Digestive Health
Get to the root of your gut symptoms
Edinburgh Centre for Functional Medicine is a leading digestive health clinic in Edinburgh, home to a team of gut health specialists who look beyond a single diagnosis. While the most common “diagnosis” of digestive dysfunction is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), we treat a huge number of different gut health issues — including abdominal pain, Barrett’s oesophagus, inflammatory bowel disease and Crohn’s disease.
Why a different approach
A broader view of digestive health
Conventional medicine often takes a narrow view of digestive issues and tends to focus solely on symptom management — prescribing medication as a temporary solution, and prescribing too many antibiotics that are simply not needed.
At Edinburgh CFM we recognise the extensive influence the gut can have on overall health, as gut issues can show up as joint pain, skin problems and mental health difficulties. A more comprehensive approach to gut health is necessary for optimal wellbeing.
Symptoms we see
Common symptoms of digestive issues
Digestive dysfunction rarely stays in the gut. These are the complaints people most often bring to us — many of them seemingly unrelated to digestion at all.
- Constipation
- Diarrhoea
- Headaches
- Excessive gas
- Nausea
- Burping
- Stomach distension
- GERD (acid reflux)
- Low sex drive
- Connective tissue pain
- Brain fog
- Thyroid issues
- Sleep issues
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Skin complaints
- Fatigue
- Acne
- Panic attacks
- Depression
- Abdominal pain
Our approach
A comprehensive approach to gut health
Using advanced testing, clinical insight and personalised care, our team works to uncover what is driving your gut symptoms and support lasting improvement.
Nutrient absorption
An imbalance in the digestive system can cause a wide range of symptoms. Our health is shaped by what we eat and absorb, and any dysfunction affects how the body works and weakens the immune system.
Nutraceuticals
Depending on your condition, your practitioner may suggest targeted supplements to help your body optimise specific nutrients, minerals or enzymes, giving as much support as needed.
Testing, not guessing
We test rather than guess, which is more efficient and more cost-effective. We can arrange gut-specific testing such as the SIBO breath test, candida testing and microbiome testing to identify the root cause of your digestive issues.
Treatment support
Our practitioners can suggest additional treatments or lifestyle changes that have been shown to help people overcome a specific digestive condition.
Underlying drivers
What causes gut health issues?
Digestive symptoms and disorders can be caused by a number of different factors. The examples below may cause gut health issues, or they may be identified as a result of them using functional medicine testing.
- Yeast infection
- Parasite infections (Blastocystis hominis)
- Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth
- FODMAP sensitivities
- Food poisoning
- Prolonged stress
- Food intolerances
- Medications (NSAIDs)
Conditions we treat
Digestive conditions we work with
A range of digestive health issues we treat at our Edinburgh clinic.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
A common digestive disorder causing symptoms like bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhoea and constipation, often linked to stress, diet and gut imbalance.
Learn moreSIBO
A condition where bacteria build up in the small intestine, leading to gas, bloating, diarrhoea, constipation and problems absorbing nutrients.
Learn moreLeaky Gut
Where the gut lining becomes more permeable, allowing unwanted particles into the bloodstream and potentially triggering inflammation and food sensitivities.
Learn moreCandida Overgrowth
An imbalance where yeast grows excessively in the gut, often causing digestive discomfort, fatigue, skin issues and recurring infections.
Learn moreTreatment approach
Our objective is to help you reach optimal health and wellbeing
Functional medicine works on the principle of a personalised approach to each patient’s health concerns. The causes and symptoms of every patient’s condition are unique and need tailored treatment plans based on factors such as nutritional status, genetics, detoxification and lifestyle habits. By looking closely at every aspect of your health, we can identify the underlying causes of gut dysfunction and any core imbalances interfering with your body’s ability to digest and absorb nutrients.
Our team of experienced functional medicine practitioners is dedicated to helping patients overcome their digestive health issues. Our approach goes beyond symptomatic relief and focuses on addressing root causes — offering solutions that help you correct dysfunction within your digestive system and bring back balance.
Why choose us
Care built around understanding why
Our mission
We provide a supportive environment paired with cutting-edge expertise in nutrition and functional medicine.
Our mission is to help you uncover the root causes of your health concerns and guide you through them with personalised nutrition and lifestyle strategies.
Our values
We practise root-cause medicine — because true healing starts with understanding why symptoms arise.
Our goal is to uncover the underlying drivers of your health concerns and give you the tools to make lasting, sustainable changes.
Support
Once you begin with us, our collaborative approach guides you through every step. We collect the information we need through detailed intake forms and tailor our support to motivate and assist you throughout.
Success stories
What our patients say
★★★★★Working with Rob was a truly transformative experience. His guidance not only helped me navigate a wide range of symptoms but also gave me the knowledge and tools to build lasting, healthy habits. I feel more empowered and informed about my health than ever before. Edinburgh CFM is setting a new standard for how healthcare should be delivered — I can’t recommend Rob highly enough.
Alex
★★★★★Edinburgh CFM has been life-changing for me. Living with eczema was overwhelming — it felt like it was taking over every part of my life. I joined the 6-month programme hoping for some guidance, and what I got was so much more. With Rob’s support I now understand the specific foods and lifestyle triggers that were making things worse. For the first time my eczema is under control without relying on steroids — and I finally feel empowered in my own skin.
Rebecca
★★★★★My daughter was having health challenges and someone recommended the centre. She received a diagnosis of gut issues and found out she had SIBO. With the help of our practitioner we were able to get her back to school so she could continue her studies for her exams. Highly recommended.
Joan
★★★★★I came to the centre with a diagnosis of Hashimoto’s. I hadn’t been able to find a clinic that would provide understanding and a way to approach the disease without just suppressing symptoms. I feel like I matter and so do my symptoms. Progress has been far greater than through any other treatment option, and at each appointment I can share where I am and look at the next steps. I would highly recommend this clinic.
Marcus
Contact us to start your journey at the Edinburgh Centre for Functional Medicine
We work with patients all over Scotland online.