Gut Health

Clare has vast experience in the area of gut health and is all too aware that there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution to manage the health of the digestive system. Digestive conditions can often be incredibly disruptive to day-to-day life with painful symptoms impacting the quality of life. 

There is now significant research showing the importance gut health has for our entire bodies. This is especially true for the connection between gut health and chronic inflammatory conditions.

Working with clients to explore their personal challenges, Clare can support the management of a range of conditions, alongside optimising their general gut health for a happier and healthier life. Clare is FODMAPS trained and helps her clients with tailored nutrition, and support around their digestive issues.

How can Clare help?

People experience a variety of gut health issues that affect their day-to-day lives and dietary advice can make a huge difference. Clare’s specialisms include;

  • IBD is a lifelong, relapsing condition causing inflammation and ulceration in the gut, its two main forms are Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative Colitis (UC).

    Clare works with her clients to promote an enjoyable, nutritionally balanced diet, that also manages disease symptoms. The diet during flare-ups and remission may be different, but she works to ensure that IBD is not impacting the overall health and quality of life of her clients and that maintaining good nutrition is possible, even during more challenging periods.

  • IBS is a very common, debilitating chronic condition. The exact cause is unknown, but many effective dietary and lifestyle strategies can be implemented to successfully manage IBS, but these are unique to each patient.

    Clare is trained and experienced in using the FODMAPS diet to identify foods that may trigger symptoms and helps her clients reintroduce foods to their individual tolerance. She offers tailored support to account for her client’s lifestyle and needs whilst ensuring it remains balanced and enjoyable.

  • SIBO is characterised by an increased number of microbes invading the small intestine causing IBS-like symptoms.

    Antibiotics are often used in the treatment of SIBO, but there is limited evidence to suggest this is effective. Clare uses a combination of treatments, but starts with looking at reducing fermentable sugars with FODMAPS

  • Bloating, constipation and diarrhoea can have a huge impact on quality of life. Whilst it’s normal to experience these occasionally, it’s important to get help if they are occurring regularly or affecting daily activities.

    There are many gut conditions that present in the same way, so diagnosis and correct treatment is essential. In some cases, changes in diet can rectify issues, but sometimes medical input is required too.

    Clare works with her clients to guide them towards diagnosis, as well as dietary treatment. Working with gastroenterologists, physiotherapists and nurses to provide holistic care, Clare can also help provide support with evidence based blood and stool tests when required.

  • Scientific research is increasingly showing the impact of gut health on overall wellbeing. The gut influences many facets and functions of the body, relating to the entire digestive system.

    The gut microbiome has been shown to impact mental health, the immune system, fitness levels, and cognition. It may influence longevity and may help protect from many chronic conditions, including certain cancers.

    Clare works with her clients to support them in shaping their gut microbiota, creating tailored diets to optimise gut health and overall wellbeing.

  • Stomas are the result of having part of the colon or rectum removed; this follows a surgical procedure known as ileostomy or colostomy. Many people with a stoma experience anxiety around what to eat and drink and the impact this will have on their stoma output, as well as their ability to perform day to day activities.

    Clare helps her clients regain confidence with eating and drinking after having a stoma. She works with them to ensure that they are eating a healthy, balanced diet and consuming adequate fluids and electrolytes whilst managing their stoma output. For people with a stoma meeting their nutritional needs can sometimes be in conflict with managing their stoma output. Clare ensure that all dietary and culinary advice is tailored to individual needs and preferences.

Nutrition can often become the sole focus, especially when dealing with specific health concerns, but it’s enjoying what we eat that is going to make healthy eating sustainable in the long term.”

Clare Gray