Beschwerden und Symptome
Gut Health, Microbiome & Nutrition
Balanced Mind, Happy Gut
A healthy gut is far more than a digestive organ – it underpins vitality, strong defenses, and emotional balance. Via the gut–brain axis, it is closely connected with the nervous and immune systems and is strongly influenced by lifestyle. Factors such as diet, stress, medication (especially antibiotics), infections, poor sleep, or lack of movement can throw the delicate balance of gut bacteria (the microbiome) out of sync.
When this balance is disturbed, a wide range of symptoms may appear – from functional disorders such as IBS to chronic inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
Disrupted gut health often reaches beyond the abdomen:
Neurological: concentration issues, brain fog, inner restlessness, sleep problems, mood swings – because an imbalanced microbiome can affect the production of key messengers such as serotonin.
Immunological: a disturbed gut environment can keep the immune system on alert, favor low-grade inflammation, and increase susceptibility to infections.
That’s why it’s worth taking a closer look at the gut – even when symptoms don’t seem “typical gut” at first glance. In my practice, I combine modern stool diagnostics, functional laboratory testing, and individual treatment plans to strengthen gut health – and, in turn, help bring the nervous system, immune defenses, and emotional stability back into balance.
Symptoms
- Bloating, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain
- Fullness, nausea, heartburn
- Food intolerances (e.g., FODMAPs, histamine, lactose, fructose, wheat/gluten sensitivity)
- Fatigue, brain fog, concentration difficulties
- Skin concerns, eczema, acne
- Allergies
- Headaches, dizziness, palpitations, flushing
- Mood swings, irritability, low mood
- Increased susceptibility to infections
- Sleep disturbances
Causes
- Increased intestinal permeability: “leaky gut,” low-grade inflammation
- Microbiome imbalance: e.g., SIBO/SIFO after travel/medication (antibiotics, PPIs, NSAIDs)
- Parasites, infections, post-infectious syndromes
- Dietary patterns & eating habits
- Digestive deficits: e.g., low stomach acid or enzymes
- Stress & high mental load: low vagal tone, lack of sleep
- Sedentary lifestyle & nutrient deficiencies
- Environmental exposures: heavy metals, mold, pesticides, smoking
Measures
- Gut-regulating nutrition
- Targeted correction of nutrient deficiencies
- Drip – timely support with vitamins, amino acids, or antioxidants
- The gut as the foundation of the immune system:
- Rebalancing the microbiome
- Supporting the gut barrier (“leaky gut”)
- Gut restoration
- Addressing yeasts and pathogenic microbes
- Activating the autonomic nervous system
- Working through stressors & activating inner resources
- Ear acupuncture: the ear reflects the whole body; specific points can be stimulated to support physical and emotional processes.
Conditions I work with
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Leaky-gut syndrome (increased intestinal permeability)
- SIBO/SIFO (bacterial/fungal small intestinal overgrowth)
- Susceptibility to infections & post-infectious complaints (e.g., after gastroenteritis/travel)
- Mast cell activation / histamine intolerance
- Digestive disorders, dyspepsia & reflux
- Intestinal mycoses & dysbiosis (e.g., Candida-associated)
- Skin conditions: atopic dermatitis, acne, eczema
- Autoimmune conditions: Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, rheumatic diseases, psoriasis
- Metabolic: fatty-liver tendency, insulin resistance, weight dysregulation
- Neurological/psychological: brain fog, fatigue, sleep problems, anxiety/mood fluctuations
- Migraine & headaches (may be triggered via gut/histamine)
- Post-COVID/Long-COVID-related gut and fatigue symptoms
- Lipoedema (support via inflammation modulation, microbiome)
FAQ
How do I know my gut flora (microbiome) is out of balance?
Common signs include bloating, abdominal pain, alternating stools, food reactions, often with fatigue, brain fog, and skin issues. If red flags occur (e.g., blood in stool, fever, significant weight loss), medical evaluation is necessary.
What is the gut–brain axis, and why does the gut affect mood and sleep?
The gut–brain axis is the two-way communication between gut and brain – via microbial metabolites, nerves (including the vagus nerve), hormones, and immune/inflammatory signals. Stress and poor sleep can noticeably unsettle the microbiome and digestion, while a balanced microbiome and stable gut barrier often support mood, focus, and sleep quality.
What’s the difference between an intolerance and an allergy?
Allergies are immune-mediated and can cause strong immediate reactions. Intolerances (e.g., lactose, fructose, histamine) usually stem from digestive or transport issues and are felt mainly in the gastrointestinal tract.
What does “leaky gut” mean – are there signs?
It refers to a temporarily more permeable gut barrier. Possible signs include frequent bloating, food reactions, skin concerns, and fatigue. Support focuses on calming and stabilizing the barrier.
SIBO – what is it and what are typical symptoms?
SIBO is bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine. Typical signs: pronounced bloating/pressure shortly after meals, fullness, and stools alternating between diarrhea and constipation.
What does a stool test show – and when is a breath test useful?
Stool testing provides insights into the microbiome, inflammation, and barrier status. Breath tests (H₂/CH₄) can assess SIBO. Selection depends on your symptoms and goals.
Can stress and lack of sleep trigger gut symptoms on their own?
Yes. Through the gut–brain axis they influence motility, inflammatory tone, and pain perception – even without a “classic” dietary trigger.
Do I need probiotics/prebiotics – and are they well tolerated?
Not everyone needs them, and tolerance varies. What matters is appropriate selection, dosing, and a stepwise approach.
What are FODMAPs – do I automatically need a FODMAP diet?
FODMAPs are fermentable carbohydrates that can promote bloating. A brief, structured trial may be helpful depending on diagnostics, but long-term restriction is not the goal.
Histamine intolerance: why headaches or skin reactions?
Some people react to histamine-rich foods or stress. The gut barrier and microbiome often play a role – recognizing personal triggers is key.
Which lifestyle factors support stable gut health?
A regular daily rhythm, adequate sleep, gentle movement, stress reduction, and fiber-rich meals promote microbiome diversity and digestive balance.
Who benefits most from gut checks?
Anyone with recurrent digestive issues, intolerances, skin and fatigue symptoms, IBS, or after frequent infections/antibiotics often benefits from a structured gut check.
Is online support possible – and how are samples handled?
Yes, consultations can take place on-site or online. Blood draws are performed on-site. Stool samples are collected at home following instructions and sent directly to the laboratory.
In Germany, at least one in-person appointment is legally required.
Are costs reimbursed?
Private insurance often partially reimburse costs – depending on the plan; eligibility for government employees (Beihilfe) varies by federal state. Statutory insurers usually do not reimburse. If needed, I issue an invoice according to the German fee schedule for Heilpraktiker for submission.
Es ist gesetzlich geregelt, dass mindestens ein Termin vor Ort stattfinden muss.