Blog Post
Gut Health and Why It Matters
Gut health has become one of the most talked-about areas in medicine — and for good reason. The balance of bacteria and other microbes in your digestive system, known as the gut microbiome, influences far more than digestion. From immunity and skin health to mood and energy levels, your gut plays a vital role in overall wellbeing.
At Thames Dental & Skin, Dr Theodora Bravis offers a science-backed approach to gut health through advanced testing such as microbiome analysis and nutrigenomics. By uncovering imbalances, we can help patients make lasting changes that improve daily life — not just quick fixes, but strategies for long-term health.
Blog Post
Gut Health and Why It Matters
Gut health has become one of the most talked-about areas in medicine — and for good reason. The balance of bacteria and other microbes in your digestive system, known as the gut microbiome, influences far more than digestion. From immunity and skin health to mood and energy levels, your gut plays a vital role in overall wellbeing.
At Thames Dental & Skin, Dr Theodora Bravis offers a science-backed approach to gut health through advanced testing such as microbiome analysis and nutrigenomics. By uncovering imbalances, we can help patients make lasting changes that improve daily life — not just quick fixes, but strategies for long-term health.
When patients understand the root cause of their symptoms, it becomes much easier to create changes that last. That’s the power of functional health testing.
Dr Theodora Braivs
What Do We Mean by “Gut Health”?
When we talk about gut health, we mean how well your digestive system is functioning – and whether
the bacteria in your intestines are balanced. A healthy gut is one that digests food comfortably,
absorbs nutrients efficiently, and supports your immune system.
An unhealthy gut, on the other hand, might show up as:
- Persistent bloating or abdominal discomfort.
- Changes in bowel habits (constipation, diarrhoea, or both).
- Low energy or brain fog.
- Skin flare-ups such as acne or eczema.
- Poor sleep or mood changes.
Why Your Gut Affects More Than Digestion
The gut is sometimes called the body’s “second brain”. Here’s why it matters for your overall health:
- Immunity: Around 70% of your immune system is in the gut. A balanced microbiome helps your body defend against harmful bacteria and viruses.
- Nutrition: Good gut bacteria aid digestion and even produce certain vitamins, like B vitamins and vitamin K.
- Mood & Energy: The gut and brain are closely connected. Most of your serotonin (a “feel good” chemical) is produced in the gut. Imbalances can contribute to fatigue, low mood and anxiety.
- Skin: Research shows gut imbalances can contribute to acne, eczema and other inflammatory skin conditions.
- Oral health connection: The mouth and gut are part of the same system. Gum disease and poor oral health can influence gut bacteria, and vice versa.
Practical Tips for Supporting Gut Health
Small changes to your lifestyle can make a real difference. Here are four steps you can take:
- Eat more fibre and variety: Fruit, vegetables, whole grains, beans and nuts feed good bacteria. Aim for a wide range of plant foods each week.
- Include fermented foods: Yoghurt with live cultures, kefir, sauerkraut and kimchi all provide beneficial bacteria.
- Cut down on processed foods and excess sugar: These encourage less beneficial bacteria and can increase inflammation.
- Prioritise sleep and stress management: Poor sleep and chronic stress can both disrupt your gut microbiome.
How We Can Help at Thames Dental & Skin
For many patients, simple changes are enough. But if symptoms persist, professional testing can
provide deeper insights. At our clinic we offer:
Health & Wellness Consultation
Your starting point for a tailored health journey. Discuss your concerns with Dr. Bravis, explore your goals, and receive expert advice on the best services for your needs.
Redeemable consultation fee: £150
Ideal For: Fatigue, hormone balance, gut health, and skin concerns
Skin DNA & Genetic Health Test
Understand how your genes influence skin health with advanced nutrigenomics testing. Discover how to optimise hydration, collagen production, and skin sensitivity through personalised recommendations.
Ideal For: Acne, pigmentation, ageing, and inflammation
Comprehensive Gut Microbiome Test
Identify imbalances in your gut microbiome that could be affecting digestion, immunity, and skin health. Advanced stool testing reveals bacterial diversity, inflammation markers, and gut health insights.
Ideal For: Gut health, IBS, skin conditions, and infections
DNA Nutrition & Metabolism Test
Gain insights into how your body processes nutrients with advanced nutrigenomics testing. Get personalised diet, supplement, and lifestyle recommendations based on your unique genetic profile.
Ideal For: Metabolism, nutrient absorption, and skin health
Advanced Hormone Imbalance Test
Comprehensive hormone testing to assess thyroid, adrenal, and reproductive hormone levels. Get a tailored plan to restore balance and improve energy, mood, and metabolism.
Ideal For: Fatigue, mood swings, weight changes, and sleep issues
Functional & Genetic Health Testing
Advanced diagnostic testing to uncover hidden health challenges, including nutrient deficiencies, food intolerances, and hormonal imbalances. Personalised insights for long-term wellness.
Ideal For: Nutrient deficiencies, food intolerances, and hormone imbalances
Together, these tests allow us to design personalised health strategies. For some patients this means
dietary changes; for others, it may involve supplements, stress management techniques, or targeted treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need gut testing if I only have mild symptoms?
Not always. But if you’ve tried dietary changes and still experience ongoing bloating, fatigue,
or skin issues, testing can help uncover what’s happening.
What happens at a Health & Wellness Consultation?
You’ll meet with Dr Bravis to discuss your history, lifestyle and symptoms. If testing is recommended,
we’ll explain the process and next steps.
Do you only see patients in Thames Ditton?
No — while our clinic is based in Thames Ditton, we regularly see patients from across Surrey, including Surbiton, Kingston, Cobham, Esher, Weybridge, Walton-on-Thames and Molesey. Many patients travel to us for gut microbiome testing and functional health consultations.
