Understanding Digestive Symptoms: Why Gut Health Matters More in Winter

Do you experience frequent bloating, reflux, constipation, diarrhoea, or a diagnosis like IBS or Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)? These symptoms are often overlooked or dismissed as common, but they’re important messages from the body that something deeper may be out of balance.

At Healing Hands Natural Health Centre, our Naturopaths and Nutritionists work with clients to identify and address the underlying causes of gut dysfunction using a personalised, evidence-based approach and winter is a particularly important time to give your digestive system the support it needs.

Common Digestive Symptoms We See in Clinic

Many people live with uncomfortable gut symptoms for years, assuming they’re just part of life. However, persistent digestive complaints can indicate more serious imbalances in gut function, immunity, hormones, and overall health.

The most common symptoms we see include:

• Bloating, especially after meals

• Reflux or indigestion

• Constipation or incomplete evacuation

• Diarrhoea or loose stools

• Alternating constipation and diarrhoea (common in IBS)

• Chronic gut inflammation, as seen in IBD

• Food intolerances and sensitivities

These symptoms may seem isolated, but poor gut health often contributes to fatigue, low mood, hormonal imbalance, poor immune function, and even skin problems.

Functional Testing to Identify Root Causes

Rather than rely on guesswork or temporary symptom relief, we use functional testing where clinically appropriate to investigate potential causes. Depending on your symptoms and health history, we may recommend:

• Comprehensive stool microbiome testing – to assess bacterial imbalances, enzyme production, pathogens, and inflammatory markers

• Food intolerance or allergy testing – to identify immune-related responses

• SIBO breath testing – to detect bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine

• Blood tests – including iron studies, B12, inflammatory markers, and immune function

Testing gives us valuable insight into what’s happening in the digestive system so we can provide targeted, effective treatment.

It’s Not Just About Food: Other Gut Health Triggers

While food sensitivities can be part of the picture, they’re rarely the only cause of digestive distress. We look at the broader landscape, including:

• Chronic stress and nervous system dysregulation – which affects gut motility and enzyme production

• Low stomach acid – a frequently missed cause of bloating and reflux

• Dysbiosis – an imbalance of beneficial and harmful gut bacteria

• Gut inflammation – often resulting from infection, medication use, or autoimmune activity

• Hormonal imbalances – particularly oestrogen, thyroid hormones, and cortisol

• Slow motility – where food doesn’t move through the gut at a healthy pace

Each client receives a tailored plan based on their symptoms, test results, and lifestyle needs.

Why Gut Symptoms Often Worsen in Winter

As we transition into winter, digestive issues often become more noticeable due to several seasonal factors:

• Heavier, richer foods can be harder to digest

• Lower physical activity reduces gut motility

• Increased immune challenges place more stress on the gut

• Seasonal mood changes can affect the gut-brain connection

To support digestion during the colder months, we recommend:

• Choose warming, cooked meals - Warm, slow-cooked foods such as soups and stews are easier to digest and support healthy gut function.

• Use herbs and spices - Ginger, turmeric, fennel, cinnamon, and cardamom are traditional digestive supports that promote motility and reduce bloating.

• Drink warm fluids - Warm lemon water or digestive herbal teas such as chamomile and peppermint can help soothe the digestive tract.

• Reduce inflammatory foods - Minimise processed foods, cold/raw meals, excessive sugar, and alcohol, which can all contribute to inflammation and poor digestion.

• Address symptoms early - If you notice an increase in symptoms over winter, it’s a sign that your digestive system needs attention, not something to ignore.

A Personalised, Holistic Approach to Gut Health

At Healing Hands, we take a whole-person approach to digestive health. Our services may include:

• Detailed health assessments

• Functional testing when appropriate

• Personalised nutrition and herbal support

• Guidance on stress, sleep, and nervous system health

• Lifestyle strategies to improve long-term gut function

Whether your goal is symptom relief or long-term healing, we’re here to help you regain comfort, confidence, and wellbeing through a targeted, holistic care plan.

Take the First Step Towards Better Gut Health

If you're experiencing persistent digestive issues, don't wait for them to become chronic. Understanding the root causes and taking early, tailored action is key.