Health

In the first instalment of my IBS blog series – What is IBS? – I talked about how this uncomfortable condition can be divided into three subtypes: IBS-C, IBS-D and IBS-M, depending on the main bowel symptom involved. • IBS-C – Constipation as the main symptom • IBS-D – Diarrhoea as the main symptom • IBS-M – Alternating diarrhoea and constipation. I also explored a number of lifestyle changes which could be beneficial to anyone living with IBS. This time, I’ll take a closer look at natural ways to help support those... Read More

What is HRT? HRT stands for Hormone Replacement Therapy. Menopausal symptoms are often caused by falling hormone levels: the idea is that taking HRT will replace the hormones your body is no longer producing, therefore putting a stop to uncomfortable symptoms. For many women, this can feel like a life line – but what are the risks and benefits associated with this medication? The Benefits of HRT For some women the onset of menopause causes little or no problem, and for these lucky souls there is no need to use any... Read More

The immune system is the guardian of our health.  Its job is to provide protection from invaders, germs and damaged cells.  It is made up of a vast network of different cells, tissues and organs, which all work together to keep the body as healthy as possible. If we get run down, or our immune system is not working as well as it should, we are more likely to catch colds, coughs and flu.  These four natural ways to support a healthy immune response, could be helpful in trying to... Read More

One type of bug, which has ruined many holidays (not just my own I am sure!), is the tummy bug. Exposing ourselves to new foods, different water and the heat, seems to be something almost guaranteed to lead those people with a sensitive digestive system to lose one or two days of their holiday every year to a bad stomach. Reviewing the research however, there may be things that we can do to try and prevent this problem. It seems that the answer may lie with so called ‘good bacteria’.... Read More

The National Diet and Nutrition Survey has shown that only 4% of children are getting the suggested amount of oily fish in their diet. Oily fish provides an omega 3 fat called DHA – which has been shown to support healthy brain function. WHAT IS OMEGA 3? Omega 3 is an essential fatty acid found mainly in oily fish such as trout, salmon, sardines and mackerel. It is called an essential fatty acid because our body cannot produce it, so needs us to consume it in our diet or from... Read More

People are being urged not to see a doctor about cold and flu type infections. Why? In large part because of the ever increasing risks of antibiotic resistance. ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE IN A NUTSHELL Antibiotics have long been regarded as a miracle of modern medicine, helping to prevent and treat many dangerous bacterial infections.  However, decades of overuse have resulted in the bacteria they are designed to kill, starting to become ‘resistant’ to the effects of the antibiotics.  This means that bacterial infections are becoming harder to treat and that, in... Read More