Digestive Health Management
Also known as: the management of gut health, gastrointestinal health, digestive wellness, GI health
Our Digestive Health Centre is dedicated to excellence in all aspects of digestive health management, offering a comprehensive approach to diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
What is the Digestive Health Centre?
Our Digestive Health Centre is dedicated to excellence in all aspects of digestive disease care, offering a comprehensive approach to diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. With a multi-disciplinary team of experts, we provide state-of-the-art diagnostic tests and high-quality treatments tailored to individual needs, including non-surgical weight loss solutions. Beyond direct patient care, we are committed to advancing public and peer education, as well as leading clinical research to improve outcomes and foster innovation in digestive health.
Understanding Digestive Health
The digestive system, often called the gastrointestinal tract, breaks down food and absorbs nutrients. Stretching from the mouth to the anus, it involves various organs working together to fuel our body. But it’s not just about digestion; the health of this system impacts our overall well-being.
The gut microbiota, a collection of diverse microbes living in our digestive tract, is central to this process. These microbes play a key role in digestion and influence various health conditions. Genetics, diet, and stress management significantly influence gut health. Processed foods and medications in modern life can disrupt this delicate balance.
The Digestive Health Centre understands these complexities. We offer a comprehensive approach to diagnosing, treating, and preventing digestive diseases to provide the best care possible. Through advanced diagnostic tests and personalized treatment plans, our goal is optimal digestive health.
Common Digestive Disorders treated by our Digestive Health Centre
GERD Symptoms and Causes
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), commonly known as acid reflux, occurs when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus, leading to irritation. This happens when the lower esophageal sphincter doesn’t close properly, allowing acid to escape. Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease is diagnosed when heartburn occurs more than twice a week, with symptoms like burning discomfort, bloating, and belching.
Reflux and heartburn, common issues, are often worsened by factors like hiatus hernia and H. pylori infections. Severe GERD can lead to serious conditions, requiring lifestyle changes and medical interventions.
IBS: What You Need to Know
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is characterised by symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, and altered bowel habits. This disorder often starts in adolescence or early adulthood and can persist for decades before subsiding.
Managing IBS requires a multifaceted approach, including lifestyle and dietary changes, probiotics, and sometimes medication. Recognizing symptoms early allows for tailoring an effective treatment plan to alleviate discomfort and improve quality of life.
Helicobacter Pylori Infections
Helicobacter pylori is the only bacteria capable of living in the acidic environment of the stomach. It significantly contributes to the development of stomach ulcers and can remain dormant for years. H. pylori infections are linked to an increased risk of stomach and colorectal cancers.
Diagnosis typically involves endoscopic stomach biopsies to culture the bacteria and perform antibiotic sensitivity testing. Eradicating H. pylori significantly reduces the risk of severe complications once diagnosed and treated.
Before treatment
When to See a Doctor
Recognising when to seek medical attention is crucial for maintaining digestive health. Persistent symptoms like heartburn, abdominal pain, and changes in bowel habits should not be ignored.
Consulting with a gastroenterologist can provide a thorough evaluation and appropriate treatment to address these issues.
Signs That Require Immediate Attention
Certain symptoms warrant immediate medical attention due to their potential severity. Unexplained weight loss, for instance, can signal serious gastrointestinal issues and should be addressed promptly. Rectal bleeding, whether bright red or dark, is another critical symptom that necessitates an urgent visit to a gastroenterologist.
Other alarming signs include anaemia, low iron levels, difficulty swallowing, persistent abdominal pain, and vomiting. Recognising these serious digestive symptoms is crucial, as they may indicate life-threatening conditions requiring immediate medical attention.
During treatment
Routine Check-Ups and Health Screening
Routine check-ups and health screening with a gastroenterologist are can help in maintaining optimal digestive health. These visits can help monitor potential digestive issues before they become severe, ensuring timely intervention and management, for example early treatment of colonic polyps that do not cause symptoms. For individuals with a family history of digestive disorders, these check-ups are particularly crucial for early detection and prevention.
Engaging in regular screenings and consultations can significantly improve digestive health outcomes. By staying proactive and vigilant, you can maintain a healthy digestive system and prevent the progression of potential disorders.
Medical Treatments and Interventions
Severe digestive disorders often require medical treatments and interventions. These range from over-the-counter remedies to prescription medications and, sometimes, surgical options.
A tailored approach guided by healthcare professionals ensures effective treatment.
Over-the-Counter Medications
Over-the-counter medications are common first-line treatments for mild digestive symptoms. Antacids like Tums neutralize stomach acid, providing quick indigestion relief. H2 blockers reduce acid production, offering immediate relief for heartburn and other discomforts.
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are another effective option, especially for symptoms accompanied by heartburn. These readily available medications can help manage digestive health.
Prescription Medications
Severe digestive disorders often require prescription medications. Stronger acid blockers, such as higher dose PPIs, reduce stomach acid production and relieve conditions like GERD. Prescription treatments include antibiotics for bacterial infections like Helicobacter pylori.
Working closely with healthcare providers to determine suitable prescription drugs is crucial for managing digestive conditions. These medications can significantly improve symptoms and enhance quality of life.
Surgical Options
When non-surgical treatments fail or there is intolerance of the medication, surgical interventions may be necessary. Anti-reflux surgery is available for treating severe GERD, offering long-term relief. Minimally invasive surgeries are preferred for their quicker recovery times and fewer complications.
Discussing treatment options with healthcare providers determines the best course of action for severe digestive conditions. Surgical interventions can be life-changing, providing significant relief and improving digestive health.
Non-surgical weight loss solution
Non-surgical weight loss solutions are interventions designed to help individuals achieve weight loss without the need for invasive surgery. These options include medically supervised weight loss programs, prescription medications, lifestyle modifications, nutritional counselling, and minimally invasive procedures such as gastric balloon therapy or endoscopic treatments. These solutions are often recommended for individuals with obesity or those struggling with overweight-related conditions like type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, or metabolic syndrome. Non-surgical weight loss approaches aim to improve overall health, reduce the risk of chronic diseases, and enhance quality of life while promoting sustainable, long-term weight management.
After treatment
Preventative Measures for Digestive Health
Prevention is better than cure, especially for digestive health. Healthy eating habits, regular screenings, and lifestyle changes can significantly reduce the risk of digestive disorders.
Taking proactive steps maintains a healthy digestive system and prevents potential issues.
Regular Screenings
Regular screenings allow early detection of digestive issues. Bowel cancer screening aims to catch cancer early or as colonic polyps before developing into cancers. It also seeks to identify changes that may lead to the development of cancer. Early detection significantly improves survival rates, emphasizing the importance of regular tests.
Infections like H. pylori can cause chronic inflammation leading to stomach cancer, making regular screenings crucial for preventing severe complications. Regular screening tests can save lives by identifying potential issues before they become severe.
Healthy Eating Habits
Adopting healthy eating habits is vital for maintaining digestive health. Avoiding large late evening meals and reducing the intake of spicy, acidic foods, and coffee can prevent digestive issues. Paying attention to portion sizes and meal timing also plays a crucial role in preventing discomfort and promoting overall well-being.
Making informed dietary choices can significantly support your digestive system and help prevent various disorders. These small but significant changes can lead to a healthier, more comfortable life.
Dietary Strategies for Digestive Health
Diet is crucial for maintaining digestive health. Proper dietary choices can alleviate symptoms and prevent digestive disorders. Personalized dietary plans can improve symptoms for many individuals.
We will explore high-fiber foods, prebiotic-rich foods, low FODMAP diets and foods to avoid for optimal digestive health.
High-Fiber Foods
Incorporating high-fiber foods into your diet promotes digestive health. Fiber enhances fullness, aids in weight control, and reduces overeating. Consume around 30 grams of fiber daily from sources like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
A fiber-rich diet helps regulate bowel movements and prevents constipation. Regularly including a variety of fruits and vegetables ensures a balanced intake of nutrients that support digestive health.
Prebiotic-Rich Foods
Probiotics are beneficial live microbes that improve gut health. Prebiotics are the foods that these microbes eat. Fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, and kimchi are excellent sources of pre and probiotics supporting gut bacteria balance. These foods introduce beneficial bacteria into the gastrointestinal tract, promoting digestive wellness.
Regular consumption of prebiotic-rich foods helps maintain a balanced gut microbiome, crucial for preventing and managing conditions like IBS and antibiotic-associated diarrheoa.
Foods to Avoid
Certain foods negatively impact digestive health and should be limited or avoided. Fatty foods can slow digestion and worsen issues like acid reflux and heartburn. Spicy dishes and acidic items can irritate the digestive tract, causing discomfort.
Limiting processed foods and high-fat meals is crucial for optimal digestive function. Avoiding greasy and fried foods prevents digestive discomfort and promotes a healthier gut.
Lifestyle Changes for Better Digestion
Lifestyle changes can enhance digestive health. Regular exercise, stress management, and proper hydration are key for a healthy digestive system.
Combined with a balanced diet, these changes can prevent digestive disorders and promote well-being.
Exercise and Digestion
Regular cardiovascular activities benefit digestive health. Exercise boosts blood circulation in the digestive system, promoting efficient food movement and alleviating constipation. Activities like walking, swimming, and cycling can enhance digestive health.
Including high-fiber foods in your diet further regulates bowel movements and prevents constipation. Combining physical activity with a fiber-rich diet maintains optimal digestive health and well-being.
Stress Management Techniques
The gut-brain connection is profound, with stress directly impacting gut function. Managing stress is crucial for digestive health as the gut is highly responsive to stress. Mindfulness, yoga, and meditation can significantly improve digestive processes.
Strengthening the gut-brain connection through stress management positively influences digestive health and well-being. Recognizing and addressing IBS triggers, such as certain foods and hormonal changes, is essential for management.
Hydration and Its Importance
Proper hydration is vital for digestive health. Adequate water intake aids waste movement through the digestive tract, preventing constipation. It helps maintain the mucosal lining of the intestines, ensuring efficient digestion and nutrient absorption.
Proper hydration supports digestion by dissolving nutrients and flushing out toxins. Drinking sufficient water daily promotes smooth bowel movements and digestive wellness.
Experts
We are proud to provide patients with access to a wide range of clinicians, chosen specifically for their knowledge and reputation in their area of expertise. Our experts align with our values: putting you at the centre of your care and educating you on your options at each step of the journey. We encourage you to learn more about our clinicians and how they can help you below. As always, please contact our patient services team if you require any additional information.
We offer 3 ways to pay for your treatment
We exist to take the stress out of private healthcare.
Our payment options are designed to offer you easy access to our treatments and services. You can choose to pay on the day, spread the cost, or use your private medical insurance.
Our patient services team will guide you through the process, providing clear costs and support throughout your course of treatment so you can focus on the thing that matters most – your health.
Whether you pay in advance, spread the cost, or use your private medical insurance, rest assured you will be receiving exceptional care 365 days a year.
Pay in Advance
Even if you do not have medical insurance, you can still get quick and comprehensive access to private medical care.
We provide transparent pricing from your initial consultation to the completion of your treatment so you know where your stand, every step of the way.
We accept all major debit and credit cards, as well as Apple Pay for UK residents. Please note that we do not accept cash or cheques.
Pay monthly
Paying for your treatment at OSD Healthcare doesn’t need to mean settling the full cost in one go.
Many of our treatments have a pay monthly option that allows you to spread the cost of your treatment over 12 months with no credit checks required.
A minimum spend of £300 does apply. We’ll take your first payment upfront and then arrange a direct debit for your monthly payments thereafter. It’s that simple.
Pay using PMI
We are recognised by all major health insurance companies and with our extensive range of services, there are lots of benefits to using your insurance with us. Our patient services team is here to answer any questions you may have about using your private health insurance with us.
Please bring along your policy details including your scheme details, membership or policy number, expiry date and confirmation of eligibility to claim (i.e. your authorisation number). If you do not have these details with you, we will require payment from you on the day. Patients are liable for any amounts not settled by their insurer.
Consultation from: £200
*Prices may vary dependent on consultant
FAQs
Common symptoms of GERD or reflux are burning discomfort, bloating, belching, and heartburn, particularly if they occur more than twice a week. Prompt attention to these symptoms is advisable for proper management.
To effectively manage IBS symptoms, adopt a low FODMAP diet, incorporate probiotics, and recognize symptoms early to tailor your treatment plan. These lifestyle and dietary changes can significantly alleviate discomfort.
Hydration is crucial for digestive health as it facilitates waste movement, prevents constipation, and supports the mucosal lining of the intestines. This is essential for efficient digestion and nutrient absorption.
You should see a doctor for digestive issues if you experience persistent symptoms such as abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss, difficulty swallowing, or blood in the stool or vomit. Timely medical attention for these signs is crucial for your health.
To maintain good digestive health, it is important to have a balanced diet with minimising spicy dishes, acidic items, high-fat meals, and processed foods, as these can cause discomfort and hinder digestive function.
Medically reviewed by Dr Mani Naghibi - Consultant Gastroenterologist on 08/01/2025