Latest articles on Nutrition

The health benefits of consuming fibre are nothing new. Most of us are aware it offers us protection against bowel cancer, against the development of diverticula and haemorrhoids and supports cardiovascular health and improves bowel transit. But how many people know it plays a vital role in all of the following:

The elimination of free hormones The binding of fats and the release of sugar into the bloodstream The regulation of inflammatory responses from the gastrointestinal flora and...

Creating ‘new year - new you’ healthy habits is definitely at the heart of health improvement, and this is a perfect time of year to overhaul your health and routines. For many people following my top six tips to better health can be the start of your new and improved future health! 1 - Hydrate Anecdotally we...

If you are suffering from unwanted symptoms such as gas, bloating, discomfort, acid reflux, skin issues, brittle nails and hair, low moods, a lack of energy or focus, or poor sleep; the low performance of your digestive system could be the reason! Water and digestive health Our bodies are made up of around 70% water and this water is used for any number of important functions in our body: from regulating our temperature to lubricating joints; from flushing out waste or cognitive functions....

Did you know that your digestive system is the most selfish of all your body systems, after your brain? In fact, it’s a bit like a child who thinks their friend is being unfair. It folds its arms and says “that’s not fair and I’m not playing anymore!”. When you don’t treat your digestive system with the respect it deserves, it will begin to shut you off and not play properly. As a result, digestive problems begin to click in. We may experience indigestion,...

Aim for more fibre in your diet – peristalsis is stimulated in the bowel by the activation of stretch receptors in the walls of the intestine. This then encourages the action of peristalsis and the movement of food and waste material through the gastrointestinal tract. The dietary fibre swells as water is drawn into the bowel, so stimulating the receptors and resulting in peristaltic contractions thus helping to soften and regulate bowel movements. Adding different sources of soluble...

Numerous studies have shown the many benefits that high-fibre foods can have on our health. Not only do they keep our digestive system in working order and help us to maintain a healthy weight, but they’re also thought to reduce the risk of cancer, heart attack and high blood pressure - as well as helping us to stay feeling full.

This is all wonderful, however, it’s thought that in the UK the average adult only reaches around 18g of fibre per day. When, in fact, Government guidelines...

What do we mean by constipation? Constipation: Infrequent and frequently incomplete bowel movements. (1) Well if you suffer from bloating, hard stools, bowel movements that are few and far between (i.e. stools are not passed every day), and you experience pain on passing, then you will probably be well aware that you suffer from constipation. Why do we suffer? Often we just don't drink enough liquid, and by liquid we mean water, which helps to keep the matter soft and moving along the...

This article won't discuss coeliac disease or wheat allergy 1. An overview The word gluten comes from a Latin word meaning “glue”. Gluten’s adhesive and binding properties give bread and cakes their spongy texture. Gluten is a complex protein structure mainly made up of glutenin and gliadin, which in presence of water becomes elastic.  From an evolutionary point of view, grains were introduced 10.000 years ago, which might not be a sufficient time for humans to have...

When was the last time you felt really great and didn’t have any bloating, heartburn, constipation or diarrhoea? Are your digestive symptoms affecting the way you feel about yourself and your mood?  Have you already been to your GP* and been told that you have IBS and don’t know what to do about it, or have been told to go on a FODMAP diet but given up because it’s so complicated? The good news is that there is something you can do, with the help of a registered...