The Role of Gut Health in Overall Well-being
Your gut is not just responsible for digestion—it is a key player in immune function, hormone regulation, mental clarity, and even mood stability. A healthy gut helps the body absorb nutrients efficiently, supports detoxification, and protects against harmful pathogens. Conversely, an unhealthy gut can lead to a variety of problems, including autoimmune diseases, mental health disorders, weight gain, and metabolic issues.
The gut is often referred to as the “second brain” because of the significant communication that takes place between the gut and the brain. This gut-brain axis influences mental well-being and is now a major area of focus in both mental health and functional medicine. Recent research shows that disruptions in gut microbiota—the trillions of microorganisms living in the digestive system—can negatively impact mood and mental health, linking gut imbalances to conditions such as depression and anxiety.
The Prevalence of Gut Issues in Australia
In Australia, gastrointestinal disorders are increasingly common, with an estimated 50% of Australians suffering from gut-related issues at some point in their lives. Conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) are on the rise, affecting millions of Australians and disproportionately impacting women.
Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs), including IBS, affect up to 1 in 7 Australians, with many people experiencing debilitating symptoms that affect their quality of life. Yet, many people don’t realise that their gut health may be the underlying cause of their symptoms, such as fatigue, brain fog, skin conditions, and even autoimmune issues. This is where a functional medicine approach becomes invaluable, as it seeks to address these root causes and create lasting solutions.
A Functional Medicine Approach to Gut Health
My approach to gut health is rooted in functional medicine, which aims to restore balance and optimise function. This involves a thorough assessment of the patient’s lifestyle, diet, stress levels, and genetic predispositions. Instead of applying a one-size-fits-all approach, I tailor treatments to the unique needs of each patient, focusing on four primary areas:
- Nutrient Absorption: Poor gut health can lead to malabsorption of essential nutrients like vitamins and minerals, which can have a knock-on effect on other bodily systems. For instance, deficiencies in nutrients like Vitamin D, zinc, and magnesium can exacerbate chronic health conditions, such as autoimmune disorders.
- Gut Microbiota Imbalance: The trillions of bacteria in the gut play a crucial role in digestion, immunity, and brain function. Dysbiosis—an imbalance in the gut microbiota—has been linked to a host of health issues, including obesity, diabetes, and autoimmune diseases.
- Leaky Gut Syndrome: When the gut lining becomes overly permeable (a condition known as leaky gut), toxins, undigested food particles, and pathogens can enter the bloodstream, triggering inflammation and immune responses. This can contribute to autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
- Inflammation and Immune Function: An inflamed gut can lead to systemic inflammation, impacting everything from joint health to brain function. Many chronic diseases, including cardiovascular issues and type 2 diabetes, have been linked to chronic low-grade inflammation originating in the gut.
The Connection Between Gut Health and Autoimmune Diseases
Autoimmune diseases are on the rise in Australia, and women are disproportionately affected. Conditions like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, rheumatoid arthritis, and coeliac disease are often linked to underlying gut imbalances, such as leaky gut and dysbiosis. My functional medicine approach to treating autoimmune conditions focuses on restoring gut health as a primary strategy for managing and potentially reversing these diseases.
One example is coeliac disease, an autoimmune condition that affects approximately 1 in 70 Australians. Coeliac disease is triggered by an immune response to gluten, which damages the small intestine and impairs nutrient absorption. Many people with undiagnosed coeliac disease experience symptoms ranging from digestive discomfort to more systemic issues like anemia and osteoporosis. A functional approach goes beyond a simple gluten-free diet, addressing nutrient deficiencies and restoring gut integrity to support overall health.
Personalised Gut Health Care
At the heart of my functional medicine practice is the belief that every patient is biochemically unique. This means that gut health solutions need to be tailored to the individual, taking into account factors such as genetics, lifestyle, diet, and stress levels. For many patients, this personalised approach makes all the difference in addressing long-standing gut health issues.
Personalised care may involve:
- Nutritional Interventions: I often recommend dietary changes, such as reducing processed foods, adding more fibre-rich plants, and incorporating fermented foods like sauerkraut and kefir to support healthy gut flora. In some cases, targeted supplementation may be necessary to address specific deficiencies.
- Stress Management: Chronic stress can severely impact gut health, contributing to conditions like leaky gut and dysbiosis. Techniques like mindfulness, meditation, and regular physical activity are often part of my holistic treatment plans.
- Gut Healing Protocols: A variety of gut-healing strategies are used, including elimination diets, prebiotics, probiotics, and herbal antimicrobials. These interventions work to reduce inflammation, rebalance the microbiome, and restore the integrity of the gut lining.
Women’s Health and Gut Health
I specialise in the connection between gut health and women’s health issues, particularly conditions like endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and perimenopause. These conditions are often linked to gut imbalances, as gut health plays a critical role in hormone regulation and inflammation management.
For example, women with PCOS may experience insulin resistance, which can be exacerbated by poor gut health. By addressing gut issues such as dysbiosis and inflammation, women with PCOS can improve their insulin sensitivity and reduce the severity of their symptoms.
Similarly, women going through perimenopause often experience digestive issues, such as bloating, constipation, and increased food sensitivities, which are linked to hormonal fluctuations. A functional approach to gut health can help manage these symptoms by balancing hormones and restoring optimal digestive function.
Sports Nutrition and Gut Health
My background in sports nutrition also gives me a unique perspective on how gut health influences athletic performance. For athletes, optimal gut function is crucial for nutrient absorption, energy production, and recovery. I work with athletes to improve their gut health, allowing them to maximise their performance while supporting their overall health and preventing injuries.
Gut health is particularly important for endurance athletes, as long-distance running or cycling can impact gut integrity, leading to issues like leaky gut and increased inflammation. By supporting gut health through targeted nutrition and supplementation, athletes can improve their endurance, recovery times, and overall performance.
Empowering Patients Through Education
I place a strong emphasis on patient education, believing that informed patients are empowered to take control of their health. Through my practice, I offer detailed guidance on how patients can optimise their gut health at home. This may include advice on diet, lifestyle, and stress management, as well as resources to help patients better understand the complex interactions between gut health and overall well-being.
As a mother of three boys and a former elite athlete, I understand the challenges of maintaining gut health while juggling modern life’s demands. I use this experience to provide practical, actionable advice that fits into the everyday lives of her patients.
Conclusion
Gut health is foundational to overall well-being, impacting everything from digestion to immune function, hormone regulation, and mental health. Dr. Jasmina Dedic-Hagan’s functional medicine approach offers personalised care that addresses the root causes of gut dysfunction, aiming for long-term healing rather than short-term symptom relief.
By taking a holistic approach that incorporates nutrition, stress management, and lifestyle changes, Dr. Dedic-Hagan helps her patients restore balance and optimise their gut health. Whether you’re dealing with autoimmune issues, gastrointestinal disorders, or hormone imbalances, addressing gut health can significantly improve your quality of life.
If you’re struggling with gut health issues or want to optimise your digestive function, consider consulting with a functional medicine practitioner like Dr. Dedic-Hagan, who can provide you with personalised, science-based care.
Authored by Dr Jasmina Dedic-Hagan:
Dr. Jasmina Dedic-Hagan is a specialist GP and functional medicine doctor. She holds a PhD in Molecular Biology and is certified by the Institute of Functional Medicine (US) and board-certified in Lifestyle Medicine. Her areas of interest include gut health, autoimmune disease, endometriosis, PCOS, fertility, perimenopause/menopause, metabolic issues, cardiovascular disease, and sports nutrition.
