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Digestive Issues and Gut Imbalance in Thames Ditton
Digestive issues such as bloating, discomfort, irregular bowel habits and food sensitivities are extremely common and can affect daily comfort and confidence. At Thames Dental & Skin in Thames Ditton, Surrey, Dr Bravis offers in-depth gut health assessments and advanced microbiome testing to help identify underlying imbalances and create a personalised plan to support your digestion and overall well-being.
Common concerns with gut health
You may notice:
- Bloating, abdominal discomfort, excess gas or alternating constipation and loose stools.
- Food intolerances or feeling “reactive” to certain foods, even if standard tests are normal.
- Skin issues such as acne, eczema or unexplained rashes that seem linked to your digestion.
- Low energy, brain fog or recurrent infections that you suspect may be related to your gut.
These symptoms can be frustrating, especially if routine checks have not provided clear answers or long-term relief.
What causes gut imbalance?
Key contributors can include:
- Disruption of the gut microbiome (gut dysbiosis), where helpful and harmful bacteria fall out of balance.
- Previous infections, antibiotics, highly processed diets, alcohol, stress and poor sleep.
- Food intolerances, low stomach acid or reduced digestive enzyme activity.
- Underlying inflammatory or autoimmune conditions in some cases.
Understanding your individual gut microbiome and digestive function can help guide more targeted, effective support rather than guesswork.
Are digestive issues serious?
Many functional gut symptoms are not immediately dangerous but can:
- Significantly impact comfort, confidence and day-to-day quality of life.
- Affect nutrient absorption, energy levels, immunity and even mood over time.
- Overlap with more serious conditions that may require medical investigation.
Where “red flag” symptoms are present, you may be advised to see your GP or a specialist for further medical assessment alongside any functional testing.
When to see a specialist at Thames Dental & Skin
You may benefit from a consultation if:
- You have ongoing bloating, IBS-type symptoms, food reactions or gut discomfort.
- Your symptoms are affecting your work, social life or confidence and you want a more in-depth look at root causes.
- You are interested in personalised nutrition, microbiome-led support and functional testing rather than a “one size fits all” approach.
You can book a health and wellness consultation online in Thames Ditton or contact us to speak to our reception team about the most suitable appointment.
How gut issues are assessed
At your appointment, Dr Bravis will:
- Take a detailed history of your gut symptoms, diet, lifestyle, stress levels and medical background.
- Review any previous test results and medications.
- Discuss whether advanced stool and microbiome testing would be helpful alongside any GP or specialist care.
This helps build a whole-person picture and determine the most appropriate next steps for investigation and support.
Gut health and microbiome treatment options in Thames Ditton
Support is personalised and may include:
- Comprehensive Gut Microbiome Test – advanced stool analysis to assess your gut bacteria balance, inflammation markers and digestive function.
- Provides a detailed microbiome report that can highlight dysbiosis, overgrowths or deficiencies linked to your symptoms.
- Nutrition, supplement and lifestyle plan – tailored recommendations based on your results to help restore balance, support digestion and improve energy, immunity and skin health.
- Ongoing review and adjustment – follow-up consultations to review progress, refine your plan and coordinate with any medical care if needed.
Looking after your gut at home
Day-to-day choices can make a big difference to gut health:
- Focusing on a varied, fibre-rich, minimally processed diet where possible.
- Managing stress, supporting good sleep and moving regularly.
- Using supplements only where appropriate and ideally guided by personalised assessment.
You will receive clear, practical advice tailored to your lifestyle, so any plan feels realistic and sustainable.
Why choose Thames Dental & Skin for gut and digestive health in Thames Ditton?
Thames Dental & Skin offers clinician-led gut and microbiome assessments, combining functional diagnostics with personalised nutrition and lifestyle support. With over 25 years of experience in preventive and functional healthcare, Dr Bravis focuses on getting to the root of your gut concerns and creating a plan that fits your life.
From the clinic on Portsmouth Road in Thames Ditton (KT7 0XX), patients visit from across Surrey to explore microbiome testing and targeted gut health programmes. You can book a health and wellness consultation online or contact us to speak to our friendly team about the most appropriate next step.
Ready to book a consultation?
Whether you are experiencing bloating, abdominal discomfort, food sensitivities, or ongoing IBS-type symptoms, Thames Dental & Skin offers a careful, clinician-led approach to gut health, using advanced microbiome testing and personalised support to help restore digestive balance, improve energy and support long-term wellbeing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common symptoms of gut imbalance?
Common symptoms include bloating, abdominal discomfort, excess gas, constipation, diarrhoea or alternating bowel habits. Some people also experience food sensitivities, fatigue, brain fog, skin issues such as acne or eczema, and a general feeling of an “unsettled gut.”
What is gut dysbiosis?
Gut dysbiosis refers to an imbalance in the bacteria within your digestive system. When harmful bacteria outweigh beneficial ones, it can lead to digestive symptoms, inflammation, reduced immunity and other health concerns.
Can digestive issues affect other areas of health?
Yes, poor gut health can impact more than just digestion. It may affect energy levels, immune function, mood, skin health and even nutrient absorption, which can influence overall wellbeing over time.
What causes IBS-type symptoms and bloating?
IBS-type symptoms can be triggered by multiple factors including stress, diet, gut microbiome imbalance, food intolerances, previous infections, or the use of antibiotics. Identifying the root cause is key to effective management.
When should I see a specialist for digestive problems?
You should consider seeing a specialist if your symptoms are persistent, worsening, or affecting your daily life. It’s also important to seek medical advice if you experience red flag symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, blood in stools or severe pain.
What is a gut microbiome test?
A gut microbiome test is an advanced stool analysis that assesses the balance of bacteria in your digestive system. It can provide insights into gut health, inflammation levels and digestive function, helping guide personalised treatment.
How can a gut microbiome test help me?
This type of testing can identify imbalances, bacterial overgrowths or deficiencies that may be contributing to your symptoms. It allows for a more targeted and personalised approach to improving your gut health.
How are digestive issues treated at Thames Dental & Skin?
Treatment is personalised and may include microbiome testing, tailored nutrition plans, targeted supplements and lifestyle changes. Ongoing support ensures your plan evolves based on your progress and needs.
Can diet improve gut health?
Yes, diet plays a major role in gut health. A balanced, fibre-rich diet with a variety of whole foods can support beneficial gut bacteria, while reducing processed foods may help improve symptoms.
Are food intolerances the same as food allergies?
No, food intolerances are different from allergies. Intolerances typically cause digestive symptoms and are not life-threatening, whereas allergies involve the immune system and can be severe.
How long does it take to improve gut health?
This varies depending on the individual and the underlying cause. Some people notice improvements within weeks, while others may require a longer-term approach with ongoing support and adjustments.
Can stress affect my digestion?
Yes, stress can significantly impact gut function. It can alter gut motility, increase sensitivity and disrupt the balance of gut bacteria, which may worsen symptoms like bloating and discomfort.
Is gut testing safe?
Yes, microbiome and stool testing are non-invasive and safe. They provide valuable insights without the need for more invasive procedures.
Do I need a GP referral for gut health services?
In most cases, you can book a consultation directly. However, if there are any concerns that require medical investigation, you may be advised to see your GP or a specialist alongside your care.
