The vagus nerve
A direct line between gut and brain, carrying signals both ways. It helps switch digestion on when you are calm.
The gut–brain–body connection
Our Philosophy
Your gut depends on three connected systems. When one struggles, the others feel it, which is why gut problems so often come with tiredness, low mood or brain fog.
Three systems
Three systems, one gut
Gut
Stomach acid, digestive enzymes and bile; the gut lining that decides what gets through; and the trillions of microbes that help digest food and train the immune system.
Brain
The gut–brain axis, the vagus nerve and the stress response. A stressed brain slows digestion; an irritated gut sends signals that affect mood and focus.
Body
Blood sugar balance, thyroid and adrenal hormones, the immune system, sleep and nutrient status, all of which shape how well the gut can do its job.
Gut problems rarely have one cause. That is why we look at all three.
The gut–brain connection
Why your gut is called a second brain
The gut has its own network of nerves and talks to the brain constantly, in both directions. That is why digestion can change mood, focus and fog, and why stress can upset digestion.
Gut chemistry
Gut cells and microbes make and influence messengers such as serotonin, which affect mood, sleep and gut movement.
Immune signals
Most of the immune system sits around the gut. Inflammation here can send signals that leave you foggy and flat.
Stress hormones
Ongoing stress diverts resources away from digestion, lowering stomach acid and changing the gut lining and microbes.
Three disciplines
How we work
Functional Medicine
A whole-system approach to root causes. We ask why your body has stopped working properly, then use detailed testing to find out.
Functional Neurology
Assessing how well the nervous system is working, with a focus on the gut–brain axis, and using drug-free rehabilitation to support it.
Lifestyle Medicine
Evidence-based changes to nutrition, movement, sleep and stress, so the improvements last beyond the treatment plan.
Working together
Alongside your GP, never instead of them
We don't diagnose disease or replace medical care. With your permission, we share relevant findings with your GP, and we never ask you to stop prescribed medication without speaking to your prescriber.
01
Find the drivers
The Gut Wellness Profile, a full case history and targeted lab testing.
02
Act on them
A personal plan covering diet, supplements, sleep, stress and movement, tackled in the right order.
03
Track progress
Follow-up consultations and retesting against your baseline.
Close to home
This approach, close to home in Cheshire
From our base in Macclesfield we see people from Macclesfield, Cheshire and anywhere in the UK, with all consultations online. The process is the same either way: your profile and history, targeted lab tests, a written plan and regular reviews.
Not sure where to start?
The Gut Wellness Profile takes about 10 minutes online and shows which of 15 body systems need attention first. The £12 fee is credited to your Discovery Consultation if you book within 30 days.
Struggling with your gut?
The sooner you understand what is driving it, the more can be done.
Book a Discovery Consultation