Inflammation in the gut

What is inflammation in the gut and why does it matter for your overall health?

Inflammation in the gut describes an overactive immune response occurring within your gastrointestinal tract. It’s your body’s way of defending against stressors like poor diet, pathogens, chronic stress, and dysbiosis. While acute inflammation is protective, chronic inflammation is harmful and often silent in the early stages.

A healthy gut regulates digestion, immune signalling, and even mood. But when it’s inflamed, this balance is disrupted. You may experience nutrient malabsorption, changes in bowel habits, immune dysregulation, or persistent fatigue. Over time, unresolved inflammation can contribute to conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), thyroid issues, skin issues, and even autoimmunity.

Which symptoms signal that chronic gut inflammation might be affecting you?

• Bloating or abdominal discomfort after meals
• Constipation, diarrhoea or inconsistent bowel movements
• Brain fog or low energy
• Unexplained skin issues (eczema, acne, rashes)
• Food sensitivities that seem to be increasing over time
• Frequent gas or burping
• Joint pain or stiffness without injury
• Low mood or anxiety
• Trouble sleeping or waking feeling unrefreshed
• Strong sugar or carb cravings
• Imbalanced hormones

What causes inflammation in the gut and what factors make it worse?

The root cause of gut inflammation is often gut dysbiosis – an imbalance in the gut microbiome. This disrupts the delicate interplay between good bacteria, immune signalling, and the gut lining. But dysbiosis isn’t the only factor.

Other common contributors include:

Diet-related triggers

• Highly processed foods and additives
• Gluten, dairy, refined sugars
• Excess alcohol or caffeine
• Low fibre, low diversity in plant-based foods

Stress & lifestyle

• Chronic emotional stress or burnout
• Poor sleep hygiene
• Overtraining or lack of exercise
• Frequent use of NSAIDs or antacids

Pathogens & toxins

• Parasites, yeast overgrowth (e.g. candida)
• Past food poisoning or traveller’s gut
• Environmental toxins or mould exposure

Hormonal & immune factors

• Oestrogen dominance during andropause or menopause
• Autoimmune conditions
• Histamine intolerance

How do you test for inflammation in the gut and what does it reveal?

We use advanced functional lab tests to assess what’s truly going on inside your gut. This can be done easily from the comfort of your own home, without needing any invasive procedures.

Key assessments include:

• Comprehensive stool analysis: Detects pathogens, dysbiosis, viruses, bacteria (good and bad), immune function, gluten sensitivity and inflammatory markers
• Zonulin and calprotectin levels: Reveal gut lining permeability and inflammation
• Organic acids test (OAT): Highlights yeast overgrowth and detox stress
• Cortisol rhythm testing: Measures stress response via saliva (not urine)
• Food sensitivity screens: measures the level of IgG antibodies your immune system produces in response to specific foods
• Blood sugar regulation: Evaluated with fasting glucose markers

All results are interpreted by Functional Medicine Specialists and tied into your broader health picture.

How can you reduce gut inflammation naturally and effectively?

Small daily shifts can have a big impact when done consistently.

Start by:

• Removing highly inflammatory foods (gluten, seed oils, processed snacks)
• Focusing on diversity: eat 30+ plant foods a week
• Using adaptogens to support stress and adrenal balance
• Staying hydrated, especially with minerals like magnesium and potassium
• Prioritising sleep — even one bad night raises gut inflammation
• Gentle daily exercise like walking, pilates or stretching
• Mindful eating: chew well, eat without distractions
• Supporting bowel movements with enough fibre and water

What are the most effective ways to calm gut inflammation over time?

Managing gut inflammation is not about masking symptoms with antacids or elimination diets forever. It’s about identifying THE root cause and supporting your gut’s ability to heal itself.

This involves a personalised, phased approach:

• Remove: Identify and clear infections, reactive foods, or toxic exposures
• Replace: Support digestion with enzymes or bitter herbs
• Repopulate: Use targeted supplementation to restore balance
• Repair: Heal the gut lining with specific nutrients and foods
• Rebalance: Reset stress response and hormone rhythms

We also guide people through their Metabolic Typing Diet, which identifies the correct foods for their metabolic type, ensuring they get the correct fuel for every cell in their body.

How does Forbes.health address inflammation in the gut differently from others?

At Forbes.health, we focus on long-term healing, not just quick fixes. Our Functional Medicine Specialists use comprehensive health assessments and advanced lab testing — all completed from your home. No guesswork, just clarity.

Here’s what we offer:

• Root cause healing: We don’t chase symptoms; we resolve what’s driving them.
• Personalised care: Tailored plans with your health history, life stage, and goals in mind.
• In-depth lab testing: Stool, urine, dried blood, saliva — all interpreted for patterns and insights.
• Guidance you can trust: Clear steps for nutrition, exercise, BHRT, natural supplementation and stress.
• Ongoing support: We check in regularly, adapt your protocol, and help you feel in control.
• Home-based convenience: No clinic visits required. Everything is delivered and monitored remotely.