In this conversation, I speak with Lucille form the Gut & Wellness Clinic about what happens to the gut during and after cancer treatment, how stress and the nervous system play a part, and why individual support matters. 

• “Many people notice their digestion changes during or after cancer treatment. From your perspective, what’s actually going on in the gut — and why is this so common?”

Lucille– When we have any type of Surgical or medical treatment our bodies undergo a certain amount of stress and changes , along side medications this can have an impact on the Gut Microbiome, causing an imbalance . Our Gut Microbiome consist of trillions of bacteria , viruses, fungus and pathogens which help our overall wellbeing. When there is an imbalance it can cause symptoms including constipation , diarrhea , pain , bloating , acid reflux. It is important to restore the gut bacteria to help reduce and exclude symptoms.

• “Are there particular gut symptoms you see again and again in people post-treatment — things they often dismiss as ‘just something I have to live with’?”

Lucille– It is sad that people are told they have to just live with symptoms. As a Naturopath I look to find the underlying cause of the symptoms and take a full picture . Once I have this information it can be easier to help someone.

Everyone tends to have different symptoms, but I do see bloating and constipation as there can be slow down in the digestive process.

• “How does the stress of diagnosis and treatment affect gut health? We talk a lot about the nervous system — where does the gut fit into that picture?”

Lucille– Stress has an effect not just on Gut Health but can affect all organs of our body. It is our survival mechanism that creates an increase in certain hormones, which is controlled by our sympathetic nervous system . It sends signals from our brain to our adrenal glands to release adrenaline and increase our heart rate , this isknown as the fight or flight stage. Our bodies also increase Cortisol another hormone which increase Blood sugar in our blood stream, this can also cause an inflammatory response. Our bodies try to conserve energy when in a stressed state, our digestive system uses a lot of energy and there for it starts to slow down.

This means we do not digestive our food properly and produces lots of digestive symptoms. Remember as a child the butterflies in the stomach when we were anxious.

• “When someone comes to see you after cancer treatment, what does your assessment actually involve? How is it different from generic gut advice?”

Lucille– All my consultations take a individual Naturopathic approach , taking full medical history, looking at all symptoms both mental and physically , this can take 60 -70 minutes. Based on these discussions and any test results I can then advise a Natural approach to help with all symptoms.

• “There’s a lot of noise online about probiotics, supplements and elimination diets. What does the research actually say — and what do you tend to prioritise first”?

Lucille– It is important to understand that supplements are not regulated in the UK the same as medicines . When something is labeled natural or herbal that does not mean it is safe to take , always check medications and supplements you take to be aware of any contraindications . It is advisable to speak to a registered practitioner if you are unsure.

I look at individual companies evidence as it important to make sure they have good quality products and research . I would prioritize supplements on each individual clients needs , I try to use diet and lifestyle where possible rather than overload clients with a range of supplements . How supplements are absorbed and processed by our bodies is important to understand so a high quality one with good research is a better choice.

• “From the science we have so far, how important is rebuilding the gut microbiome after chemotherapy — and is ‘rebuilding’ always the right word?”

Lucille– After any treatment it is important to look at how to achieve an optimum digestion . This means restoring a natural balance of gut bacteria , repairing the gut integrity and making sure clients are absorbing and assimilating food to get the best nutrients. This is normally over a 3 month period including gut health , diet and lifestyle.

• “If someone is feeling overwhelmed and fatigued, what are one or two gentle starting points that can support gut health without adding pressure?

Lucille– Any relaxation method including breath work , yoga, stretching , walking in nature , grounding or a technique to relax of your choice will support gut health and allow it work better.

• “Looking back at clients you’ve supported post-cancer, what shifts do you see when gut health improves — not just physically, but emotionally or in daily life?”

Lucille– Our Gut health has a big impact on how we feel overall so by improving this it can help to achieve better sleep , more energy , be able to cope and lower stress levels.

• “Can you sum up in a paragraph what drew you to this work as this is not weekend course material, this is years of in-depth study– and your mission statement in one sentence”.

Coming from a medical and science background , I realized that there are limitations in conventional medicine . Most medicines come from plants and nature , by using a range of Natural Medicines it help to can restore overall wellbeing both physical and mentally. A naturopathic approach allows me to look at each client and work with there specific symptoms or needs. The range of therapies I use including diet and lifestyle are Herbal Medicine , Chinese Medicine , Mycology and Homeopathy , with the right guidance and advice it can achieve amazing results .

I work to restore the body to achieve optimum health and wellbeing .

• What I value most about this conversation with Lucille is a reminder that gut health isn’t seperate from the rest of you. There isn’t one protocol or perfect plan– just informed choices, good guidance.

If this has raised questions for you, I’d encourage you to explore Lucille’s work at Gut & Wellness clinic, and to keep asking gentle, informed questions about your own recovery. These conversations matter – because each one adds another piece to the puzzle.