Digestive issues can be manageable for many years and then exacerbated by stress, dehydration, fuelling errors, and nervous-system activation to the point where it gets embarrassing!
Bowel habits are often dismissed as “normal,” even when the gut is struggling. Constipation, loose stools, or alternating patterns can all indicate that digestion, motility, or the microbiome need support even if you manage a visit to the bathroom daily.
At Athlete Sanctuary, we view gut symptoms as meaningful feedback from the body. When the digestive system is moving too slowly or too quickly, it can affect energy, recovery, hormones, immunity, and overall wellbeing.
Possible contributors include:
As a clinic focused on digestive health we look beyond symptoms to understand the underlying drivers. Following a detailed assessment we may refer for additional investigations to help identify the causes of your digestive symptoms. Armed with relevant information we develop a comprehensive treatment plan incorporating targeted nutrition, microbiome and nervous system support to help you rebuild digestive resilience from the inside out.
Source:-International Journal of Sports Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism (2023)
Kate Smyth is a degree‑qualified naturopath, educator, and women’s performance coach.
Kate works with women seeking to improve energy, immunity, gut health, and overall vitality helping them restore balance, build resilience, and perform at their best in sport, work, and life. Her treatments are grounded in evidence‑based practice and shaped by decades of experience supporting active women, junior athletes, and busy mothers.
As an Olympic marathon runner and healthcare professional, Kate brings a rare combination of lived experience and clinical expertise.
