Campylobacter in Stool Tests: A Hidden Cause of Chronic Digestive Issues?
Category: Functional Medicine and Nutrition, Digestive Health
Functional Medicine and Nutrition Practitioner Sunshine Coast
Could Campylobacter Be Behind Your Persistent Digestive Issues? Discover How Functional Medicine Sheds Light on Hidden Infections and Their Impact on Gut Health with Expert Shelley Cavezza, PhD
Understanding Campylobacter and Its Role in Digestive Health
Campylobacter is best known for causing acute food poisoning—characterised by cramping, diarrhoea and fever—but its potential to persist at low levels is often overlooked. Emerging evidence suggests that a lingering Campylobacter infection may underlie chronic gut discomfort.
What Is Campylobacter?
- A Common Pathogen: Primarily Campylobacter jejuni, this bacterium is a leading cause of bacterial gastroenteritis worldwide, often contracted via contaminated food or water.
- Acute vs Chronic: While most cases resolve quickly, some individuals harbour low-grade infections that subtly alter gut function over months or years.
The Link Between Campylobacter and Chronic Digestive Issues
- Ongoing Inflammation
Even mild, persistent infection keeps the immune system activated, driving chronic gut inflammation that undermines normal digestion. - Microbiome Disruption
A hidden Campylobacter presence can cause dysbiosis—where harmful microbes outnumber beneficial ones—leading to bloating, gas and irregular bowel habits. - Leaky Gut Syndrome
Long-term inflammation compromises the intestinal barrier, allowing toxins and undigested particles to enter the bloodstream and trigger wider immune reactions, including food sensitivities.
Why Campylobacter Might Go Undetected
- Subclinical Presentation: Not everyone experiences severe symptoms. Chronic, mild discomfort can be misattributed to IBS or other functional disorders.
- Standard Test Limitations: Routine stool cultures may miss low-level or intermittent shedding. Advanced molecular methods, such as PCR, increase detection sensitivity.
A Functional Medicine and Nutrition Approach to Hidden Infections
- Comprehensive History & Symptom Analysis
- Detailed symptom and dietary logs to uncover patterns.
- Advanced Diagnostic Testing
- Targeted Stool PCR: Sensitive detection of Campylobacter and co-existing pathogens.
- Microbiome Profiling: Evaluation of overall bacterial balance and inflammation markers.
- Individualised Treatment Strategies
- Natural Antimicrobials: Plant-derived botanicals to reduce pathogenic load while preserving beneficial flora.
- Rebalancing the Microbiome: Probiotics, prebiotics and gut-healing nutrients (L-glutamine, zinc carnosine) to restore barrier integrity.
- Ongoing Support & Lifestyle Guidance
- Stress-reduction techniques, dietary adjustments and sleep optimisation to support immune resilience and gut repair.
Next Steps: Discovery Call
If you’ve endured unexplained, persistent digestive issues, a hidden Campylobacter infection could be a factor. Book a Discovery Call—an exploratory conversation (not a consultation)—with Shelley Cavezza, PhD, to discuss whether a personalised functional medicine and nutrition programme could help you uncover hidden infections and reclaim your gut health.
Empower Your Health Today
Contact Functional Medicine and Nutrition Practitioner Shelley Cavezza, PhD, on the Sunshine Coast and take control of your digestive wellbeing with a tailored, holistic approach.
Additional Resources
- Blog Posts:
- Services Offered:
Contact Information
- Website: www.drshelleycavezza.com.au
- Phone: +61 419 821 666
- Email: info@drshelleycavezza.com.au
Disclaimer: This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Please consult a healthcare professional before starting any new health programme.
