Author: Dr Joanna Krzeslak-Hoogland

Gastrointestinal problems are often a warning sign, and if left unattended, put you at risk for chronic health problems.
To properly assess the condition of the gastrointestinal tract (beyond clinical presentation and diagnostic testing), it is important to think of the gastrointestinal tract as a production line to produce a final product, in this case, well-formed stool. Every step in this process plays an important role. Therefore, by focusing solely on the leaky gut or the gut microbiota as the cause of all problems, you may overlook other important elements.

If you see the digestive process as a sequence of events, you can imagine that every time one step (for example, the chewing process) is disrupted, it affects what happens next, in effect determining the quality of the final product, your stool.

The digestive system works in sequence from top to bottom. Problems can occur at any section. If you overlook any of them, you are unlikely to have good results in dealing with digestive problems if you follow a standard protocol like taking probiotics (as the magic panacea for everything), and you have low stomach acid or bile production disorders. Many different factors can cause digestive issues, so it’s worth identifying the ones that affect you. This will help you develop a personalised plan and increase your chances of better and longer lasting results.

Many common gastrointestinal problems are caused by:

• insufficient chewing of food
• low stomach acid
• stagnation of bile flow (cholestasis)
• insufficient digestive enzymes
• dysbiosis of the intestinal microbiota
• too slow or too fast intestinal transit
• poor diet
• excessive stress

So if you’re struggling with digestive problems, don’t just focus on the leaky gut – keep a wider view.

Irritable bowel syndrome or something else?

I want to share a true story with you so you know that the now-common ‘fix – leaky gut’ does not always solve the problem. Recently a client came to me with gastrointestinal complaints including bloating, loose stool consistency and too frequent bowel movements. He had been diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) over two years ago and had been put on some standard interventions (low FODMAP diet, ‘leaky gut’ protocol, probiotics) but with limited success. After our initial consultation, I gave some basic tips (= building a solid foundation) while waiting for stool and blood test results. The tips were helpful enough to improve stool consistency and reduce bowel frequency but did not solve the underlying problem. When we received the test results, the most significant findings included inflammatory bowel disease, autoimmune reactivity to gluten, and the presence of a parasite (protozoan) in the colon. Not surprisingly that my client suffered from chronic intestinal problems. The lab results helped us to initiate a targeted action plan and heal the inflammatory bowel disease.

As you can see, it’s always good to be aware that various factors can contribute to gastrointestinal problems and sometimes you have to become a detective to find the best solution in a given situation.

The information provided here is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical or nutritional advice from a qualified professional.

Sources:

• Book: Digestive Wellness: Strengthen the Immune System and Prevent Disease Through Healthy Digestion, 4th Edition. Elizabeth Lipski. September 2011, McGrew & Hill Education.

Dr Joanna Krzeslak-Hoogland

Having seen the incredible benefits of a healthy lifestyle and nutrition on the health of her family as well as her clients, Joanna is inspired to pass on her knowledge to others and help them make informed health choices.

The main focus of her advice is to strive to create balance in the body. Firstly, by looking for signs of certain imbalances in the body (based on symptoms and lab test results); and secondly, by introducing lifestyle interventions, nutritional interventions and dietary supplementation to help regain greater balance. Education, motivation and the right attitude also play an important role. Everyone has different needs and challenges, so Joanna takes the time to listen and understands the value of communication.

Joanna graduated with a master’s degree in biology at the University of Warmia and Mazury after which she moved to the Netherlands to continue her academic journey. In the Netherlands she did her PhD research in molecular microbiology at the University of Groningen, defending her PhD in 2009. Her next step was to start working for a renowned biotech company, where she worked in the clinical research department and then in the medical information department. In 2015, she started an exciting new chapter in her life by starting her own business while pursuing her passion for spreading knowledge about healthy lifestyles and gut health, combined with helping others. In the Netherlands, Joanna gained higher professional training in nutrition and nutritional supplementation (HBO) and I am registered as a natural health therapist. Joanna also holds qualifications in basic medical knowledge (Con Amore, Netherlands), functional medicine (Functional Medicine University, USA) and the basics of traditional Chinese medicine (Shenzhou University, Amsterdam). Joanna continuously invests in her personal and professional development, extends her knowledge by participating in training and reading scientific literature. Apart from individual consultations, Joanna also provides consulting services for companies in the field of human intestinal microbiota, nutrition and dietary supplements. Joanna is an author of scientific publications and has had the honour of contributing to Polish translations of American bestsellers on gut health.