been experienced by anyone who has experienced gastroenteritis. The muscular activity or wave keeps the numbers of bacteria in the intestine at a low level. Mucus that is secreted into the intestine coats the intestinal lining and prevents the bacteria from touching the lining.

What is SIBO?
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) refers to a condition, in which abnormally large numbers of bacteria (at least 100,000 bacteria per ml of fluid) are present in the small intestine and the types of bacteria in the small intestine resemble more the bacteria of the colon than the small intestine. This overgrowth also causes damage and inflammation to the gut wall.

What causes small intestinal bacterial overgrowth?
The digestive tract is a continuous muscular tube through which digesting food is transported on its way to the colon. The activity of the muscles of the stomach and small intestine drives the food from the stomach, through the small intestine, and into the colon.

The muscular activity that sweeps through the small intestine is important for the digestion of food, but it also is important because it sweeps bacteria out of it and thereby limits the numbers of bacteria in the small intestine. Anything that interferes with the progression of this muscular activity (the waves) through the small intestine can result in SIBO by allowing the bacteria to stay longer and multiply in the small intestine. The lack of muscular activity also may allow bacteria to spread backwards from the colon and into the small intestine, which is why types of bacteria normally found only in the colon, are found in the small intestine.

Nerve damage or muscular diseases can also alter the normal activity of the intestinal muscles, causing a reduction in wave intensity. Diabetes mellitus damages the nerve supply to these muscles. Scleroderma damages them directly. The effect of these diseases on the waves causes SIBO.

What are the symptoms of SIBO? Symptoms may include:

• Abdominal pain – When bacteria digest food in the intestine, they produce gas. The gas can accumulate in the abdomen giving rise to abdominal bloating or distension. Distension can cause abdominal pain. The increased amounts of gas are passed as flatus
• Gas – Reduced digestion or absorption by the small intestine allows increased amounts of sugar and carbohydrate to reach the colon, where greater amounts of gas are produced. When bacteria digest food in the intestine, they produce gas
• Bloating – When bacteria digest food in the intestine, they produce gas. The gas can accumulate in the abdomen giving rise to abdominal bloating or distension. Distension can cause abdominal pain. The increased amounts of gas are passed as flatus
• Diarrhoea – The bacteria also convert food into substances that are irritating or toxic to the cells of the inner lining of the small intestine and colon. These irritating substances produce diarrhoea by causing secretion of water into the intestine
• Constipation – Some patients with SIBO have constipation rather than diarrhoea. There is some evidence that the bacterial production of methane causes constipation
• Weight loss – When the bacterial overgrowth is severe, the bacteria may cause malabsorption of food and deficiencies of vitamins and minerals may develop, leading to weight loss
• Aches – mostly in joints
• Fatigue – sleep can be impaired; and a lack of good nutrition caused by malabsorption can result in constant tiredness

SIBO Treatment with Natural Medicine
A full case history is taken. Before any treatment for SIBO is prescribed, the extent of the SIBO must be ascertained. Once this has been done using non-invasive diagnostic medical tests, a treatment plan is formulated, which incorporates natural medication, prescription health supplements and dietary modifications. Every patient’s experience of SIBO is different and that is why it is important to tailor the treatment for SIBO by way of a personalised prescription to meet the needs of each patient.

This approach works far better than a one-size-fits-all approach. The bacterial overgrowth is dealt with and the gut lining, which is damaged and inflamed, is repaired with natural medication, prescription health supplements and diet. Treatment for SIBO can take up to two years, depending on the severity of the overgrowth and also how well the patient adheres to the diet. However, progress is usually noted by the patient quite early on in the treatment. Some patients have recovered within six months.

If you would welcome this approach to SIBO treatment

Diverticulitis Treatment

Diverticulitis is a condition where small, bulging pouches of the inner lining of the colon or large intestine (Diverticulosis) become inflamed or infected. No one knows exactly what causes the pouches to form in the first place. Eating a low-fibre diet is thought to be one of the most likely causes.

People who eat mostly processed food do not get enough fiber in their diet. Processed foods include white rice, white bread, diverticulitis treatment most breakfast cereals, crackers, and pretzels. As a result, constipation and hard stools are more likely to occur – causing people to strain when passing stools. This increases the pressure in the colon or intestines and may cause these pouches to form.

Diverticulosis is very common. It is found in more than half of Americans over age 60. Diverticulitis is caused by small pieces of stool (faeces) that become trapped in these pouches, causing infection or inflammation.

People with diverticulosis are often without symptoms, but they may have bloating and cramping in the lower part of the abdomen. Rarely, they may notice blood in their stool or on toilet paper. Symptoms of diverticulitis are more severe and often start suddenly. Sometimes they may become worse over a few days.

They include:

• Tenderness, usually in the lower left side of the abdomen
• Bloating or excess gas
• Fever and chills
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite

Patients are expected to have had a colonoscopy to rule out any serious disease. The underlying issues, which may have contributed to this condition, are diagnosed through non-invasive tests and through taking an extensive case history. A Diverticulitis treatment plan is formulated based upon the patient’s test results. This personalised Functional Medicine approach usually works well and is far better than a one-size-fits-all approach.

If you would like an appointment

Treatment for Constipation/Diarrhoea

What is constipation?
Constipation is a condition in which a person has fewer than three bowel movements a week or has bowel movements with stools that are hard, dry, and small often like rabbit droppings, making them painful or difficult to pass. People often feel bloated or have abdominal discomfort or pain.

Most people get constipated at some point in their lives. Constipation can be acute, which means sudden and lasting a short treatment for constipation or diarrhoea londontime, or chronic, which means lasting a long time, sometimes even years.

Functional constipation is diagnosed in people who have had symptoms for at least 6 months and meet the following criteria for the last 3 months before diagnosis:

Two or more of the following symptoms:

• Straining to have a bowel movement at least 25 percent of the time
• Having hard stools at least 25 percent of the time
• Feeling as though a stool is still in the rectum after a bowel movement at least 25 percent of the time
• Feeling as though something is blocking the stool from passing at least 25 percent of the time
• Having fewer than three bowel movements per week
• Rarely passing stools without the use of laxatives

What is diarrhoea?
Diarrhoea is loose, watery stools. Having diarrhoea means passing loose, watery stools three or more times a day. Acute diarrhoea is a common problem that usually lasts 1 or 2 days and goes away on its own. Diarrhoea lasting more than 2 days may be a sign of a more serious problem. Chronic diarrhoea—diarrhoea that lasts at least 4 weeks—may be a symptom of a chronic disease. Chronic diarrhoea symptoms may be continual or may come and go.

People who visit certain foreign countries are at risk for traveler’s diarrhoea, which is caused by eating food or drinking water contaminated with bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Traveller’s diarrhoea can be a problem for people traveling to developing countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean.

What other symptoms accompany diarrhoea?

• Diarrhoea may be accompanied by cramping, abdominal pain, nausea, an urgent need to use the bathroom, or loss of bowel control
• Some infections that cause diarrhoea can also cause a fever and chills or bloody stools
• Dehydration – loss of electrolytes through dehydration affects the amount of water in the body, muscle activity and other important functions

Constipation and/or diarrhoea is/are often the symptom of an underlying digestive system imbalance. We aim to diagnose any such issues and formulate a treatment plan and supporting diet based on the test results. Tests are non-invasive.

If you would like to book an appointment

Treatment for Crohn’s Disease

What is Crohns disease?
Crohns disease causes inflammation, swelling and irritation of any part of the digestive tract. Most commonly affected is the end of the small intestine, the ileum. The inflammation extends deep into the lining of the affected part of the digestive tract. This can cause pain and can make the intestine empty frequently, resulting in diarrhoea. Ongoing inflammation may produce scar tissue crohns diseasethat builds up inside the intestine to create a stricture, a narrowed passageway that can slow the movement of food through the intestine, causing pain or cramps.

Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and can be difficult to diagnose because its symptoms are similar to other intestinal disorders, such as ulcerative colitis and other IBDs; and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Both ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease cause abdominal pain and diarrhoea.

Who gets Crohns disease?
Crohn’s disease affects men and women equally. It seems to run in some families. People with Crohn’s disease may have a brother or sister with some form of IBD. Crohn’s disease occurs in people of all ages, but it most commonly starts in people between the ages of 13 and 30. Men and women who smoke are more likely than nonsmokers to develop Crohn’s disease.

What causes Crohns disease?
The cause of Crohns disease is unknown, but researchers believe it is the result of an abnormal reaction by the body’s immune system. Normally, the immune system protects people from infection by identifying and destroying bacteria, viruses, or other potentially harmful foreign substances. Researchers believe that in Crohn’s disease the immune system attacks bacteria, foods, and other substances that are actually harmless or beneficial. During this process, white blood cells accumulate in the lining of the intestines, producing chronic inflammation, which leads to ulcers, or sores, and injury to the intestines.

Researchers have found that high levels of a protein called tumor necrosis factor (TNF), which is produced by the immune system, are present in people with Crohn’s disease. However, researchers do not know whether increased levels of TNF and abnormal functioning of the immune system are the cause or result Crohn’s disease. Research shows that the inflammation seen in the digestive tract of people with Crohn’s disease involves several factors – inherited genes, the immune system; and the environment.

What are the symptoms of Crohns disease?
The most common symptoms of Crohn’s disease are abdominal pain, often in the lower right area, and diarrhoea. Passing blood, weight loss, and fever may also occur. Bleeding may be persistent, leading to anemia. The range and severity of symptoms varies.

What are the complications of Crohn’s disease?
The most common complication of Crohn’s disease is a blockage caused by swelling and scar tissue. Crohn’s disease may also cause ulcers that tunnel through the affected area into surrounding tissues. The tunnels, called fistulas, are a common complication — especially in the areas around the anus and rectum—and often become infected.

People with Crohn’s disease, particularly if they have been treated with steroid medications, may have weakness of their bones Contacted osteoporosis or osteomalacia. Some people with Crohn’s disease may have restless legs syndrome—extreme leg discomfort while sitting or lying down. Other complications include arthritis, skin problems, inflammation in the eyes or mouth, kidney stones, gallstones, or diseases related to the liver.

What is the orthodox treatment for Crohn’s disease?
Anti-inflammatory medications. Most people are first treated with medications containing mesalamine, a substance that helps control inflammation. Sulfasalazine is the most commonly used of these medications. People who do not benefit from sulfasalazine or who cannot tolerate it may be put on other mesalamine-containing medications, known as 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) agents, such as Asacol, Dipentum, or Pentasa.

Cortisone or steroids – these are effective at reducing inflammation. Prednisone and budesonide are generic names of two corticosteroids.

Immunosuppressive medications are also used to treat Crohn’s disease. The most commonly prescribed medications are 6-mercaptopurine and azathioprine. Immunosuppressive medications work by blocking the immune reaction that contributes to inflammation.

Surgery – About two-thirds of people with Crohn’s disease have surgery suggested to them. Surgery is usually carried out to remove part of the intestine but it does not eliminate the disease. People with Crohn’s disease commonly need more than one operation because inflammation tends to return to the area next to where the diseased intestine was removed because the underlying issues fuelling the inflammation were not diagnosed or addressed.

What is the natural treatment for Crohn’s disease at Harley Street IBS & Autoimmune Clinic?
The aim is to diagnose any underlying health issues, which may have given rise to Crohn’s disease, and address them. Dietary guidance is given to help support the treatment and help reduce the inflammation. The treatment is formulated based on the patient’s underlying health issues, using personalised prescribing with a Functional Medicine approach. Patients report that this personalised approach works better than a one size fits all approach. Patients are required to have undergone thorough medical investigation through colonoscopy etc to attain a formal diagnosis of Crohn’s disease.

If you would like an appointment

Treatment for Yeast Infection

Candida is a yeast-like fungus, which normally resides in the body without any problem. However, diet, stress, overuse of antibiotics and the contraceptive pill can cause this organism to grow out of control. This can cause many health problems.

The fungal overgrowth is found mainly in the digestive tract. It can also be present in the vagina, causing thrush. Candida can be prolific in its growth. Its roots can pass directly through the gut wall, enabling it to enter the bloodstream. When this happens, the fungal overgrowth becomes systemic. At this point, the patient may experience lots of unpleasant symptoms.

If you have a history of recurrent thrush and would like to rid yourself of the yeast overgrowth, it is important to be medically tested (non-invasively) to ascertain the extent of the overgrowth so that treatment for yeast infection can be tailored to meet your unique needs. It is also important that patients are retested to ensure that the yeast population is within healthy limits.

Diagnostic medical testing (non-invasive) is particularly important if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy. If this is the case, it is advisable to be clinically monitored and the prescription will take into account your circumstances. It is very important to note that some anti-fungal products that can be bought over the counter or online, are dangerous when taken during pregnancy or while you are trying to conceive. You may not be aware but your baby will inherit your gut flora, initially when going through the birth canal and then it is topped up through breastfeeding. So you can see how extremely important it is to give your baby the best start in life by passing on a healthy gut flora. This can be achieved through medical testing and treatment for yeast infection or Candida at Harley Street IBS Clinic.

Dietary guidance can be formulated for patients, based on their test results and severity of the overgrowth in order to help support the treatment.

If you would like a professional treatment for Candida overgrowth

Treatment for Acid Reflux

What is Acid Reflux?
Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) occurs when the contents of the stomach flow back up into the oesophagus—the muscular tube that carries food and drink from the mouth to the stomach. GERD is also Contacted acid reflux or acid regurgitation because the treatment for acid refluxstomach’s digestive juices contain acid. Refluxed stomach acid that touches the lining of the esophagus can cause heartburn, which is an uncomfortable, burning feeling in the midchest, behind the breastbone.

What is GERD?
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a more serious, long lasting form of GER. Relux that occurs more than twice a week for a few weeks could be GERD, which over time can lead to more serious health problems.

What causes GERD?
Gastroesophageal reflux disease results when the lower oesophageal sphincter—the muscle that acts as a valve between the oesophagus and stomach—becomes weak or relaxes when it should not, causing stomach contents to rise up into the oesophagus.

Hiatal hernias may also cause GERD. These occur when the upper part of the stomach moves up into the chest. The stomach can slip through an opening found in the diaphragm. The diaphragm is the muscle wall that separates the stomach from the chest. Hiatal hernias may cause GERD because of stomach acid flowing back up through the opening; however, most produce no symptoms.

Other factors that can contribute to GERD include:

• obesity
• pregnancy
• certain medications, such as asthma medications, calcium channel blockers, and many antihistamines, pain killers, sedatives, and antidepressants
• smoking, or inhaling secondhand smoke
• underlying health issues

What are the symptoms of GERD?
The main symptom of GERD is frequent heartburn, although not always. Other common symptoms include:

• a dry, chronic cough
• wheezing
• nausea
• vomiting
• a sore throat, hoarseness, or laryngitis
• difficulty swallowing or painful swallowing
• pain in the chest or the upper part of the abdomen
• dental enamel erosion and bad breath

How is GERD diagnosed?
A completely accurate test for diagnosing GERD does not exist. A gastroenterologist may use an upper endoscopy, if a person continues to have GERD symptoms despite lifestyle changes and treatment with medications. An upper endoscopy is a common test used to evaluate the severity of GERD.

What is the orthodox treatment for GERD?
Treatment for GERD may involve one or more of the following, depending on the severity of symptoms:

Lifestyle Changes – Some people can reduce GERD symptoms by:

• losing weight, if needed
• remaining upright for 3 hours after meals
• raising the head of the bed 6 to 8 inches by securing wood blocks under the bedposts
• avoiding smoking and being around others who are smoking

Medications

• Antacids are a first-line approach to relieve heartburn and other mild GERD symptoms
• H2 blockers, such as cimetidine (Tagamet HB), famotidine (Pepcid AC), nizatidine (Axid AR), and ranitidine (Zantac 75), decrease acid production. These medications are available in both over-the-counter and prescription strengths. H2 blockers provide short-term or on-demand relief and are effective for many people with GERD symptoms
• Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) include omeprazole, lansoprazole, which are available by prescription.

Surgery

When a person cannot manage severe GERD symptoms through medication or lifestyle changes, surgery may be recommended.

What is the natural treatment for GERD?
At Harley Street IBS Clinic the aim is to diagnose any underlying health issues, which may have given rise to GERD, and address them. Dietary guidance is given to help support the treatment and help reduce the inflammation. The treatment is formulated based on the patient’s underlying health issues, using personalised prescribing with a Functional Medicine approach. Patients report that this personalised approach works better than a one size fits all approach.

What are the long-term complications of GERD?
Untreated GERD can sometimes cause serious complications over time, including:

• oesophagitis—irritation of the esophagus from refluxed stomach acid that damages the lining and causes bleeding or ulcers
• strictures that lead to swallowing difficulties
• respiratory problems, such as trouble breathing
• Barrett’s oesophagus, a condition in which the tissue lining the oesophagus is replaced by tissue similar to the lining of the intestine. A small number of people with Barrett’s oesophagus develop a rare type of cancer of the oesophagus

If you are interested in this natural treatment for acid reflux

Treatment for Anal Fissure

An anal fissure is a small tear in the thin, moist tissue (mucosa) that lines the anus. An anal fissure may occur when you pass hard or large stools during a bowel movement. Anal fissures typically cause pain and bleeding with bowel movements. You also may experience spasms in the ring of muscle at the end of your anus (anal sphincter).

Anal fissures are very common in young infants but can affect people of any age.

Anal fissures typically cause a sharp pain that starts with the passage of stool. This pain may last several minutes to a few hours. As a result, many patients may try not to have bowel movements to prevent pain.

Other symptoms include:

• Bright red blood on the stool or toilet paper after a bowel movement
• A small lump or skin tag on the skin near the anal fissure (more common when chronic)

Treatment involves identifying the root causes of the fissure, and working to calm not just the symptoms, but the underlying imbalance that caused it to happen.

Patient education as to the healing process and what can be expected during its course is very important for successful treatment. We have found that proper follow-up is needed to assess the healing process and reassure the patient. Once healing has occurred, maintaining proper bowel function and good dietary and bowel habits are necessary for prevention of further episodes.

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Prenatal Testing

Whether you are planning to get pregnant soon or are already pregnant, did you know that your baby will inherit your gut flora?

Bearing in mind that around 80% of the immune system is in the gut, this very important area needs to be populated with all the right microbes to help it function optimally. The balance between the beneficial bacteria and pathogenic (bad) bacteria is critical. This also applies to babies, whose immune systems strengthen from the moment they enter into the world. So, if you want to give your little one a head start in life, it may be time to think about the quality of your gut flora.

During pregnancy, your baby’s gut will be sterile in your uterus but as he or she passes through the vagina, your microflora will be ingested by your baby. This is the natural starting point for your baby’s own microflora to develop. Breast-feeding will further increase your baby’s gut flora and will be a reflection of yours.

If your baby is born by C-section, recent research suggests that C-section babies at Day 3 of life have a very different gut flora to babies, who have had a natural birth. Certain strains of beneficial bacterial were shown to be missing. This problem can be addressed by Harley Street IBS Clinic.

If you have had antibiotic therapy on several occasions, have you considered that this will have had a seriously detrimental effect on the balance of the bacteria and yeast in your gut? Antibiotics kill off the beneficial bacteria and this makes space for the pathogenic (bad) bacteria to overgrow. Loss of beneficial bacteria also makes space for yeast overgrowth, which can itself lead to many health problems. Perhaps you suffer with IBS symptoms? Like most women, you probably want to do your best for your new baby. However, this is an area that is so often overlooked as most women don’t realise the implications. It is a poorly understood are of health. However it can easily be rectified before pregnancy, in early pregnancy or even in the later stages of pregnancy.

If you have been on the oral contraceptive pill, Mirena coil or hormone implants, your gut flora may be also be out of kilter. The Morning After Pill also has a detrimental effect on gut flora. This group of drugs makes a woman more prone to yeast overgrowth (Candida).

A poor gut flora will hamper your little one’s immunity, predisposing him/her to infection. It’s very common for small children to get frequent ear infections and tonsillitis. Some babies have digestive problems right from birth, presenting as colic.

We are often asked to treat babies suffering with severe colic and eczema; and children with recurrent ear infections and/or tonsillitis. So often the mother has digestive problems and diagnostic medical tests on her reveal that she does indeed have a poor gut flora.

It has also been discovered that mothers of children with learning difficulties, including autism, dyslexia and dyspraxia, all have gut flora problems (gut dysbiosis). This most interesting research has been carried out by Dr Natasha McBride, whose interest in the subject came about, when she discovered that her own son was autistic. Her pioneering work has shown that by rebalancing the gut flora, that the severity of autism may be reduced.

Your diet also dictates what kind of gut flora you have. A diet rich in sugary and processed carbohydrates (white bread, pasta, biscuits, cake and pastries) will promote the growth of pathogenic bacteria and yeast. This is why a healthy diet pre-pregnancy and during pregnancy is vital.

So what can you do to ensure you pass on a healthy gut flora to your baby?

If you have taken antibiotics, have suffered with IBS or other digestive problems; or have been on the Pill, it would be worth considering being prenatal testing at Harley Street IBS Clinic, particularly if you suffer from bloating or constipation. You will need a consultation first so that a full case history can be taken. The tests are carried out at our medical laboratory. If the results are positive, a natural medicine prescription, which is safe in pregnancy and lastation, and a special diet can be given to help rebalance your gut flora and prepare it for baby.

If you are interested in this natural treatment for acid reflux