How Ashley Resolved Acid Reflux, IBS, Bloating and Fatigue in Just 3 Months

Ashley's Starting Point

Ashley came to us at 32, after two years of worsening symptoms.
The trigger was clear: two rounds of treatment for Helicobacter pylori that left her gut health worse than before the infection.

Despite being young and otherwise healthy, her symptom list had grown to include:

• Bloating and weight gain

• Acidic episodes and burping

• Fatigue and poor sleep

• Dizziness

• Multiple food intolerances

• Feeling like food wasn't digesting properly

• Variable bowel habits

• Brain fog

• Dry eyes and dry skin on her face and eyelids

She had already tried probiotics, gut health supplements, vitamins, and had seen another naturopath who provided iridology results. Her GP had prescribed antacids. Nothing provided lasting relief.

Most frustratingly, her GP told her the symptoms were "all in her head" and nothing could be done.

Ashley knew that wasn't true. Her symptoms were real, affecting her quality of life, and she was determined to find answers.

What Testing Revealed

Ashley's initial gut microbiome test showed exactly why her symptoms persisted — and why generic treatments hadn't worked:

• High Streptococcus — An inflammatory species contributing to her systemic symptoms

• High histamine-producing bacteria — Explaining her food reactions and inflammatory symptoms

• Severe leaky gut markers — Compromised gut lining allowing inflammatory compounds into circulation

• Low beneficial bacteria — Depleted populations that should be regulating immune response and maintaining gut barrier integrity

Victoria's analysis connected the pattern: Ashley's H. pylori treatment had wiped out beneficial bacteria alongside the infection, allowing inflammatory species to flourish. The resulting leaky gut explained why her symptoms were so widespread — affecting energy, skin, digestion, and cognition simultaneously.

Her GP was wrong. This wasn't "in her head." It was clearly visible in her test results.

The Personalised Protocol

Based on Ashley's test results, Amanda designed a targeted 3-month protocol with clear phases:

Month 1: Reduce Inflammatory Species

• Targeted antimicrobials for elevated Streptococcus and histamine-producing bacteria

• Initial gut barrier support

Month 2: Skin Support and Probiotic Reestablishment

• Specific strains to rebuild depleted populations

• Support for the gut-skin connection

• Introduction of prebiotic fibre and fermented foods

Month 3: Consolidation and Nutritional Support

• Reinforcing progress

• Additional nutritional support

• Preparing for food reintroduction

Dietary adjustments:

• Temporary egg avoidance

• Limited sugars and alcohol

• Gluten-free and dairy-free

• Increased prebiotic fibre-rich foods (month 2)

• Fermented foods (month 2)

Rapid Results

By the end of her 3-month program, Ashley reported significant improvements:

• Reflux and bloating: Mostly resolved

• Bowel movements: Regular and predictable

• Energy levels: Greatly improved

• Stress resilience: Better ability to handle stressful situations

• Dry skin and eyes: Completely cleared (face, around eyes, eyelids all improved)

The speed of improvement demonstrated what's possible when treatment is targeted to actual test results rather than generic recommendations.

Retest Results: 6 Months From Starting

Ashley returned for a retest to confirm her improvements objectively. The results validated what she was experiencing.

IBS Score Decreased

Her IBS score had reduced, indicating lower inflammation and improved digestive function.

SCFA Production Restored

Short-chain fatty acid metabolites that were initially low had increased significantly:

• Lactate — Improved

• Acetate — Improved

• Folate production — Improved (particularly important for pregnancy)

These metabolites are produced by beneficial bacteria and are essential for gut lining health, immune function, and overall wellbeing.

Beneficial Bacteria Flourishing

Akkermansia muciniphila: Dramatically increased. This keystone species maintains the gut lining's protective mucus layer — its restoration confirmed her leaky gut had repaired.

New beneficial species: Multiple new beneficial bacteria had colonised, supporting digestive function, brain health, and energy production.

Leaky Gut Repaired

The severe leaky gut markers from her initial test had resolved. Her gut barrier was functioning properly again, explaining why her systemic symptoms (fatigue, brain fog, skin issues) had cleared alongside her digestive symptoms.

Where Ashley Is Now

Ashley's transformation went beyond symptom relief:

Health improvements:

• Reflux and bloating resolved

• Energy restored

• Skin and eye dryness cleared

• Brain fog lifted

• Food tolerance expanded — able to reintroduce foods she previously had to avoid

Life update: Ashley is now pregnant — a goal that's supported by her improved gut health and restored folate production.

Her case illustrates an important point: when you're told your symptoms are "in your head," that often means the right tests haven't been done. Ashley's symptoms were real, measurable, and treatable. She just needed testing that could reveal what was actually happening.

Could This Approach Help You?

If Ashley's story resonates — if you've been told your symptoms aren't real, if treatments have made things worse, if you're struggling with multiple symptoms that seem unconnected — comprehensive testing can reveal what's actually happening in your gut.

At Prana Thrive, every test is analysed by Amanda (who has personally reviewed over 2,000 microbiome tests) with scientific oversight from Victoria, our in-house microbiologist. This combination of clinical pattern recognition and microbiological expertise allows us to identify the specific imbalances driving your symptoms.

Our AIM Method™ (Analyse → Integrate → Monitor) provides:

• Analyse: Comprehensive testing reveals your unique microbiome picture — finding what standard tests miss

• Integrate: A personalised protocol targeting your specific imbalances, with clear phases and milestones

• Monitor: Follow-up testing to confirm bacterial rebalancing and gut barrier repair

Book a free 15-minute evaluation call to discuss your symptoms and find out if our approach is right for you.

Book Your Free Evaluation Call

Related Articles:

• Do You Have Leaky Gut?

• What Is Akkermansia muciniphila?

• IBS Natural Solutions

• Probiotics: A Comprehensive Guide

• The Gut-Skin Connection

Service Pages:

• IBS Specialist Australia

• Gut Microbiome Testing