Well done Tony for seeking expert advice; many people do not because of their fears and the stigma surrounding bowel problems ... and the derision exhibited by ignoramuses with anything 'bowel / rectum / anus' associated. There is so much ignorance shown by so many people regarding bowel function and gut diseases. Current gastroenterological research suggests a strong link between bowel / digestive disorders and intestinal microbiota imbalance – but there are likely too many 'old school' gastroenterologists who fail to fully acknowledge the researchers' findings. Basically, evidence suggests that gut disorders (including ulcerative colitis and Crohn's) can be caused by e.g., (1) over-prescribed antibiotics and other medications, and (2) ultra-processed foods – both of which which can compromise the natural gut microbiota and thus the 'microbiome' which fuels the body's immune system - which prevents / fights infections and promotes healing. Ultra-processed foods contain unnatural additives, colourings, artificial flavourings and preservatives which can destroy healthy gut microbes. Antibiotics can be non-specific in their action and thus destroy not only disease causing microbes, but also our essential 'microbial good guys' (microbiota). Our natural gut microbiota, which are essential to a healthy microbiome and thus our wellbeing, have developed over millions of years - but during recent years have been hammered by all the mass produced foods on offer in the miles of supermarkets' shopping aisles – and also by some prescribed medications (especially antibiotics). Genetic factors are involved too and we do not all react to 'modern' foods and meds in the same ways. Tony there is a lot of information available online regarding improving diet, digestion and thus the microbiome – with resultant
'gut healing'. The microbiome is a vast subject but well worth studying.
I've experienced digestive problems over many years and at the last count have undergone at least 15 colonoscopies plus numerous sigmoidoscopies – but it was not until I was examined and treated by a
'new school' gastroenterologist who was prepared to offer surgery
(the highly respected 'old school' gastroenterologist would not / could not offer surgery) that forty years of discomfort was remedied. I have also had numerous bowel polyps removed during routine colonoscopies – usually two or three are discovered and 'lassoed' / 'removed' during each colonoscopy (a painless procedure which I'm well used to and for which no anaesthetic is required - but a 'puff' of anaesthetic is provided if needed).
During the last 6 years I made the decision to change my diet with a view to improving my gut microbiome and general health – and I'm still researching and learning about same. Gastroenterologists and epidemiologists continue to research the gut microbiome and to offer and suggest, healthy / healthier diets to improve our health and remedy / prevent diseases. My digestion has improved by adopting a more diverse, more plant based, diet – but I still enjoy meats and fish too – and with no worries about weight gain. Most people are familiar with the '5 a day' veg and fruit target – but this is now outmoded. Latest research suggests and recommends we should be aiming for 30 (thirty) and more different plant based foods every week – which sounds a lot – but is very easily achievable – and it's not the quantity of each which is important – it's the diversity. Different and diverse gut microbiota require the different prebiotics (as distinct from probiotics) present in different types of plant foods. I make sure I eat e.g. some of the citrus fruits' skins (grated and added to my porridge) in addition to the fruit flesh ... and similarly also eat some diced organic banana skin (sometimes all of it ... delicious grilled with butter!).
BW, dunk
EDIT: One of the best prebiotic beverages is coffee – it's not the 'bad guy' so often portrayed by 'old school' dieticians and GPs
https://mygutmatters.com/microbiota-...biotic-coffee/. ... paragraph 3 also mentions the
'30 per week plant foods' target.