Functional intestinal complaints

An article written by Petra Ottmann

Functional bowel problems are a troublesome issue for many people. Who hasn’t experienced them – the unpleasant abdominal pain, bloating, or irregular bowel movements that seem to arise without any apparent cause and can disrupt daily life? Conventional medical diagnostics often yield inconclusive results, leaving those affected feeling misunderstood or not understood at all. This can lead to social withdrawal or the avoidance of certain foods to an extent that is inappropriate and, at times, even harmful.

Since completing my medical studies, I have been dedicated to addressing the root causes of illness. Over 20 years ago, I discovered psychosomatic energetics – a holistic method that views energy blockages, an imbalanced microbiome, and the resulting hyperacidity as underlying causes of disease.

Experience with this method has revealed two main factors as the causes of functional intestinal complaints: an imbalanced intestinal flora and psychological influences. Our gut, often referred to as our ‘second brain,’ is in close communication with our psyche. Stress, anxiety, and other emotional burdens can significantly affect intestinal function and trigger the aforementioned complaints. At the same time, the composition of gut bacteria plays a crucial role, as an imbalanced microbiome can lead to numerous digestive issues.

Therapists and patients face two central challenges when dealing with a disturbed intestinal flora:

1. Which diagnostic methods can accurately identify the specific disorder present in the microbiome?
2. Which therapy offers long-term success?

Patients' symptoms usually – though not always – provide clues as to whether the issue originates in the small or large intestine. This also includes symptoms beyond the digestive tract. For example, recurrent urinary tract infections are more commonly associated with issues in the large intestine, whereas food intolerances are more likely to indicate problems in the small intestine.

Indicators of colon disorders:

• Pain in the lower abdomen, often more pronounced on the left
• Constipation (sluggish bowel)
• Vaginal fungal infections
• Dysmenorrhea
• Endometriosis
• Recurrent urinary tract infections

Indicators of small bowel disorders:

• Tendency toward diarrhea, often triggered or worsened by stress
• Digestive issues occurring shortly after eating
• Pain primarily in the middle and upper abdomen; if in the lower abdomen, more on the right side
• Recurrent bacterial vaginosis (anaerobic bacteria)
• All types of food intolerances
• The stomach, pancreas, liver, and gallbladder are usually affected secondarily. As a result, organ-specific therapy is either unnecessary or only effective after intestinal rehabilitation.

Therapy

Using specific test and therapy ampoules, I kinesiologically assess the large intestine, small intestine, and duodenum for fungi, dysbiosis, and anaerobic exposure. Treatment is then tailored accordingly. The therapeutic agent is specifically tested to confirm its effectiveness.

My experience has revealed the following key findings:

1. The primary cause of functional bowel problems is fungal overgrowth and/or dysbiosis in the large intestine, or dysbiosis in the small intestine.
2. A fungal issue is usually not detectable in stool tests and, most importantly, cannot be eliminated through dietary changes alone.
3. Probiotics cannot effectively eliminate fungal or anaerobic contamination; at best, they can help mitigate its effects.
4. Probiotics are only effective after successful treatment of fungal or anaerobic contamination. The guiding principle is: the ‘dirt’ must be removed first before the beneficial bacteria can take effect.

When treating fungi and anaerobes, it is essential to promptly assess – within one to two weeks – whether the duration of therapy was sufficient or if further treatment is needed.

Psychological stress factors that influence intestinal disorders are also assessed and treated accordingly. Therapy is considered complete when no further therapeutic agents or probiotics test as being necessary, and the patient is symptom-free. In the long term, experience has shown that once harmful factors such as fungi and anaerobes have been eliminated, probiotics are often essential for restoring the microbiome and ensuring lasting symptom relief.

Kinesiological tests have repeatedly shown that:

• Not all Nystatin products are the same – sometimes it is necessary to switch to a different manufacturer, and therefore, a different antifungal agent.
• Fermented products containing lactic acid bacteria are a beneficial way to maintain gut balance and have tested particularly well for the large intestine.
• Zeolite powder has tested very well for small bowel issues and is helpful in the treatment of leaky gut syndrome.

Conclusion

Most people with unexplained intestinal issues have a combination of fungal overgrowth in the large intestine and dysbiosis in the large and/or small intestine. Kinesiological testing enables a targeted, individualized approach to intestinal rehabilitation, helping restore healthy, symptom-free gut function. In most cases, adequate intestinal rehabilitation also supports the healing of secondary organs such as the skin and stomach.

Most importantly, the best long-term support for a healthy gut is mental well-being and a balanced, constitution-appropriate diet.