Total Gut Health

02/04/2026

Apologies for the longer post… but I just wanted to say a heartfelt thank you 💚

Thank you so much to everyone for your kind messages over the past few days — they’ve meant more than you know.

A little update… my lovely daughter has been diagnosed with a retinal haemorrhage, and the cause is still being investigated. We’ve had a couple of very long days at Bristol Eye Hospital, and I honestly cannot praise the staff enough. They were incredible — kind, thorough, and completely reassuring in what has been a very stressful and scary situation.

Yesterday was a long one (8:30am–7:30pm), filled with scans, contrast tests and treatments… including injections into the eye 🤢 — which, despite my background in cardiac, oncology and maternity care, definitely tested me!

But she’s been unbelievably brave — and is still smiling this morning as we head back in for round three 💛

She’s now on some very strong antibiotics, so of course my ‘mum/gut health’ brain has kicked in… because hospital days can easily turn into beige food and quick fixes.

Antibiotics are absolutely needed right now, but they don’t just target harmful bacteria, they can also disrupt the beneficial ones in the gut. So I’m focusing on gently supporting her microbiome alongside treatment — things like kefir yoghurt, fibre from oats, flax and chia, and a variety of plant foods to help feed those good bacteria back up.

Last night, after everything, we treated ourselves to a nourishing meal — a warming broth, greens, protein and (of course) summer rolls with peanut sauce. Exactly what we both needed after such a long day.

Today we’re a bit more prepared…
A quick breakfast smoothie packed with goodness (banana, flax, kefir yoghurt, oats, chia, peanut butter, berries, soy milk), and a simple packed lunch thrown together in under 10 minutes — quinoa & rice, smoked tofu, edamame, fresh veg, avocado, sesame seeds and olive oil.

Nothing fancy — just real food to help support her body whilst it’s going through so much.

Trying to bring a little bit of normality back into the day… and if I’m honest, even writing this has helped me feel a bit more normal too 💚
Pre, pro and postbiotics… always 💚

31/03/2026

A clinic notice:

As some of you may be aware, I’ve had a family emergency over the past week with my daughter being unwell.
Between hospital visits and clinic commitments, replies may be a little slower than usual over the next few days.

Unless you hear otherwise from me, all booked appointments are currently still going ahead.

Thank you so much for your patience and understanding — I’ll get back to everyone as soon as I can 💚

29/03/2026

🌿 A calm, private space to truly reset 🌿

At Total Gut Health, every visit is designed to help you feel comfortable, supported, and completely at ease.
From the moment you walk in, this is your time to slow down, feel heard, and focus on your health.

💚 Colonic Hydrotherapy

Each colonic session includes a full, tailored consultation, allowing us to understand your symptoms, history, and goals before treatment.

✨ Every session includes:

✔ A personalised consultation and treatment plan
✔ Professional, medically-informed care
✔ A clean, discreet and hygienic environment
✔ Time to support your gut properly and effectively

This is not a one-size-fits-all approach — everything is adapted to you.

💚 Manual Lymphatic Drainage

A gentle, deeply relaxing treatment designed to support your lymphatic system and calm the nervous system.

✨ Perfect for:

✔ Reducing puffiness and fluid retention
✔ Supporting detox pathways
✔ Encouraging relaxation and better sleep
✔ Helping you feel lighter and more balanced

Using slow, rhythmic movements, this treatment encourages your body to rest, reset and restore.

✨ Whether you're feeling bloated, sluggish, overwhelmed, or simply in need of a reset… you're in safe hands.

📍 Shepton Mallet, Somerset

🕒 Open till late evening Monday and Tuesday 11 till 8
Thursday Friday early 9 till 4
A few Saturdays per month (book early as these go quick)
For Saturday availability, please see the website bookings page

✨ Your wellbeing always comes first.
👉 Book online: https://totalguthealth.co.uk⁠
📩 Or message to find the right appointment for you

22/03/2026

Last minute avaliability this week for your Spring reset

20/03/2026

✨ Price List – Spring 2026 ✨

I’ve had lots of messages recently asking about pricing, so I’ve popped everything here for you 💚

If you’re unsure what’s right for you, feel free to message me—I’m always happy to help guide you. More info on treatments available on the website www.totalguthealth.co.uk

20/03/2026

🌱 The plants are blooming here at the clinic… and spring is officially here

From March 20th, we move into a new season and just like nature, our bodies are ready to reset too.

After winter, many people notice:
✨ Bloating
✨ Sluggish digestion
✨ Low energy

As our diet and lifestyle change, so does our gut microbiome, making spring the perfect time to gently support your digestion.

💚 A natural way to reset…

Colonic hydrotherapy may help:
• Reduce bloating
• Support regular bowel movements
• Leave you feeling lighter and clearer

👉 Always choose an ARCH Colonic Assoc. Registered Practitioner for safe, professional care.

✨ At Total Gut Health & Wellness Centre
For a deeper reset, combine your colonic with Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)

This powerful pairing can help:
💧 Reduce fluid retention
💧 Support detox pathways
💧 Boost circulation
💧 Calm the nervous system

🌿 Spring is your time to reset – gently, naturally, effectively

📍 Shepton Mallet
💚 ARCH & CNHC Registered
Limited appointments available

18/03/2026

Sometimes… this just has to be done

Today is one of those days.

A chai latte with coconut milk from The Hive in Shepton Mallet ☕🌿

Warming, comforting, and just a little bit indulgent…

And do you know what? That’s okay.
Because health isn’t about restriction.
It’s about balance.
It’s about consistency over perfection.

At Total Gut Health, I’m all about helping you build a lifestyle that works with your body — not against it.

Yes, we support your gut, your lymphatics, your hormones…
But we also make space for real life too.
✨ Enjoy the moment
✨ Nourish your body
✨ Find your balance

If you’re ready to feel better without giving everything up…
I’m here to help 💚

📍 Total Gut Health & Wellness Centre, Shepton Mallet
📅 Limited March appointments remaining

17/03/2026

🌿 Looking for a small number of case study volunteers 💗

As part of my ongoing training in oncology scar therapy, I currently have 2–3 complimentary spaces available for individuals who may benefit from this gentle, specialist treatment.

This approach can help with:
• tightness or restriction
• discomfort or sensitivity
• movement limitations
• supporting overall healing

Suitable for scars 8+ weeks post-treatment (medical sign-off may be required).

Older, mature scars are very welcome.

All sessions are carried out in a calm, supportive environment, and we always go at your pace.

If this feels relevant to you, or to someone close to you, please feel free to message me for more details 💌

16/03/2026

Microbiome Monday 🌿

Collagen powders became hugely popular over the past few years, often promoted for glowing skin, stronger joints and connective tissue health.

Some of the early research looked promising, which is why I did occasionally recommend them to some clients. I’ll be honest — I even bought some for family members!
Interestingly, when I tried it myself for a short period, I did notice my nails felt a bit stronger.

However, as more recent, larger studies and meta-analyses have been published, the picture has become a little more nuanced. When researchers looked more closely at the highest-quality evidence, the benefits appear to be smaller than initially suggested.

This shift largely comes from newer systematic reviews looking more closely at study size, methodology and funding sources.

That doesn’t mean collagen supplements are harmful, and some people may still feel benefit from them. My approach has simply shifted slightly as the evidence evolves.

These days I tend to focus more on a food-first approach to supporting connective tissue and gut health.

Traditional foods naturally rich in collagen include:

🥣 Bone broth
🍗 Chicken wings, thighs and drumsticks
🥩 Slow-cooked cuts like beef shin, oxtail or short ribs
🐟 Fish with skin such as sardines

When these foods are slow-cooked they release gelatin, which contains amino acids such as glycine and proline that may help support connective tissue and the gut lining.
Just as importantly, the body needs nutrients to build collagen naturally, including:

🍊 Vitamin C
🥬 Zinc
🥑 Copper
🥚 Adequate protein

Nutrition science evolves all the time, and staying up to date with emerging research is an important part of good practice.

As always, supplementation should be individualised depending on diet, health goals and clinical context.

Love. Lymph. Total Gut Health 💚

Out of curiosity — have you ever tried collagen powders? Did you notice any difference?

15/03/2026

🌸Mother’s Day treat 🌸

For the first time in a long time I decided I wasn’t hosting Sunday lunch… so, after a walk, we headed to The Bell Inn Evercreech for a carvery — and it did not disappoint!

Beautiful freshly cooked veg, the famalam enjoyed the meats, and I had a fruit & nut loaf which was hands down the best I’ve had in ages.
Finished with homemade chunky apple crumble… what a treat 😋 picture does not do it justice

Bonus — I’m now over a third of the way to my 30 types of fibre foods this week in just one sitting ! 🌱

Highly recommend The Bell Inn, Evercreech if you're local.

And a little reflection too…
18 years of mothers day for me today ❤️

Happy Mother’s Day to all out there.

11/03/2026

Really looking forward to seeing some of you tonight and supporting Shepton Mallet Community Fridge .

There's a few spaces left should you fancy popping by 6pm.

This evening at 6pm we fling our doors open and invite you in to be part of Total Gut Health talk. This Is part of our 'Waste Not, Want Not' week as part of the national Love Food Hate Waste - Community.

There's 4 FREE tickets left. So book now using the link below 👇🏼

This is set to be a really interesting talk about how to make the foods that you often find in the community fridge better for you and better for your gut!

I have a feeling there maybe some tasters too 😋

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1984568128696?aff=oddtdtcreator

09/03/2026

A few days of sunshine after what felt like two months of rain…
and today we’re back to grey again 🌥️

But spring is on its way.

This time of year often feels like the moment we start emerging from the winter cocoon and thinking about our health again.

If you're feeling a little sluggish after winter, now is a great time to reset and take some time for yourself.

Inside the clinic it's always warm, calm and full of plants — a little tropical oasis away from the grey outside 🌿

There are only a handful of March appointments left, with weekend spaces next available from 4th April, so it’s worth planning ahead if you'd like a space.

If you’ve been meaning to prioritise your health again after winter, this is a lovely time to begin.
Is anyone else ready for spring now? ☀️

Violet
Total Gut Health & Wellness Centre