Gut Health
The gastrointestinal system is our major interface to the outside world. It is our first line of defence.
Intestinal health is key
Our gut microbiome interacts with the cells of our organs, including the brain. Our microbiome changes in reaction to the food we eat, the time of the day and any medication we might take, and most importantly, antibiotics. Many chronic illnesses, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, and inflammatory bowel disease, appear to be affected by the microbiome.
When our microbiomes are unhealthy, we are vulnerable to allergies, infectious and autoimmune diseases, as well as neurological damage, which can cause anxiety, depression, anxiety, OCD, and movement and cognitive disorders.
For this reason, every health journey at the Lantern Clinic begins with an investigation into gut health.
How Gut Health Affects The Entire Body
Diagram 1 - Illustrates how an imbalance of the gastrointestinal tract affects the entire body.
Our bodies are inhabited by trillions of single-celled organisms, called microbes, which include bacteria as well as archaea, viruses and others. Interestingly, the rough number of microbes in our gastro-intestinal gut is roughly the same as the number of cells in our human body. They form distinct microbial communities, unique ecosystems.
Just as we provide these microorganisms with a warm, comfortable environment and plenty to eat, their presence plays a critical role in our health. These complex communities help us digest food and extract nutrients, carry out certain metabolic processes, and work in tandem with our immune system to protect the body against infectious agents. When an imbalance in their delicate ecosystem occurs, it can have serious effects on our health. We have illustrated this in diagram 1.
Our services
Dr Margarita will use her integrated GP experience and Functional Medicine training to get to the root cause of your health issues. Depending on your needs and current state of health, Dr Margarita will put together a bespoke treatment plan for you.
A typical patient journey will involve an initial month of data gathering, medical history and analysis, followed by an individualised treatment plan and ongoing consultations and support. Treatment can range from 3 months to 6 months or more depending in the complex needs of the patient. Functional Medicine treatment is not a quick fix and we work with patients over a minimum period of three months. Prices start from £447 per month and monthly instalments are available. If you are interested in working with Dr Margarita but are not sure if you are a right fit, reach out below.
-
We use the first month of working together to collect a rich current and past medical history using the Living Matrix questionnaire. We are interested in hearing all that you feel is relevant to your past and current health concerns. We then build a comprehensive health timeline report which helps us to understand the state of your health and assess your needs.
-
We utilise the latest cutting-edge functional lab testing to diagnose and then develop a personalised treatment plan. Testing may include:
Nutritional: food intolerances, allergies and sensitivities
Gut health: microbiome testing
Hormonal: female and male hormones
Toxic burden: heavy metals
Allergies
-
Knowledge is power. However, too much information can be overwhelming and confusing. At the Lantern Clinic, we are with you every step of the way, helping you understand your body and your symptoms to make the most informed choices based on your test results.
-
At different points in your bespoke treatment plan you will receive consultations and health coaching. These sessions are so that we can review our findings with you and recommend precision medicine and preventative lifestyle measures based directly on your personal data and testing results. Ongoing coaching is an important part of the Functional Medicine journey and will allow us to monitor your progress and review your treatment plan. These sessions are where you get to explore any problem areas of your treatment plan and seek further advice. Your journey to better health and wellness is a collaborative one and we are honoured to support you every step of the way.
-
We offer supplementation and functional herbal therapy based on your test results and personal data. You can rest assured that you are only taking what is needed and that supplementation is targeted and effective.
-
After an initial month working together, we will create a bespoke treatment plan for you which may involve:
Targeted nutritional advice
Movement therapy
Supplementation and functional herbal therapy
Bespoke medication advice
Lifestyle modifications
Ongoing support and guidance
This is a personal treatment plan created for you based on the analysis and data received from your testing and health timeline. You will be invited to carry out the plan for a period of 4-6 weeks after which time, we will meet for a review of your progress. During the 4-6 week period we will be on hand to offer support and troubleshooting.
-
Your health and wellbeing is not always linear and there may be times (even after you have recovered) that you need our ongoing support. Once you have joined the Lantern Clinic and worked with us on an initial treatment plan, you will be able to book in as a returning patient to troubleshoot specific health issues should the need arise. At certain times, you may also wish to retest and check in on your health and we can support and accommodate further testing.
“Margarita's personal approach and encouraging way of working has allowed me to take control of my own health. She has an excellent, warm way about her, that made me feel very comfortable.
I no longer have problems with my digestive system and my stomach / digestive problems have completely gone!”
Our Journal
Browse our blog articles written by Dr Margarita on a range of health and wellness topics.
