Gut Health

The gastrointestinal system is our major interface to the outside world. It is our first line of defence.

Why Gut Health Matters

Your gut does more than digest food — it communicates with your brain, immune system, and nearly every organ in your body.

The balance of bacteria in your microbiome shifts daily based on what you eat when you eat, and medications like antibiotics.

An unhealthy gut can contribute to a wide range of issues, from fatigue and autoimmune disease to anxiety, depression, and even cognitive decline.

That’s why, at Lantern Clinic, we often start by looking at your gut — because lasting health starts from the inside out.

The Hidden World Inside You

Gut Health affects Healthy Bodily Function

Diagram 1 - Illustrates how an imbalance of the gastrointestinal tract affects the entire body.

Your body is home to trillions of microscopic organisms — bacteria, viruses, and other microbes — most of which live in your gut. In fact, the number of these tiny tenants is about the same as the number of human cells in your body!

These microbes aren’t just along for the ride — they form unique ecosystems that work with your body to keep you healthy. They help you digest food, absorb nutrients, regulate inflammation, and even support your immune system.

But when this delicate balance is disturbed, it can trigger a cascade of health problems — from gut issues to immune dysfunction and beyond.

Conditions We Diagnose And Treat

Gut Dysbiosis

Gut dysbiosis is an imbalance in the gut microbiome—the community of bacteria that supports digestion, immunity, and inflammation control. When this delicate balance is disrupted, it can trigger symptoms of IBS (bloating, cramps, irregular bowels) and contribute to inflammation in conditions like IBD. Restoring the microbiome is a key part of healing the gut and supporting overall health.

Intestinal Permeability

Leaky gut occurs when the intestinal lining becomes too porous, allowing toxins and microbes to enter the bloodstream. This can cause inflammation, digestive symptoms like bloating, diarrhoea, and IBS, and is linked to autoimmune conditions, chronic disease, and even cancer development. Healing the gut lining is key to protecting long-term health.

Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)

Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) happens when bacteria that belong in the large intestine start to overgrow in the small intestine, where they disrupt digestion and nutrient absorption. It’s a common—but often overlooked—cause of bloating, abdominal pain, excess gas, diarrhoea, constipation, and food intolerances. Many people diagnosed with IBS may actually have SIBO, which explains why typical IBS treatments don’t always work. Comprehensive microbiome testing and targeted treatment can bring significant and lasting relief

Root-Cause Medicine, Personalised for You

At Lantern Clinic, our experienced clinicians use a Functional Medicine approach to get to the root cause of your health issues. We look beyond the diagnosis to understand your full story and create a personalised treatment plan.

Your journey begins with a month of in-depth assessment, followed by a tailored plan and ongoing clinical support. Most patients work with us for 3–6 months or more, depending on the complexity of their condition.

  • 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.

Functional Medicine Services

Lantern Clinic, founded by Dr. Kitova-John, is home to a dedicated team of functional practitioners focused on your health and well-being. Our personalised treatment plans are tailored to your unique symptoms and health history—because no two patients are alike.

We recommend evidence-based functional testing only when essential to uncovering the root cause of your symptoms. Our lean approach to supplements and medications ensures you get only what’s truly necessary.

With a focus on nutrition, movement, stress, and sleep, we support your overall health and long-term wellness.

Together, we’ll help you achieve your health goals!

Not sure which plan is for you?

Functional Treatment Plan

Tired of battling persistent symptoms like fatigue, insomnia, anxiety, chronic pain, allergies, or gut issues?

Frustrated that conventional medicine hasn’t uncovered the root cause on your health challenges? Our doctors combine decades of clinical experience with advanced training in functional medicine to guide you back to optimal health. 

We create personalised, evidence-based treatment plans tailored to your unique needs—helping you feel like yourself again.

“Dr.Margarita’s personal approach and encouraging way of working has allowed me to take control of my own health. She has a warm, reassuring presence that made me feel completely comfortable from the start.’

Our Journal

Browse our blog articles written by Dr Margarita on a range of health and wellness topics.