Diarrhoea
& support healthy bowel function
Frequent loose bowel motions?
Do you experience loose stools, frequent bowel movements, urgency or abdominal discomfort? Ongoing diarrhoea can be disruptive and frustrating, particularly when you’re unsure what may be contributing to it.
At Enhanced Vitality, our Williamstown naturopaths support patients experiencing diarrhoea and ongoing changes in bowel function. We take the time to understand your symptoms, health history and individual circumstances, helping you explore what may be contributing to your digestive symptoms.
What is diarrhoea?
Diarrhoea refers to loose or watery stools, often occurring more frequently than is usual for you. It may also involve urgency, abdominal cramping, bloating or discomfort.
Diarrhoea can be acute, developing suddenly and usually lasting for a relatively short period, or it can become persistent or recurrent and require further investigation.
There are many possible contributors to diarrhoea, including infections, digestive conditions, food-related factors, medications and changes in bowel function. If diarrhoea is persistent, severe or accompanied by concerning symptoms, medical assessment is important.
What can contribute to diarrhoea?
Diarrhoea can have many different causes, including:
- Gastrointestinal infections, including viral, bacterial and parasitic infections
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and other functional bowel disorders
- Inflammatory bowel disease, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
- Coeliac disease and other conditions affecting digestion or nutrient absorption
- Food intolerances or sensitivities, such as lactose intolerance
- Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) and other changes in the small intestinal environment
- Medications, including antibiotics and some other medicines
- Changes in bowel motility
- Stress and gut-brain interactions
- Excessive intake of caffeine, alcohol or certain sweeteners
- Certain hormonal or metabolic conditions
The factors contributing to diarrhoea can vary considerably from one person to another, which is why your symptoms and health history are important when deciding whether further investigation may be appropriate.
What can increase your risk of diarrhoea?
Some factors may increase the likelihood of developing diarrhoea or changes in bowel function, including:
- Recent travel, particularly where food or water exposure may be different
- Contact with someone experiencing an infectious illness
- Recent antibiotic use
- Certain medications or supplements
- Significant changes to your diet
- High intake of caffeine, alcohol or sugar alcohols such as sorbitol
- Previous gastrointestinal infections
- Periods of increased stress
- Recent hospitalisation or surgery
What are the signs and symptoms?
Diarrhoea can occur alongside a range of digestive symptoms, including:
- Loose or watery stools
- Frequent or urgent bowel movements
- Abdominal cramps or discomfort
- Bloating and increased gas
- Nausea
- Fatigue or reduced energy
- Mucus in the stool
Persistent diarrhoea can also affect fluid and electrolyte levels and, in some circumstances, nutrient absorption.
If you experience blood or black stools, severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, significant dehydration, unexplained weight loss or a high fever, seek medical assessment. New or persistent diarrhoea should also be assessed medically where appropriate.
How can naturopathy help with diarrhoea?
When diarrhoea is ongoing or recurrent, personalised naturopathic care may help you address the factors that could be contributing to your digestive symptoms.
During your initial consultation, our naturopaths take a detailed health and digestive history and assess your individual symptoms and circumstances. Where appropriate, we may discuss further testing such as breath testing, stool testing or pathology, depending on your presentation.
Testing is not necessary for everyone. If further investigation may be helpful, we can explain the available options and help you understand what may be appropriate for your individual situation.
Your personalised care may include guidance around nutrition, digestion, bowel habits and lifestyle, along with nutritional or herbal support where appropriate.
Our approach is tailored to you, with practical strategies designed to support your digestive health and fit into your everyday life.
What our patients say 🤍
"Helena has been fantastic helping me sort my gut/digestion issues out. She is so passionate about gut health, has an incredible knowledge and her advice and treatment has been valuable and easy to follow. Amazing recipe ideas and book as well that has made cooking a delight again. I feel so much better now than when I came to Helena at first. Highly recommend her services." ~ Inger
Imagine having…
- Greater confidence managing your digestive symptoms
- Fewer interruptions to your day from urgent bowel movements
- More freedom to get on with your day
- Practical strategies that fit your nutrition and lifestyle
💚 Ready to feel more comfortable?
If diarrhoea is affecting your everyday life, our naturopaths can help you explore what may be contributing to your symptoms and provide personalised support for your digestive symptoms and overall health.
We’ll take the time to understand your individual health history and guide you through the most appropriate next steps, including whether further investigation may be helpful.
Book an initial consultation to get started with personalised support for your diarrhoea and digestive health.