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FEBRUARY 23, 2022
Recent Post
FEBRUARY 23, 2022
Gut Health
Ask the doctor: I’ve heard gut health can cause headaches, fatigue and other health issues. Is this true?
Can a bad mood, headaches, muscle pain and fatigue be connected to digestion? Could a child’s poor concentration at school be linked to a gut issue? Can a mystery rash be traced back to poor gut health? Yes, yes, and yes! In this month’s edition of “Ask the Doctor” we get to the guts of the issue, looking at how digestion can affect both adults and children, and how we can improve our gut health.
Our old friend Hippocrates said that “all diseases begin in the gut”, and many modern health practitioners agree. It’s a concept that conventional medicine is still grappling with but has been embraced for thousands of years by other disciplines such as traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurveda.
What kinds of health issues and diseases have been linked to poor gut health?
A surprisingly wide range of symptoms, such as:
- Fatigue, headaches, foggy head
- Joint pains, arthritis, unexplained rashes
- Bloating, acid reflux, abdominal cramps, diarrhoea, nausea
- Depression
- Weight issues including obesity
- Diabetes
- Cancers
- Migraines
- Repeated yeast infections
- Lowered immunity
- Allergies, asthma.
Why is the gut so important?
What we eat is important but it’s what we assimilate that really matters – the gut performs this function. So, what happens in this very long tract?
Digestion and assimilation: This is a complex process involving chemical reactions and good bacteria. It starts with chewing food properly before it enters the stomach; the blender where acid acts upon the food and passes it on so that enzymes can work on it in the intestines. The liver and pancreas also contribute bile and enzymes. So, our absorption of nutrients can be affected by not chewing our food properly, having an imbalance of acid in our stomach, or having poor intestinal enzyme levels.
Hosting bacteria: The gut houses different kinds of bacteria which live symbiotically within it. There is evidence of this being established very early in life – in fact, the process of natural birth exposes the baby to maternal flora, so the baby’s gut bacteria will reflect the mum’s.
The beneficial bacteria in our stomach are active little creatures who produce vitamins and nourish the cells lining the intestine. They also form a barrier to protect the gut lining from toxins or bad bacteria. Interestingly, a lot of serotonin – your ‘feel good’ brain chemical – is also produced in the gut, so it’s basically your second brain!
Unfortunately, there are always the ‘bad guys’ who look for opportunities to take over the gut with harmful bacteria, yeast and parasites. When these steal the show, the effects of vitamin deficiency, low enzyme levels and poor immunity can kick in. It’s a vicious cycle that allows the bad bacteria to thrive until something is done to break the cycle. The bowel lining becomes inflamed, allowing harmful substances to enter the bloodstream with unpleasant consequences in different organs, including the brain.
Keeping the immune system in order
The immune system in the gut starts from the tonsils and includes the appendix and other lymphatic tissues. If inflammation is present they’ll be over- or under-stimulated, leading to a variety of immune diseases or allergies, and symptoms such as joint pains and rashes.
Some of the factors that can affect gut health are:
- Poor chewing
- A bad attack of gastroenteritis
- Chronic stress
- Poor diets high in sugar or processed food, or low in fresh vegetables and fruit. Even overcooked food can cause problems!
- Antibiotics or painkillers used on a regular basis
- Antacids and other medicines to reduce stomach acid
- Bad bacteria and an overgrowth of yeast
- Food additives and environmental toxins.
What about children and gut health?
On top of the symptoms already mentioned, children may experience behavioural problems, depression, mood swings, or a lack of focus and attention. Nutrient and sugar imbalances may contribute to this – the body needs the essential building blocks such as magnesium, B vitamins, calcium and zinc to thrive.
What can be done to improve things?
Restoring the natural balance is the best way forward. Here are a few ways to make it happen with your medical practitioner’s help:
- A doctor’s examination and blood tests may reveal deficiencies such as iron and vitamin B12. Serious conditions such as coeliac disease or Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis may need to be ruled out first.
- Cut back on offending agents such as long term use of antacids.
- Good bacteria love a diet rich in fresh vegetables and fruit, while bad bacteria and yeast thrive on sugar, so back away from the sweet treats! If there are known food allergies (e.g. gluten, dairy), eliminate them until the bowel is healed.
- Have any parasites or disease-causing bacteria treated.
- Correct low or high acidity and enzymes to support digestion until the natural balance is achieved.
- Probiotics can repopulate the bowel and help heal this very important organ that is the seat of good health.
Ask the doctor: I’ve heard gut health can cause headaches, fatigue and other health issues. Is this true?
Can a bad mood, headaches, muscle pain and fatigue be connected to digestion? Could a child’s poor concentration at school be linked to a gut issue? Can a mystery rash be traced back to poor gut health? Yes, yes, and yes! In this month’s edition of “Ask the Doctor” we get to the guts of the issue, looking at how digestion can affect both adults and children, and how we can improve our gut health.
Our old friend Hippocrates said that “all diseases begin in the gut”, and many modern health practitioners agree. It’s a concept that conventional medicine is still grappling with but has been embraced for thousands of years by other disciplines such as traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurveda.
What kinds of health issues and diseases have been linked to poor gut health?
A surprisingly wide range of symptoms, such as:
- Fatigue, headaches, foggy head
- Joint pains, arthritis, unexplained rashes
- Bloating, acid reflux, abdominal cramps, diarrhoea, nausea
- Depression
- Weight issues including obesity
- Diabetes
- Cancers
- Migraines
- Repeated yeast infections
- Lowered immunity
- Allergies, asthma.
Why is the gut so important?
What we eat is important but it’s what we assimilate that really matters – the gut performs this function. So, what happens in this very long tract?
Digestion and assimilation: This is a complex process involving chemical reactions and good bacteria. It starts with chewing food properly before it enters the stomach; the blender where acid acts upon the food and passes it on so that enzymes can work on it in the intestines. The liver and pancreas also contribute bile and enzymes. So, our absorption of nutrients can be affected by not chewing our food properly, having an imbalance of acid in our stomach, or having poor intestinal enzyme levels.
Hosting bacteria: The gut houses different kinds of bacteria which live symbiotically within it. There is evidence of this being established very early in life – in fact, the process of natural birth exposes the baby to maternal flora, so the baby’s gut bacteria will reflect the mum’s.
The beneficial bacteria in our stomach are active little creatures who produce vitamins and nourish the cells lining the intestine. They also form a barrier to protect the gut lining from toxins or bad bacteria. Interestingly, a lot of serotonin – your ‘feel good’ brain chemical – is also produced in the gut, so it’s basically your second brain!
Unfortunately, there are always the ‘bad guys’ who look for opportunities to take over the gut with harmful bacteria, yeast and parasites. When these steal the show, the effects of vitamin deficiency, low enzyme levels and poor immunity can kick in. It’s a vicious cycle that allows the bad bacteria to thrive until something is done to break the cycle. The bowel lining becomes inflamed, allowing harmful substances to enter the bloodstream with unpleasant consequences in different organs, including the brain.
Keeping the immune system in order
The immune system in the gut starts from the tonsils and includes the appendix and other lymphatic tissues. If inflammation is present they’ll be over- or under-stimulated, leading to a variety of immune diseases or allergies, and symptoms such as joint pains and rashes.
Some of the factors that can affect gut health are:
- Poor chewing
- A bad attack of gastroenteritis
- Chronic stress
- Poor diets high in sugar or processed food, or low in fresh vegetables and fruit. Even overcooked food can cause problems!
- Antibiotics or painkillers used on a regular basis
- Antacids and other medicines to reduce stomach acid
- Bad bacteria and an overgrowth of yeast
- Food additives and environmental toxins.
What about children and gut health?
On top of the symptoms already mentioned, children may experience behavioural problems, depression, mood swings, or a lack of focus and attention. Nutrient and sugar imbalances may contribute to this – the body needs the essential building blocks such as magnesium, B vitamins, calcium and zinc to thrive.
What can be done to improve things?
Restoring the natural balance is the best way forward. Here are a few ways to make it happen with your medical practitioner’s help:
- A doctor’s examination and blood tests may reveal deficiencies such as iron and vitamin B12. Serious conditions such as coeliac disease or Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis may need to be ruled out first.
- Cut back on offending agents such as long term use of antacids.
- Good bacteria love a diet rich in fresh vegetables and fruit, while bad bacteria and yeast thrive on sugar, so back away from the sweet treats! If there are known food allergies (e.g. gluten, dairy), eliminate them until the bowel is healed.
- Have any parasites or disease-causing bacteria treated.
- Correct low or high acidity and enzymes to support digestion until the natural balance is achieved.
- Probiotics can repopulate the bowel and help heal this very important organ that is the seat of good health.
Recent Post
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Introduction
Resident Physician Dr. Lisa Ho obtained her medical degree from the University of Aberdeen, United Kingdom in 2013. Upon return to Singapore, she entered the Singhealth Emergency Medicine residency programme where she rotated through various emergency departments, surgical and medical specialties in the public restructured hospitals. Dr. Ho has a keen interest in musculoskeletal medicine and graduated with a Masters in Sports and Exercise Medicine from Trinity College Dublin, Ireland and a Post graduate diploma in Musculoskeletal Ultrasound from University of East London, United Kingdom. She completed the Singhealth Sports and Exercise medicine staff registrar training programme in 2022 and was responsible for setting up protocols for the ultrasound guided injection service in Sengkang General Hospital. She was also a team physician for the 2023 South East Asian Games in Cambodia. Dr. Ho is passionate about helping patients lead their best life with preventative medicine, through general health and musculoskeletal screening and exercise prescription. Outside of work, she enjoys time with her family and dog, practicing her Japanese and doing pilates. |
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Introduction
Aesthetic Physician Dr. Elendrus Teo graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) at the National University of Singapore (NUS) and also holds a NUS Graduate Diploma in Family Medicine. Dr. Teo firmly believes that looking good helps to empower an individual to exude the best possible version of themselves, giving them the opportunity to further their confidence and success. Dr. Teo possesses both clinical and surgical competencies, having had previous rotations in general surgery, family medicine, and ENT. His interest in aesthetics was piqued while spending several years of training in the facial plastics team within the ENT practice. Through the interactions and experiences with patients over the years, Dr. Teo decided to venture into aesthetic medicine, helping patients build their confidence and self-belief by looking their best. To keep himself at the forefront of aesthetic medicine technologies and treatments, Dr. Teo continually attends relevant local and overseas courses and conferences, notably with the renowned Dr. Mauricio de Maio. He also attended several aesthetic medicine graduate workshops held at the Singapore National Skin Centre and other prestigious centers. He has completed various courses on facial fillers, Pigment Lasers, Lasers for skin resurfacing, Fractional Lasers, Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatment, Lasers, and IPL for hair removal, Chemical Peels, and Devices for Skin Tightening and Body Contouring. Friendly and approachable, Dr. Teo is a family-oriented man who provides both confidence and assurance to his patients. In his free time, he enjoys skiing, football, and other sports. |
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Introduction
Aesthetic Physician Dr. Eileen Lew obtained her medical degree from the prestigious University College of London (UCL) in the United Kingdom. Since then, she has accumulated extensive surgical experience in both Singapore General Hospital (SGH) and Kandang Kerbau Hospital (KKH) where she underwent training in obstetrics and gynaecology, general/breast surgery and internal medicine. During training, she has received numerous accolades from her peers and patients for her dedication towards patient care, awarding her the Best Housemanship award in her year. In her quest for excellence to better treat her patients, she has had the privilege to experience the distinguished mentorship from renowned tutors in the USA and the acclaimed Harley Street in London (UK). Dr. Lew’s focus is on safe, modern, minimally invasive treatments, and she believes that when it comes to aesthetic procedures, less is most certainly more. Dedicated to attaining the best results possible whilst maintaining a philosophy of safety first, the look of satisfaction on her patient’s faces and the rebuilding of their confidence is what drives her on. Always keen to keep abreast of medical advancements, Dr. Lew has presented in various surgical conferences and published in acclaimed scientific journals. In addition to obtaining a Diploma in Practical Dermatology from the distinguished University of Cardiff (UK), she also possesses a Diploma in Aesthetic Medicine from the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine (AAAM), and is currently an active member of the AAAM. She is fully accredited in aesthetic procedures such as Botox, fillers, chemical peels, lasers and light therapies. Her passion lies in treatment and management of scars, in particular keloidal scars. Outside medicine, she finds joy in spending time with her family including an active child, and passion in crafts and food. |
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Introduction
Aesthetic Physician Dr. Tiffiny Yang is a fully qualified medical doctor who previously practiced medicine and surgery in various hospitals before joining International Medical Group, a medical practice with primary focus on medical aesthetics. She can converse fluently in English and Mandarin. Dr. Tiffiny Yang habitually attends international courses and conferences outside of Singapore to keep herself updated with the latest global developments in medical aesthetics practice. These include, amongst others, the annual Minimally Invasive Facial Aesthetics Surgery conference in Japan, where she obtained deep insights into Japanese medical aesthetics techniques. She was also appointed as a trainer for certain courses conducted by the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine. In the last 10 years of her practice, Dr. Tiffiny Yang had personally administered botox, facial fillers, medical lasers and various other aesthetic procedures to countless patients, attesting to the breadth of her experience. Her practice methodology is centred on the philosophy that every patient is distinctly different from the other, for which the best beauty solutions need to be curated & tailormade. After more than a decade of medical aesthetics experience, Dr. Tiffiny Yang has managed to codify the various tailor-made solutions specially curated by her for the benefit of each unique individual. Dr. Tiffiny Yang’s curated & tailormade aesthetics methodology has seen many satisfied patients who have been with Tiffiny Yang Aesthetics for many years. A key plank of Dr. Tiffiny’s methodology is to know and understand the key principles of achieving youth and beauty, then applying them adeptly to the many facets of her practice and skincare range. |
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Introduction
Consultant Radiologist Clinical Interest & Subspecialty: Neuroradiology (Brain, Head & Neck, Spine) and Neuro-intervention Dr. Santhosh Raj is a Consultant Radiologist with 20 years of experience in radiology. He graduated from Universiti Sains Malaysia in 2002 and obtained the Fellowship of the Royal College of Radiologists (U.K.) in 2008. Upon completing the Advanced Specialist Training (AST) in Singapore in 2013, he joined the Neuroradiology subspecialty team at Singapore General Hospital. In 2015, he completed his training in Neuro-intervention at the National Institute of Clinical Neurosciences in Budapest, Hungary, through the SingHealth Health Manpower Development Program (HMDP) fellowship. In addition to his routine work, Dr. Santhosh also reports MRI Brain Volumetry scans that are used to assess structural brain degeneration, particularly Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD). He also reports Ultra Low-Dose (Submilisievert) CT Lung, which allows lung screening at doses lower than routine lung screening CT scans. Other innovative imaging scans that he developed in the past include Intracranial Vessel Wall Imaging (3T MRI), an optimized CT Arterio-Venography (CTAV) of the brain, and an optimized Multiphasic CT Angiography of the Neck and Brain (acute stroke management). His past appointments include Deputy Director of Vascular and Interventional Radiology (SGH), and Director of Radiology Training (SGH). He was also Clinical Lecturer at the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine (NUS), and Adjunct Assistant Professor at Duke NUS. Dr. Santhosh is particularly interested in imaging informatics and artificial intelligence (AI). He is passionate about teaching and developing innovative imaging scans. He also loves to walk and spend quality time with his family. |
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Introduction
Consultant Radiologist Dr. Eugene Low was awarded the Singapore Armed Forces Medical Scholarship in 2001 to study Medicine at the National University of Singapore and attained his MBBS in 2006. Dr Low then trained and obtained his post-graduate qualifications in Diagnostic Radiology FRCR (UK) and MMed (Spore) in 2012. In 2016, he was awarded the Health Manpower Development Program (HMDP) fellowship by the Singapore Armed Forces to train in Musculoskeletal and Interventional Radiology at Vancouver General Hospital and the University of British Columbia in Canada. Under the mentorship of Prof Peter Munk, Prof Bruce Forster and Prof Hugue Ouellette, the fellowship centred on advanced musculoskeletal imaging, sports imaging and musculoskeletal interventions. Upon his return to Singapore and during his tenure as Consultant at Tan Tock Seng Hospital, he started several interventional programmes for tumour ablations (for both palliative and benign), vertebroplasties, hydrodilatation clinics for adhesive capsulitis and other musculoskeletal ultrasound-guided procedures. |
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Introduction
Resident Physician Dr. Chua Boon Suan graduated from the National University of Singapore. Upon graduation, Dr. Chua has worked in various major restructured hospitals in Singapore, including the Emergency Department of Tan Tock Seng Hospital, General Medicine and General Surgery Departments of Singapore General Hospital, Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department of KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital. She was part of the SARS taskforce in TTSH and tended to ill patients with suspected SARS during the outbreak. Following these rotations, she spent the large part of her medical career in primary care in NHG polyclinics. For the last fifteen years, she has been seeing her patients in the Health Screening and Wellness Centres of various hospitals, including TTSH, Mt Alvernia, National University Hospital and Farrer Park Hospital. From her years of experience in primary care, she has developed a special interest in health screening and chronic disease prevention. She believes that patients should understand the potential health issues and identify them before they become symptomatic and difficult to treat. She also takes interest in the management of chronic diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Dr. Chua is fluent in English and Mandarin, and conversant in Hokkien and Teochew. |
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Introduction
Resident Physician Dr. Shirley Lee graduated from the National University of Singapore in 1998. She was awarded the Graduate Diploma in Family Medicine in 2007. Her clinical experience includes rotations across major restructured hospitals in Singapore. Dr. Lee is a Family Physician, who has interests in Health Screening and Preventive Medicine. Dr. Lee believes in a holistic approach to care for her patients that encompasses physical and mental well-being. Dr. Lee always advocates forming strong collaborative partnerships with her patients to achieve good health outcomes. Dr. Lee is fluent in English and Mandarin, and conversant in most dialects. |
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Introduction
Resident Physician Dr Elizabeth Heah graduated from the University of Manchester in 2018. She has since been practicing in Singapore, with experience from Singapore restructured hospitals in the departments of General Surgery, Internal Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynaecology. She is passionate about preventative medicine and adopts a holistic approach to healthcare. Outside of medicine she enjoys practicing yoga, interior design and pottery. |