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​Personalised Support for Gut Health, IBS & Candida

IBS . SIBO . CANDIDA OVERGROWTH . IBD

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At the Autoimmune Clinic, we specialise in digestive disorders such as IBS, IBD, SIBO, candida overgrowth, infections, through a functional medicine approach.

WE GO WAY BEYOND SYMPTOM MANAGEMENT TO UNCOVER AND ADDRESS THE ROOT CAUSE OF YOUR CONDITION, HELPING YOU REGAIN CONTROL OVER YOUR HEALTH AND WELLBEING.

Living with digestive symptoms can be overwhelming and impacting on day to day activities. That’s why our tailored programmes are designed to meet your unique needs, empowering you to take positive steps towards lasting relief. ​​​​

IBS is a chronic condition that can significantly impact a person's quality of life, causing physical discomfort and emotional distress. 

IBS is not a diagnosis but rather a symptom.

Your bowel is irritated, and we must ask what is causing the irritation?​

Up to 70% of IBS cases may be attributed to SIBO, with those who test positive often experiencing a significant reduction or resolution of symptoms following treatment.

Symptoms can be triggered or worsened by various factors, including certain foods, stress, hormonal changes, and certain medications.​

 

Typically these symptoms include abdominal pain, bloating, changes in bowel habits (such as diarrhoea, constipation, or both), and an overall sense of discomfort or distress in the abdomen.​ 

 

IBS tends to involve a combination of factors including abnormal gut motility, heightened sensitivity of the intestines, changes in the gut microbiome, inflammation, and disturbances in the communication between the brain and the gut (known as the gut-brain axis).​

IBS is a chronic condition that can significantly impact a person's quality of life, causing physical discomfort and emotional distress. 

IT IS CHARACTERISED BY A GROUP OF SYMPTOMS THAT CAN VARY IN SEVERITY AND DURATION

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a disease of the digestive system

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Diagnosing IBS

THE CONVENTIONAL APPROACH

A diagnosis typically involves a thorough evaluation of symptoms, medical history, and physical examination. It is typically diagnosed based on the presence of characteristic symptoms and the exclusion of other underlying conditions through appropriate tests and investigations.​ Conventional treatment for IBS focuses on managing and alleviating symptoms, This may involve lifestyle modifications, dietary changes, stress management techniques, medications to target specific symptoms, and other supportive therapies such as probiotics or psychological therapies.

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Testing Considerations for IBS

FUNCTIONAL TESTING

Functional medicine testing for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) can provide valuable insights into the underlying causes and contributing factors of the condition.​​ These tests help to identify specific imbalances, dysfunctions, and triggers that may be exacerbating IBS symptoms. Note that not all tests are necessary for every individual.

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It is essential to consider testing for SIBO if you are suffering from IBS.

When to investigate further?

It's essential to rule out IBD, as an IBS diagnosis is often given before thorough investigations have been done to identify other potential causes of symptoms. We can help arrange a referral to gastroenterology for further assessment.

Candida Overgrowth & Gut Health

Candida is a type of yeast naturally present in the gut microbiome, typically kept in balance by beneficial bacteria and the immune system. However, when Candida overgrowth occurs—often due to factors such as gut dysbiosis, antibiotic use, high sugar intake, chronic stress, or immune dysfunction—it can contribute to a range of gastrointestinal symptoms and systemic health issues.​

Symptoms of Candida Overgrowth

When Candida grows beyond normal levels, it can disrupt the gut microbiome, weaken the intestinal barrier, and trigger inflammation, leading to symptoms such as:

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  • Bloating, gas, and digestive discomfort

  • Diarrhoea or constipation

  • Cravings for sugar and carbohydrates

  • Fatigue and brain fog

  • Food sensitivities and intolerances

  • Recurrent infections, including thrush and UTIs

 

One of the key concerns with Candida overgrowth is its ability to produce toxins and byproducts that may contribute to gut permeability ("leaky gut"), allowing inflammatory compounds to enter the bloodstream and potentially triggering autoimmune reactions, skin conditions, and systemic inflammation.

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The Role of Candida Overgrowth in Autoimmune Disease

In some individuals, Candida overgrowth plays a significant role in the development and progression of autoimmune disease. Its presence in the body can provoke chronic immune activation, triggering an ongoing inflammatory response that places stress on the immune system.

 

Candida also has the ability to engage in molecular mimicry, where the immune system recognises certain proteins on Candida as foreign and mistakenly attacks similar proteins found in the body’s own tissues.

This immune miscommunication can drive the onset or worsening of autoimmune conditions, particularly in those with a predisposition or existing immune imbalances.

 

Conditions such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, where the immune system attacks the thyroid gland, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which involves chronic gut inflammation, and multiple sclerosis, characterised by the immune system attacking the central nervous system, may all be exacerbated by Candida-related immune dysregulation.

If you suspect Candida overgrowth is affecting your digestion or overall health, our clinic can help you explore root causes and personalised treatment strategies to restore balance and support long-term well-being.

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