It can be confusing and there is a great deal of mis-information around.  Here were give a clear explanation about the differences between diverticulitis and diverticulosis.

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There are several types of allergy test, and it is important to understand their effectiveness and diagnostic level before investing in one.

Blood Testing
In blood testing, the primary type of antibody looked for is Immunoglobulin E (IgE). IgE is a class of antibodies produced by the immune system in response to exposure to an allergen. When someone is allergic to a substance, their immune system mistakenly identifies this harmless substance as a threat and produces IgE antibodies specific to that allergen.
These tests are available through many companies and the prices vary considerably.  Laboratory fees are high, as you pay per 'marker/item'  so cheaper tests may not mean you are getting creditable organisation.
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Skin Patch Testing
Where Contact Dermatitis is involved patch testing is used to discover substances which may be causing symptoms.  Diluted allergens are applied to the skin (generally on the back) then results are read.  Reactions can be inflamed areas, blisters, red areas.  A neutral control area will be ‘patched’ as well.

Skin Prick Testing
This has been available for many years and is the oldest and most reliable form of allergy testing. This test involves pricking or puncturing the skin and adding a droplet of the allergen to the area. Usually pet dander, moulds, pollens, and various foods are tested. After a 15-minute period has elapsed, the skin is examined to see if there are any reactive areas around the puncture sites such as itchy bumps, spots, raised rash areas. There will have been a positive control pricked area using histamine, which would show a reactive area response and the other puncture areas are compared to this.
The negative or neutral control area will be a pricked site with saline or salt water added.
If a skin prick test is negative to the allergens introduced but the individual has shown allergies, then another test known as an intradermal skin test maybe carried out.
The above forms of testing are accurate but restricted as only a certain number of allergens are tested and there has to be an initial ‘decision’ on what to test.  If that decision is ‘barking up the wrong tree’ then it can be fruitless.

Intradermal skin testing
This is a method of injecting a diluted allergen just under the top layer of the skin using a fine needle. This test can sometimes have a positive diagnosis over and above the prick test. Intradermal skin tests however are known to give false positive results so it should not be used when investigating food allergies.
Blood testing is another method of investigating food allergies. The ELISA or ‘enzyme linked immuno absorbent assays’.
The ELISA test involves binding allergic antibodies in a blood sample to an allergen. a developer substance is added and a colour change measured and this result is translated into the level of allergic antibody present in the blood sample.

Hair analysis
Each hair on our heads remains for between two to six years before falling out. The hair follicle is fed by minute blood vessels and whilst in situ the hair absorbs various chemicals and toxins. Hair analysis is a technique which looks closely at the hair under a microscope. Unfortunately, tests vary from laboratory to laboratory, and it is believed that hair analysis should be used in conjunction with other tests not on it’s own. The results are often confusing and can suggest multiple allergens which leads to confusion.
 
Hair analysis can show drug use such as opioids and better means cannabis and cocaine. The contamination of the drugs can linger for up to three months on each hair.

It is always wise to double check the effectiveness of any testing which is done.  The price can be very low, but this does not mean you will get the best accuracy.

Ask a Nutritional Practitioner or other health professional for recommendations, as they will have laboratories and testing facilities which are regulated and safe.

REMEMBER PRICE DOES NOT DICTATE QUALITY.

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#menopausesupport #menopauseconsultant #menopauseclinic #ibs #bloating #diverticulitis #migraine #adhd #bowel #bloating #allergytesting #vega #bloodtesting #phlebotomist #myfitpal #glp-1 #weightlossinjections #hairlossprevention #nutritionist #dietician #herbalist 

It can feel like men's health is drowned out by women's as women tend to investigate more.  Keeping up with their health can take a back seat for many reasons, and can lead to late diagnosis and potential long term problems.

A simple approach can be adjusting dietary lifestyle to improve health and one appointment could lead to better energy, concentration, remove health worries and so much more.

Email Victoria to find out more or book an appointment.

The market and social media is flooded with advice and products about Gut Bacteria and what to buy.  How do you know what is best, are you wasting your money ?
Research is now available to help with this and the article via the link will help you decide.

Avoid buying the wrong supplement and make economical healthy choices based on research, rather than social media rabbit holes that can cause confusion.
.​#simpleguidetosugars#carbohydrates#insulin#resistance#ibs#ibd#long#covid#vacinnation#jab#longhaulers#chronic#fatigue#nutritionist#dietician#apotheca#herbalist#kent#faversham#canterbury#herne#bay#dover#folkestone#bowel#bloating#eating#healthylifestyle#diverticulitis#MCAS#histamine intolerance #fatigue #menopause #ibs #weightlossinjections #fatjab #dietfor #how do #I #whitstable #yoga #pilates #menopausediet #dangers of GLP-1s #get rid of #bellyfat #brainfog #side effect #loseweightwithmenopause #diverticultis #fertility #heavy metal blood test #DASHdiet #peanut #allergy #test #anaemia #gallballder diet #cholecystectomy #B12injections #meobelly #​

​This humble grain which is actually a seed has a deceptive name; it’s related to rhubarb and has no association with wheat at all. It was originally widely used in China and found its way through Europe over the centuries.
​It is gentle, nutritious and is just as easy to use as wheat.
Click the button below to LEARN MORE

It is now apparent that when stopping the weight loss injections also known as GLP-1s the likeihood of bounceback weight gain is as much as 20% plus.  Individuals have found that their weight gain has been rapid and as well as returning to their original weight they have gained upto 50% more.  Whilst some people only notice between 10% and 20% on top of their original weight, the majority experience more.

Individuals have described the food noise returning but even louder and they find themselves eating uncontrollably.  

There is a greater likelihood of this bounce back weight gain if individuals do not have good eating habits and do not carry out strength exercises whilst they are using the weight loss injections. 

Correct guidance is essential to ensure bounce back weight gain does not happen or minimise this at least.
Professional advice is the best route so this huge investment is not wasted.

To book an appointment click the button below:

Calcium is another king mineral. We have spoken about magnesium in a previous article, and its interactions with the other three king minerals, potassium, calcium and sodium. Here we will explore the role of calcium.
What is calcium? Calcium is an essential macro mineral with many vital interactions for healthy bodily functions, including building and maintaining strong bones, contributing to muscle contractions, nerve stimulation, including the heart and facilitating blood clotting.  
Calcium is the most abundant inorganic mineral in the body, with 99% existing in bone and teeth and the remaining 1% in soft tissue and extracellular fluid.

There is a great deal of confusing advice ever increasing on social media.  This advice can be dangerous as it does not account for personal circumstances such as medications.
Supplement safely, read on click below to safe guard your calcium intake.
Seek advice from a Nutritionist, we are here in Faversham to help.

This lady summarised her weight loss journey so eloquently.  Highlighting the highs and lows, effects on her osteoarthritis and lifestyle.  She kindly typed up her journey with me, hoping it will inspire other people to achieve their goals and to realise that whilst change is hard, the benefits are worth it.  I dedicate this to my wonderful patients, and their journeys.

Getting Back Out There!   

In May 2014, I received my diagnosis of Diverticulosis, I accepted it pretty much in ignorance of its future impact on my life.  Little did I know explosive bowel urgency and weight gain would take its toll.

Life, in its many forms, carried on.......  Me, eating all the wrong foods, gaining more weight.  Extra weight I did not need to carry as I also had arthritis.  The blessed osteoarthritis - in hands and feet, which had made me give up the job I loved – Complementary Therapies. 
The final straw – a much looked-forward-to evening out with old friends – I had to cancel – my bowel/colon had decided to go into overdrive. ​

Magnesium is a vital macro mineral, one of four Kings amongst the mineral world. It can be a friend or foe, so consume with caution.
Click on the  buttons below for the audio version.
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Hair Loss is being experienced by some GLP-1 users and it can be very distressing. 
Questions are being asked such as ‘will the hair grow back’, ‘can it be prevented’, ‘why is it so rapid’.

In lowering nutrition there is a possibility of protein deficiency which can lead to hair loss.  It can be difficult to keep protein levels up as portions are so limited, so finding ways to eat a balanced diet is vital, rather than supplementing one specific food group.
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I have put together a podcast to guide you as to why this hair loss happens associated with weight loss injections and can it be avoided.

The links below will also give robust information:
Why Is My Hair Thinning on GLP-1 Weight Loss Medications — And What Can I Do? - Ample Health & Wellness
Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist medications and hair loss: A retrospective cohort study - Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
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Below is a link for smoothies.
Consultant Nutritionist and Food Intolerance Testing, Faversham Kent, IBS Specialist Clinic - NUTRITION, IBS, INTOLERANCES, BLOOD TESTING

#nutritionist #dietician #whysmyhairfallingout #hairloss #weightlossinjections #GLP-1 #proteindeficiencysymptoms #bald #intolerances #ibs #myths #bloodwork #hormonalchanges #salon #hairdresser #dietandhair #growth #dermatologist #b12 #thyroid #
 

GLP-1 #weightlossinjections #ozempic #mounjaro #criteria #nhs #ibs #bloating #constipation #howtogetridof #hair loss #loosing hair #falling out #handfuls #nutritionist #dietician #sideeffects #faversham #canterbury #dover #deal #whitstable #folkestone #hythe #ashford #kent #herbalist #remedy #nauseacure #lossofappetite #wherecanIbuy #caution #fatjab #bounceback #weightgain #diverticulitis #dietician #radiotherapy #crohns #coeliac #bellyfat #menopause #howdoI #irondeficiency #dietsafely

This podcost highlights how to ensure you have good whole nutrition despite having a spinal fracture, poor or low appetite, organ crowding and more.  I talk about how to plan easy meals to help with recovery and keep nutrition optimal.
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I hope this inspires and motivates you in the right direction.
​CLICK on the button below or use the YOUTUBE format.

nutritionist #dietician #weightlossinjections #mounjaro #ozem #ibs #bloating #anxiety #diabetes #GLP-1 #herbalist #vegatesting #bloodtesting #phlebotomy #faversham #kent #canterbury #maidstone #bluecrest #b12 #hormoneimbalance #TLSObackbrace #spinal #fracture #compression #wegovy #sideeffects #massage #hotstone #botox #allergytesting #intolerance #cholesterol #healthcheck #folkestone #hythe #dover #deal #chatham 

Tofu Vegan Smoothie 

• 1/2 cup of soft tofu
• 1 cup vanilla soy milk or almond milk (no sugar version)
• 1 frozen banana (optional)
• 1/2 tablespoon peanut butter
• 1/2 avocado
• 2 tablespoons of mixed seeds

INSTRUCTIONS
Place everything in a blender and mix until smooth, about one minute. Enjoy!


​Vanilla Vegan shake
½ small banana
25g almonds or cashew nuts
2/3 cup (180ml) soya milk or a plant-based milk of choice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tbsp avocado
Blend until smooth (using hand-whisk/blender)
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Fruit Smoothie
1 ripe banana, handful of frozen berries or blueberries
1 scoop of ice cream or 3 tbsp Greek yogurt or dairy free alternative
1 teaspoon of sugar or honey
200ml fortified milk/ tinned coconut milk/ soya milk. Blend until smooth (using hand-whisk/blender)

Energy Smoothies
4 tbsp of rolled oats
1/2 pint cloudy apple juice
1/4 banana
Handful of sunflower seeds
Small floret of broccolli
Blend until smooth. Consistency can be quite thick so vary ingredients to suit your needs.

1/2 pint almond milk
1/2 avocado
Handful of Blueberries
3 tbsp plain greek yoghurt
1 carrot
Blend until smooth.  Add other ingredients and experiment.

​Smoothies are not meal replacements and whole food meals should also be eaten.
Small portions and soft foods may be easier to chew, swallow and manage without feelng overwhelmed.

The link below leads to drinks which can be available on prescription.  There are other varieties but always check their nutritional value.
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