Gut health

What does gut health really mean and why does it matter for your whole body?

Gut health is the state of your gastrointestinal system, particularly the microbiome—the community of trillions of microbes living in your digestive tract. A healthy gut has a diverse range of beneficial bacteria, efficient digestion and a strong gut barrier to prevent toxins from entering the bloodstream. When balanced, it supports immune function, hormone regulation, mood stability and even skin clarity. But when things go wrong, that balance is disrupted.

If your gut health is compromised, it may lead to chronic inflammation, food intolerances, nutrient deficiencies, auto immune conditions and a weakened immune system. Over time, it can be the root cause of more complex conditions, from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) to autoimmune disorders and even depression.

Which symptoms point to poor gut health and when should you take a closer look?

• Bloating, gas or abdominal discomfort
• Irregular bowel movements (constipation or diarrhoea)
• Food cravings or intolerances
• Chronic fatigue
• Skin flare-ups like acne, psoriasis, rosacea or eczema
• Brain fog or low mood
• Frequent colds or low immunity
• Depression
• Joint pain
• Headaches

What causes poor gut health and how do everyday habits affect your microbiome?

Poor gut health can stem from a variety of root causes. Often, it starts with:

• Diet: Highly processed foods, low fibre, excess sugar and alcohol disturb the gut microbiota.
• Medications: Especially antibiotics, NSAIDs and proton pump inhibitors.
• Chronic stress: Alters gut motility and microbial diversity via the gut-brain axis.
• Environmental toxins: Exposure to pesticides, heavy metals and mould.
• Infections or parasites: Can damage the gut lining and lead to dysbiosis.
• Sleep deprivation: Affects microbial rhythms and recovery processes.

How is gut health assessed and what tests reveal the real issues?

To understand what’s really happening in the gut, we use advanced lab testing. This can include:

• Comprehensive stool analysis: Evaluates microbial balance, inflammation markers, bacterial infections, parasites, viruses, yeast/ fungi and immune response.
• Organic acid tests: Provide insight into gut bacterial overgrowth and fungal activity.
• Zonulin or calprotectin testing: Identifies leaky gut or inflammation.
• Food sensitivity panels: Reveal immune responses to common foods.

Working with a Functional Medicine Specialist ensures the right tests are chosen based on your symptoms and history.

How can you support gut health with simple lifestyle choices?

Start with your plate: eat whole foods and prepare the majority of your meals at home, eat more prebiotic fibre from vegetables, fermented foods like sauerkraut or kefir, and reduce inflammatory foods. Prioritise quality sleep and movement, and practice stress reduction daily—deep breathing, walking in nature or meditation can all support the gut-brain connection. Avoid unnecessary medications and always take antibiotics with a gut repair protocol.

Which long-term strategies help restore and maintain optimal gut health?

Management goes beyond quick fixes. We focus on removing triggers (like parasites, fungi, viruses or allergens), replenishing with digestive enzymes or probiotics, and repairing the gut lining with nutrients like L-glutamine, zinc and omega-3s. Long-term, gut health thrives on consistency: balanced meals, a calm nervous system, and avoiding ultra-processed food. Functional lab retesting helps ensure progress.

How do we support long-term gut healing through personalised care at home?

At Forbes.health, we focus on healing from the root. Our Functional Medicine Specialists support you from the comfort of your home, offering:

• Personalised gut health programmes based on your symptoms and lab data
• Advanced testing kits delivered to your door
• Tailored nutritional advice and supplementation delivered to your door
• Ongoing support through digital check-ins and follow up consultations
• Lifestyle guidance around sleep, stress and exercise
• Retesting options to track and celebrate progress

We don’t just manage symptoms—we help you rebuild your gut from the inside out.