Struggling with bloating, reflux, constipation, or stomach pain? You’re not alone. Digestive problems such as IBS, IBS-C, H. pylori, and diverticulitis affect thousands of people across Ireland, UK, and worldwide every day. The right foods, combined with proven therapies like our Registered Nutritionist Services with Clinical Medical Hypnotherapy, RTT, Hypnosis and more… can calm symptoms, restore balance, and improve long-term gut health, peace of mind and great energy. Here’s how using a science-based, whole-body approach can help you regain comfort and confidence.

H. pylori, IBS, Diverticulitis, GUT and Digestive issues: Foods and Proven Solutions

Digestive problems are among the most common health concerns in Ireland. Many people live with bloating, indigestion, reflux, constipation, diarrhoea, nausea, heartburn, and stomach pain after eating. These symptoms can affect not only health but also confidence, social life, work, relationships, success and our sleep.

The most frequent causes include:

  • Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) – a stomach bacteria that damages the stomach lining.
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) – one of the most common gut disorders.
  • IBS-C (constipation-predominant IBS) – persistent bloating, incomplete evacuation, hard stools.
  • Diverticulitis – painful flare-ups of inflamed colon pouches.
  • Gastritis and stomach ulcers – irritation and breakdown of the stomach lining.

Medication is often essential, but many people continue to struggle. That is why combining nutrition, gut-directed hypnotherapy, and psychotherapy provides a powerful evidence-based approach.

H. pylori – The Hidden Stomach Infection

Helicobacter pylori  referred to as H. pylori is a bacteria that infects the stomach lining. It is incredibly common and a leading cause of:

  • Gastritis

  • Stomach ulcers

  • Indigestion and bloating

  • Acid reflux and heartburn

  • Nausea and stomach pain after eating

If untreated, H. pylori can increase the risk of stomach cancer. It also worsens other gut conditions such as IBS and diverticulitis.

IBS, IBS-C, and Diverticulitis in Ireland

  • IBS affects up to 15% of Irish adults and can cause cramps, diarrhoea, constipation, bloating, and wind.
  • IBS-C is marked by hard stools, incomplete evacuation, and painful bloating.
  • Diverticulitis leads to sharp abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhoea, and fever when colon pouches become infected.

Common Digestive Symptoms in Ireland

Most Reported Digestive Symptoms (% of adults affected)

Bloating              ██████████████████████████ 85%
Constipation (IBS-C)  ████████████████████ 70%
Heartburn/Reflux      ██████████████████ 65%
Diarrhoea (IBS-D)     ████████████████ 60%
Indigestion           ██████████████ 55%
Stomach Pain          ████████████ 50%

Foods That often Support Digestive Health

Broccoli Sprouts & Cruciferous Vegetables – sulforaphane shown to suppress H. pylori; fibre helps IBS-C.
Berries – cranberry juice reduces H. pylori adhesion; antioxidants ease inflammation.
Green Tea – polyphenols reduce reflux and gastritis irritation.
Honey (Manuka) – antibacterial and soothing for ulcers.
Probiotics – restore gut flora, reduce bloating, diarrhoea, constipation.
Olive Oil & Omega-3s – anti-inflammatory, support diverticulitis recovery.
Garlic, Ginger, Turmeric – studied for anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
Bananas, Oats, Rice – gentle foods that calm reflux.
Wholegrains & Legumes – prebiotic fibre feeds healthy gut bacteria .

Conditions Behind Digestive Symptoms & Digestive Complaints

Conditions Most Linked to Digestive Complaints (Estimated %)

H. pylori              ██████████ 30%
IBS / IBS-C            ████████ 25%
Diverticulitis         ████ 15%
Gastritis              ███ 10%
Ulcers                 ███ 10%
Reflux                 ███ 10%

The Gut–Brain Connection

The gut–brain axis explains why stress, anxiety, and poor sleep make gut symptoms worse. Calming the mind is as important as calming the gut. This is why I work with a combination of approaches including Counselling, Nutrition, Mind Coaching and if requested or required Clinical Medical Hypnotherapy, Clinical Hypnotherapy, RTT or GUT and Digestion directed Hypnosis

Hypnotherapy – Proven to Help IBS, Digestive issues and Gut Disorders

  • The Lancet (1984): Hypnotherapy reduced IBS symptoms when nothing else worked.
  • American Journal of Gastroenterology (2014): Meta-analysis confirmed hypnosis improves bloating, constipation, diarrhoea, and pain.
  • Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2015): Found benefits lasting years after treatment.
  • British Society of Gastroenterology: Recognises hypnotherapy as an evidence-based IBS treatment.

Foods That Support Gut Health

Foods and Their Gut Health Benefits (1–10 scale)

Green Tea         ████████ 8/10 (reflux relief, anti-inflammatory)
Broccoli Sprouts  █████████ 9/10 (anti-H. pylori, stomach lining support)
Probiotics        ██████████ 10/10 (restore balance, reduce IBS symptoms)
Honey             ███████ 7/10 (soothing, antibacterial)
Omega-3s          ████████ 8/10 (anti-inflammatory, supports colon health)

How I Can Help

As a Registered Nutritionist, Clinical Medical Hypnotherapist, Clinical Hypnotherapist, Advanced RTT, and Psychotherapist,  I aim to provide a complete solution for digestive health.

I support clients with:

  • H. pylori, gastritis, and stomach ulcers

  • IBS, IBS-C, and diarrhoea-predominant IBS

  • Diverticulitis and flare-up recovery

  • Reflux, indigestion, and chronic bloating

  • Constipation, diarrhoea, and abdominal cramps

  • Stress, anxiety, and poor sleep linked to gut sensitivity

I offer ONLINE consultations across Ireland, and in-person sessions in Adare, Newcastle West LIMERICK, Abbeyfeale, Midleton, Youghal, Cork, and Dungarven.

✅ Book a Consultation Now – Take control of your digestive health, reduce bloating, and restore energy with expert nutrition and therapy support.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the best diet for diverticulitis?
Low-fibre, gentle, or liquid diets during flares; soluble fibre (oats, bananas, psyllium) for prevention.

2. Can stress cause IBS flare-ups?
Yes, stress affects the gut–brain axis. Stress management and hypnotherapy reduce flares.

3. Which foods should I avoid with reflux or gastritis?
Spicy meals, citrus, coffee, alcohol, chocolate, fatty foods. Gentle options: oats, bananas, rice.

4. Can probiotics help IBS?
Yes, probiotics reduce bloating, diarrhoea, constipation, and pain. Found in yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut.

5. What natural remedies may help H. pylori?
Broccoli sprouts, cranberries, green tea, and Manuka honey may support medical treatment.

6. Why do I feel bloated every evening?
Often IBS, IBS-C, FODMAP foods, Anxiety, Stress, or late large meals.

7. Is Clinical Hypnotherapy proven for IBS?
Yes — multiple clinical trials confirm hypnotherapy reduces IBS symptoms long-term.

8. Can IBS and diverticulitis occur together?
Yes. IBS increases sensitivity, diverticulitis affects colon structure. Both can overlap.

9. What is the best breakfast for IBS-C?
Porridge oats with flaxseed, stewed fruit, probiotic yogurt with berries, smoothies.

10. When should I see a doctor Urgently?
Blood in stools, black stools, persistent vomiting, severe pain, unexplained weight loss, fever.

Recent Patient Cases

  “Aoife”

Aoife, a 35-year-old teacher from Limerick, described feeling like she was “five months pregnant with bloat” most evenings. Standard laxatives use gave little to no lasting relief. Through targeted nutrition, hydration, and gut-directed medical hypnotherapy, with counselling and CBT,  she regained control of her digestion and confidence.

“Patrick”

Patrick, a 60-year-old from Midleton, had repeated diverticulitis flare-ups. By gradually introducing omega-3 rich foods, soluble fibre, and probiotics, and using hypnotherapy to manage stress triggers, his flare-ups reduced dramatically, his energy and relationship “vastly improved”

“Michael”

Michael, a 47-year-old from Cork, had ongoing indigestion, nausea, and fatigue. Even after several antibiotics, he still struggled with reflux. By using focused therapy, and including cruciferous vegetables, probiotics, and soothing foods like oats and bananas, combined with gut-directed clinical medical hypnotherapy for anxiety, his symptoms and his life, he reported improved within weeks.

“Niamh”

Niamh, 29, from Adare, lived with IBS-D and constant anxiety, and about toilet access. Using Gut directed Clinical Medical Hypnotherapy reduced her urgency, gave her a sense of calm and confidence, while personalised nutrition guidance allowed her to reintroduce foods she thought she had lost forever. Niamh reported that she had improved her career, her salary, and the confidence to now enjoy socialising and travelling!

References

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