Five things you need to know about Functional Gut Disorders.
At Fettlewell, we believe that understanding your gut health is the first step towards living a vibrant, energetic life. Functional gut disorders (FGDs) are conditions that affect the normal function of the digestive system, but they don’t cause visible damage or structural changes to the organs. These disorders can have a significant impact on your quality of life, and many people don’t even realise they have one. In this blog post, we’re diving into five key things you need to know about FGDs — how they manifest, what current research says about treatment, and why addressing your gut health is more important than ever.
1. What Are Functional Gut Disorders?
Functional gut disorders are a group of conditions where the digestive system works incorrectly, but there’s no identifiable structural abnormality. Common conditions include Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Functional Dyspepsia, and Functional Constipation. While symptoms can vary, the hallmark of FGDs is that they cause significant discomfort and disruption to everyday life, but the cause isn’t necessarily visible via standard imaging or blood tests.
These disorders primarily involve issues with the movement and function of the gut, and they are often diagnosed based on symptoms, with the absence of any other underlying conditions.
2. How Do Functional Gut Disorders Manifest?
FGDs can manifest in various ways, affecting both the upper and lower digestive tract. Symptoms can include:
Abdominal pain or discomfort: This can vary in intensity and is often relieved by passing stool or gas.
Bloating and distension: A feeling of fullness or swelling in the abdomen, particularly after meals.
Altered bowel movements: This can include diarrhea, constipation, or alternating between both.
Nausea and indigestion: In functional dyspepsia, discomfort after eating and an inability to properly digest food can lead to nausea, fullness, and belching.
These symptoms can fluctuate and may be triggered by factors like stress, diet, or hormonal changes, making it difficult to pinpoint the exact cause. It's important to note that these disorders can significantly impact mental and emotional well-being, often leading to anxiety and frustration.
3. What Causes Functional Gut Disorders?
The exact cause of FGDs remains largely unknown, but there are several factors that may contribute to their development:
Gut-brain axis dysfunction: There’s growing evidence that the communication between the brain and gut plays a crucial role in FGDs. Stress, anxiety, and depression can trigger or exacerbate symptoms, and the brain’s response to gut distress can further contribute to discomfort.
Gut microbiome imbalances: Research suggests that an imbalance in the gut microbiome (the trillions of bacteria that live in the digestive system) could contribute to FGDs. In some cases, an overgrowth of harmful bacteria or a lack of beneficial bacteria might play a role in causing symptoms.
Visceral hypersensitivity: Many people with FGDs have heightened sensitivity in their gut, meaning they may feel pain or discomfort from otherwise normal digestive processes, like food moving through the intestines.
Motility issues: In disorders like IBS, the normal contractions of the intestines may be disrupted, leading to symptoms like diarrhea or constipation.
4. Current Research into FGD Treatments
There has been significant progress in understanding and treating FGDs. Although there is no one-size-fits-all solution, recent research highlights several promising approaches:
Dietary Modifications: A personalised diet is one of the most effective ways to manage FGDs. Research into the Low FODMAP diet, which restricts certain types of fermentable carbohydrates, has shown great promise for managing IBS symptoms. Additionally, focusing on fibre intake, prebiotics, and a diverse, nutrient-rich diet is key to promoting gut health.
Probiotics and Prebiotics: Research continues to explore the role of probiotics in managing FGDs. Some strains of probiotics may help to rebalance the gut microbiome, reduce inflammation, and ease digestive symptoms. Synbiotics, which combine both probiotics and prebiotics, are also being explored as a potential treatment option.
Psychological Therapies: Given the gut-brain connection, psychological therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and gut-directed hypnotherapy have been shown to help reduce symptoms of FGDs by addressing stress and improving the brain-gut communication.
Pharmacological Treatments: While there is no specific cure, medications such as antispasmodics, laxatives, or even low-dose antidepressants may be used to manage symptoms like pain and altered bowel movements. However, these are often considered as part of a comprehensive treatment plan alongside lifestyle changes.
5. Taking Control of Your Gut Health
Managing a functional gut disorder requires a holistic approach, and it’s crucial to work with healthcare professionals who can guide you in finding the right treatment. The key is identifying your triggers, making dietary and lifestyle changes, and, if needed, using medications or therapies to support your gut health.
At Fettlewell, we believe in empowering individuals to take control of their gut health through a personalised approach to diet and wellness. Our “Optimise Your Diet” package offers tailored advice to help you manage your symptoms, optimise your nutrition, and support your overall health — all based on the latest research and gut health science.
If you’re struggling with the symptoms of a functional gut disorder or simply want to improve your digestive health, let us guide you through creating a plan that works for you.
Take the first step towards better gut health today. Book our “Optimise Your Diet” package and start feeling the difference!