Becky was suffering from severe bloating every day, stomach pain and struggling with her weight when I first met her. The bloating was so significant, that she told me she felt like she ‘had a pregnant belly’.
She was also fatigued
Feeling demotivated, which was out of character
Felt sluggish and struggled to get out of bed
Had lost her drive and motivation
Suffered with achy hands, swelling and water retention
Cracked lips
Small spots on the backs of her arms
Noticed that certain foods were triggers for her bloating
As so many others, Becky had been living with her symptoms for years.
After speaking with her during the initial consultation, it became clear to me that her symptoms may be indicative of SIBO - Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth. We completed a breath test to confirm this diagnosis.
SIBO is where bacteria have migrated from the large intestine (where they should be) and into the small intestine (where they shouldn't be). When bacteria migrate here and eat the food in the gut, they begin to ferment and give off gases.
Up to 50% of people with IBS actually have SIBO but it's not something that is commonly known about. It's very common to occur after bouts of food poisoning or antibiotics.
This bacterial imbalance in the gut is why many people with SIBO experience severe bloating, smelly gas, stomach pain, achy muscles, bones and joints and brain fog. It's a result of the toxins produced by the bacteria.
In order to rebalance Becky's gut and reduce the bloating, we put together a comprehensive nutrition plan to improve her symptoms. This involved a temporary elimination diet and a structured course of antimicrobials (natural agents and herbs that kill microorganisms and stop their growth).
Over a period of several months we worked together on what is known as the 4 R’s protocol.
Remove pathogens (bacterial overgrowth causing SIBO)
Repair the gut lining with supportive vitamins and minerals to heal ‘leaky gut’
Re-populate with good bacteria (pre and probiotics) to prevent further infection
Rebalance the gut with a sustained healthy eating plan and ensure the gut stays ‘balanced’
Working together, Becky’s gut health soon improved, and combined with a more nutritiously dense diet, Becky soon found she had more energy and motivation. She has even lost 1 stone in weight and is hoping to lose more!
Here is what Becky had to say:
“I would 100% recommend Kelly. She is super lovely and really cares about what she does and her clients. Before I set up time with Kelly I was constantly bloated, fatigued and unmotivated which just wasn’t the usual me, but it had been going on for a few years.
I didn’t realise it was all linked. I originally just wanted to ask a few questions about being bloated but after just one consultation Kelly linked everything together and explained in a way I understood what was going on.
She created very simple and effective plans for me to follow and easily adjusted when parts weren’t working.
Since working with Kelly I have so much more energy, my bloating has gone and feels so much better. I also understand my body more and what is good and bad for me. She gave me after care advice which I really appreciate and I know if there is anything else I can easily go back to her. If needed I will definitely reach out to Kelly again in the future!”
Becky was on the 3 Month Nutritional Therapy Package.
If you're experiencing similar symptoms, book a free 20 minute consultation on how I can help you today.
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Kelly Mulhall
Registered Nutritional Therapist
Kelly is a Registered Nutritional Therapist who focuses on positive physical and mental wellbeing, achieved through diet, lifestyle, sleep and exercise. Having struggled for years with IBS and hormonal imbalance, and increasingly frustrated with the lack of support and helpful advice from her GP, Kelly began her own journey of healing the body from the inside out. After seeing huge improvements she quit her job to study nutrition and focus on harnessing the healing powers of food to help other people in similar situations.