​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

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. ​

Stop scrolling and losing hours trawling for ansers about glycaemic load and blood sugars.

​Are you wondering about the signs of diabetes ? Is the information on the internet confusing.  I'm not surprised as there is so much out there, it can be overwhelmng.  Blood sugar management is vital to vibrant health and energy and the article below explains why and how we can manage our blood sugars more effectively.
Also if we manage our carbohydrates we can shift stubborn weight.  It is important to clarify what carbohydrates are and what their role is with our blood sugars.
​

WHAT DO YOU SEE?
A wonky fence doesnt mean it is broken, it is just different.
It works differently.
​​Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is now a widely discussed subject. There is debate as to whether some associated behaviours are not ADHD connected but rather linked to other factors such as environment, lifestyle, mental health history, head trauma, and diet. Also, as these can also be associated with ADHD it can be difficult to separate them.  


ARE THE  LINES BECOMING BLURRED ?
IS THE 'JOINING THE ADHD BAND WAGON devaluing genuine cases?

As diagnosis lines can be blurred, diagnosis can take time. Adult ADHD can take many years or come in later life as an accidental finding. There is an increasing population of individuals who have discovered that they do in fact have ADHD and this can be received with a huge sense of relief as they find explanations for stages in their lives that they may not have previously understood.
Some individuals are resistant to taking medications for various reasons including potential side effects. When this is the case, it is important that other alternatives are considered. Factors such as diet should be investigated - however, before I discuss the dietary implications connected with ADHD, here is a little bit about this neurodivergent condition.  

What is ADHD? Neurodivergence is a relatively modern description of the natural variants in human brain function. ADHD can present as:

• Inability to focus on a subject/project or something that is boring or uninteresting to the individual.  
• Hyperfocus: Individuals have difficulty breaking away from something, such as a project that may be all-consuming and absorbing. Screen time can cause hyperfocus and, therefore, exacerbate ADHD symptoms. This includes extended TV time, video games, and excessive use of social media. However, this is not an official symptom; it is anecdotal.

The brain's frontal lobe controls our sense of reward, and this area of the brain creates hyperfocus as the reward sensation is triggered.  This sensation releases feel-good hormones and the need to stay stimulated to keep the feel-good factor associated with the reward (project). For example, gaming leads to stimulation and reward, often on a repeated loop/regular basis/instant gratification. Therefore, managing hyperfocus traits can help reduce the reward sensation trigger and ADHD-related hyperfocus.  
Working memory is the ability to turn information into action such as remembering instructions and an ability to finish a task. ADHD individuals can be forgetful, disorganised, have difficulty finishing a task and therefore their working memory may not be efficient.

Scientists believe that ADHD individuals store information in a disorganised manner which makes recall of information more difficult and distractions going alongside this will contribute to poor recall and disorganisation.
The frontal lobe is also responsible for executive function (EF). EFs are skills that help you get things done such as managing time, paying attention, formal planning and organising, remembering detail and multitasking. Being able to manage impulses and act appropriately leads to better EF control.

Executive function starts to develop at birth and the development increases through the ages of three to five and continues into teenage years. Where trauma, substance abuse, head injury, poor diet, malnutrition, and other factors are considered, executive function can become executive dysfunction - for example, a trait is difficulty planning, organising, strategising, time management, and following stepped tasks which could be cooking for example.

High IQ does not correlate with executive dysfunction as it is the brain's ability to coordinate and carry out tasks rather than an IQ that is an indicator of ADHD.

Executive dysfunction causes (ED) can include ADHD, depression, autistic spectrum conditions, OCD, substance abuse, head injury, multiple sclerosis, stroke, brain tumour, dementia and genetic factors.
Calculative flexibility (CF) is the ability to adjust behaviour to the circumstances at hand. Where an individual has difficulty adapting to stress, change, difficult or unhappy events, they may have poor CF and/or attempts to be CF are sabotaged by the ADHD traits mentioned above. Also, there may be a tendency to behave or react inappropriately to situations due to poor CF.

Research in 2020 demonstrated that ADHD symptoms and sleep disturbances have common neural matches. Indicators in the frontal striatal circuitry of the brain are related to ADHD and sleep disturbance. Sleep disturbance can represent as insomnia, wakefulness during sleep time and restless sleep. There are small study populations of between 25 and 50 individuals which are claiming that head trauma can be associated with ADHD. This does make sense as if there is frontal lobe trauma, ED and CF could be affected.

Approaches for ADHD supportThere are many medications which can be used to help reduce the symptoms and patterns of ADHD. As mentioned earlier if individuals are resistant to medicating it is suggested that a holistic approach is taken.
Limiting screen time and social media helps reduce overstimulation and can therefore contribute towards calm and reflective behaviour. Also, hyperfocusing can be reduced so individuals learn to be more mindful and present in the moment and learn to delay gratification and improve CF.
Keeping routines and managing projects with lists or instructions; even with cooking, housework and planning travel should have its own set of boundaries and directions. The reward still comes but with less hyperfocusing and confusion.

Avoiding quick-hit sugars such as sweets, cakes, biscuits, high-sugar drinks and alcohol helps keep blood sugars level. Spikes in blood sugars can exaggerate and heighten ADHD-associated behaviours. This has been seen in children with ADHD. In children where sugars have been significantly reduced it has been noted that fidgeting, poor concentration, full communication and poor sleep have, for some, significantly reduced or even disappeared. It goes without saying that if the same approach was taken with adults, they may see significant improvements.
Introducing plenty of green vegetables and root vegetables, keeping tropical fruit low, and using whole grains including whole grain pasta and bread introduces a wide range of vitamins and minerals and slow-release carbohydrates giving longevity to the energy provided rather than quick-hit spikes.

There has been considerable research on essential fatty acids and how they affect behaviour. Although there is limited research on their connection to ADHD specifically, their role in brain function and hormonal development is significant enough to associate their potential effectiveness with helping individuals with ADHD.
It is important that an individual seeks professional advice with regard to their diet and supplementations, so they are able to gain specific guidance relevant to their personal circumstances. This will reduce the likelihood of malnourishment, inappropriate supplementations which could exaggerate symptoms, and financial implications with incorrect supplementation. They will be supported during changes so the individual can keep focused and directed on the changes to help alleviate and support their lifestyle. 

#adhd #bloatng #ibs #ocd #autism #mental #health #menopause #vitamindeficiency #weightlossinjections #nutritionist #allergy #testing #intolerance #diabetes #bloodtesting #phlebotomist #faversham #canterbury #kent #dover #folkestone #hernebay #whitstable #hythe #herbalist #privateclinic #B12 #omeprazole #acidreflux #TFT #T3deficiency #hormonetesting #mounjaro #ozem #constipation #loosebowels #blood testing #faversham #behaviour and food #can food cause hyperactivity #

1. Have you purchased a blood test from a laboratory or organisation?
2. Do you now need a Phlebotomist to carry out the test?.
3. We offer a blood testing service where you bring in your kit and we carry out the test ready for you to post off.
4. We offer a caring and sensitive service.
5. Needle sensitive or phobic patients are very welcome here, and ....... you're in safe, kind hands.

Email Victoria to ask questions or if you simply want to book.

[email protected]

#phlebotomist #blood #testing #allergy #homeopathy #private #clinic #faversham #canterbury #london #herne bay #dover #folkestone #kent #gillingham #rochester #maidstone #needle #phobia #nervous ​#weightlossinjections #weight #loss #injections #mournjaro #ozempic #fertility #bloodtester #faversham #kent #whitstable #hernebay #B12 #diabetes #candida #nutritionist #fatjab #Australia #perth #dietician #bloatedbelly #ibs #diarhoea #gassy #burping #oesophagitis #gaviscon #dangersofomeprazoe #adhd #

B12 and Folate Deficiency can be mis-diagnosed or missed altogether as the symptoms are so varied and similar to other conditions such as depression, IBS, eczema, menopause, CFS.  A B12 blood test is a clear means of assessing whether deficiency actually exists.  There can be false negatives however, it's never simple it is.  So even if you have a negative result, there still could be underlying conditions related to B12 deficiency.

Limited eating such as vegan, fasting, smoothies, fussy eaters can all potentially develop B12 deficiency. 

Treatment is very effective and patients described feeling incredible.  How many of the boxes do you tick?

#B12 #deficiency #folate #crohns #blood #test #FODMAP #fatigue #menopause #feeling #tired #energy #dip #diarrhoea #itch #skin #faversham #nutritionist #kent #apotheca #herbalist #whitstable #canterbury #london #clinic #dietician #weight #loss #PCOS #bloodtesting #phlebotomist #clinic folkestone #slimmingworld #weightwatchers #chatham #rochester #fasting #weightlossinjections #weight #loss #injections #mournjaro #ozempic #fertility #bloodtester #faversham #kent #whitstable #hernebay #carnivore diet #ketosisrisks #ketosiseating

 The pancreas is part of the endocrine system and its role is very important for digestion. When we eat the pancreas is stimulated to produce digestive enzymes needed to break down food and absorb the resulting nutrients. Most of the enzymes are produced in the part of the small intestine called the duodenum.  
EPI means the pancreas does not produce enough enzymes which can cause various symptoms and nutritional deficiencies. To help boost up enzyme’s PERT can be introduced (pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy). The treatment is in tablet form and is made up of lipase, protease, and amylase.  

Diet guidance

• eat a healthy varied diet using fresh foods
• avoid packet foods so you avoid hidden fats and sugars
• avoid solid fats and limit fat intake to 30–50g a day
• spread calories out throughout the day, so you have for example six smaller meals rather three
• choose low fat packet foods
• keep hydrated with water throughout the day
• avoid alcohol
• avoid caffeine

Breakfast ideas
Egg-white omelette filled with chopped cherry tomatoes, served on a piece of whole grain toast (no spread).
Bowl of blueberries with four tablespoons of Quark (vanilla flavour).
Whole grain muesli with ‘red’ top milk or alternative.
Cloudy apple juice as a drink.
Weetabix x2 with low fat milk or alternative, blueberries.
Baked apple with sprinkle of coconut sugar. 
Meringue nest with two tablespoons of vanilla Quark and few peach slices in juice (this is a version of Eton Mess and is so great for puddings).

Lunch ideas (use lean proteins around lunch and snacks)Whole grain brown bread two slices, skinless roasted chicken with watercress, drizzle of lemon for flavour, very fine spread of low fat margarine or plain quark.
Home-made chicken kebab with red pepper and cherry tomatoes skewered and cooked. Make up batches so they can be snacks during the day as well.
Small jacket potato, tuna in brine, rocket leaves and baby sweetcorn.
Low fat tomato soup with two slices of wholegrain brown bread (no spread).

Dinner ideas
Cod poached in cup of water with a large squeeze of lemon juice, add chopped French beans and peas, continue to poach, stir in three or four tablespoons of plain quark to thicken, add low fat Thai paste or lemon grass to flavour. Serve with wholegrain brown rice.

Roast dinner with skinless chicken or turkey, broccoli, carrots, mashed swede and sweet potato. Use cornflour to make the gravy the old fashioned way with the vegetable water. Remember leftover chicken or turkey can be used in sandwiches.  Avoid packaged meats as these can contain hidden fats.

Tuna fish cakes (cook a couple of extra for snacks) serve with small roasted sweet potato or white potato and courgette.

Chicken mince cottage pie. Avoid packet flavourings as these often contain powdered garlic and onion.

Lean beef mince spaghetti bolognese served with wholemeal pasta. Omit any cheese toppings. Omit onion and garlic. Use chopped fennel for flavour, this is very subtle and not overpowering at all. It also helps with digestion.

Grilled salmon steak with boiled new potatoes and steamed broccoli, carrots.

Snack ideas - Snacks should be low sugar and low fat.
Low fat yoghurt (natural yoghurts are less likely to be sweetened) with a dash of orange or vanilla extract and chopped banana.
X2 Ryvita with crushed tinned mackerel (in brine).
X2 Corn thins with low fat cottage cheese.
Pear.
Apple.
Small orange (try not to eat too many oranges as they can cause loose bowels with their high vit. C content).

Fat soluble vitamins
Vitamins A, D, E, and K need fats in the diet to help with their digestion. Individuals who have EPI will therefore have difficulty absorbing enough of these vitamins. Some doctors recommend that a vitamin and mineral supplement is added to help boost these. If you do take a multivitamin it is advisable to take it in the morning.

Food to avoid
Keep saturated fats to a minimum.  Foods which are high in these fats are:

• butters
• cream
• cuts of meat which have the fatty marbled look when raw such as beef and lamb
• offal/organ meats
• skins such as chicken skin
• pastries 
• biscuits
• cakes
• cheese
• oily dressing
• onion and Garlic

Don’t mix on the same day:

• cabbage
• broccolli
• kale
• sprouts
• spinach
• cauliflower
• aubergine
• mushroom
• suggest space tomatoes out as well so not eaten every day

Useful flavours:

• fennel
• cumin
• turmeric
• lemon grass
• black pepper
• watercress
• rosemary
• marjoram
• sage
• basil
• lemon juice

#pancreas#EPI#creon#pancreatic#cancer#dietforcancer#pancreatitis#lipase#amylase#nutritionist#herbalist#changes#lowfar#lowsugar#FODMAP#long#covid#virus#help#brain#fog#healthy#eating#advice#faversham#kent#dover#deal#canterbury#herne#bay#swale#folkestone#gravesend#london#harley#street#private#clinic#open#pancreaus#bloodsugardiet#​#weightlossinjections #weight #loss #injections #mournjaro #ozempic #fertility #bloodtester #faversham #kent #whitstable #hernebay #GLP-1 dangers #bouncebackweightgain #belly fat #herbalist #

Sadly, the Hythe Osteopath Centre closed, so I am now only working from Faversham. 

IBS Specialist Clinic
Nutritionist Clinic
Food Intolerance Testing

These services are available and can be booked by sending your details via the form below or telephoning: 07789512825 (please leave a message if the answerphone kicks in, I may be clinic).

Click on the button below to find out what will happen during your appointment.

BUCKWHEAT
 
This mis-understood grain is actually related to rhubarb, and has no connection with wheat at all. Originating from China, it found its way through Europe over the centuries.  It is a great gluten free alternative, can be purchased from the free from sections, and tastes similar to wholemeal wheat.
 
What are its benefits?

• Per dry 60g / equates to approx. 206 calories.
• It is rich in B2, B5, Folate, Niacin, iron, zinc, magnesium, selenium .
• 42g of carbohydrate but the high fibre content lowers both insulin response and blood sugars.
• Low in Fat.
• Regular consumption can lower total cholesterol which is great for heart health.
• Diabetic Friendly.
• The flour tastes very similar to wholemeal wheat, so can be used for all sorts of recipes as a simple substitute.

 
How can it be used?
 
Cook buckwheat grains in the same way as you would rice, and use to add variety to your diet.

Use it in soups, casseroles and even curries in the same way you would use lentils.  It adds substance’ to
sauces, so they are not thin and watery.

Buckwheat flour makes excellent crepes, pancakes for breakfast, cakes and breads.

Buckwheat flakes can be added to muesli as a wheat alternative.

Consultant Nutritionist & Food Intolerance Testing, Faversham 01795 534627

Our Resident Counsellor at Faversham has written another interesting blog. 

......................... 'Having worked for 5 years in a residential rehab for women with drug and alcohol addictions I do not really know where to start with trying to describe addiction and what it means to me. What I do know is that addiction is a cruel, heartless disease that can kill and destroy people, families and anything good in its path. I have seen the heartache and the pain that the cycle of addiction can bring and how it is never ever something that someone can ‘just stop.’ It is an all encompassing cycle of denial, shame, manipulation, fear, justification and many more powerful feelings.

The word addiction is being downgraded by misuse, so the seriousness of addiction can be lost.

I believe that using the word addiction too flippantly is dangerous. People laugh and say ‘oh i’m addicted to chocolate’ but actually I believe this is not an addiction but a habit. When people are in active addiction choice has very little to do with it. Not only are they driven by the physical substance itself they are also driven by the emotional attachment they have to that object or pastime.

Addiction can take many forms such as drugs, alcohol, shopping, gambling, sex, porn, codependency and eating disorders. The one thing that they all have in common though is people. I come from the standpoint that the substance is merely the symptom and that addiction comes in the person. What that means is that you can take the substance away and the person will still be addicted. It is not the bottle or the drug or the food that is causing the problem but the person who has turned to something because of their emotional distress. I have seen countless cases in my career where people have gone in and been detoxed from their substance and come out and immediately relapsed because they have not been given the tools to know how to cope with life without their ‘friend’ or coping mechanism. In order for people to recovery well they need abstinence, bundles of support, relapse prevention tools but most importantly they need to deal with the real reason that they turned to a substance in the first place.

A person with an addiction has to first recognize that they have a problem. I have seen denial so strong that a bulldozer could not break it down and I feel that denial is the most prominent and harmful of all the symptoms. This is because until a person can see that they have a pile of consequences and the reality of their addiction they will just keep going. I have seen children begging for their mother to stop drinking, children going into care, families disowning their loved ones, prison sentences, prostitution, thousands of pounds of debt, homelessness and the list goes on. However these awful consequences do not necessarily stop that person. It is utter madness and people are not in their right mind when entrapped by the cycle of addiction. AA puts it like this

INSANITY: Doing the same thing over and over and over again and expecting a different result.

Often a person with an addiction knows that their illness is killing them but because of the powerful denial structure they will always be thinking’ oh just one more’ or ‘I can control it this time’ sometimes that person may even physically move location. then the thinking may be ‘oh I live in a different place now I will be ok with just one...’

A cycle of addiction is as follows:

An emotional trigger- craving- ritual- using- guilt and shame- repeat.

​

​#Bloating #intolerance #testing  #Nutrition #Nutritionist #Dietician #Faversham #Canterbury #Whitstable #Kent #USA #florida #allergy #kent #dover #cbd#cbt #stress #poor#  digestion #IBS #diarrhoea # acid #reflux #heartburn #and #diet #lovefood #healthy #jowickx #heart #health #diabetes #die t#usa #florida #healthy #eating #covid19 #virus #recovery #programme#me#ms #chronic #fatigue  # tiredness #cantshake #stilltired #virusaftermath #help #dartford #sittingbourne #london#medway #chatham #hastings #USA #florida #virtua l# appointment #long #covid#19#safe #distance#clinics #weight#loss#ibs#IBS#irritable#bowel#menopause# blood #testing #B12 #Thyroid #function #well #woman # vitamin #profile #anaemia #glucose # #nutrition #nutritionist #dietician #IBS #Bloating #bowel #loose #crohns #coeliac #recipes #dietary #advice #FODMAP #fructose #intolerance #allergy #testing #faversham #kent #canterbury #whitstable #histamine #B12 #blood #testing #london #phlebotomy #weight #loss #flab #diabetes #eczema #vitamins #immune #food #healthyeating #diarrhoea #gas #rash #psoriasis #depression #ME #CFS #menopause #womens #health #HRT #thyroid #TSH #T3 #T4 #iron #deficiency #anaemia #vitamin #profile #injections #

Diabetes – A Growing Epidemic

What is it ?
Diabetes is raised blood sugars (glucose).  There are two types of Diabetes;
Type I - which is where the pancreas can’t produce enough insulin to control blood sugars.  Type I Diabetes is also known as insulin controlled diabetes as the patient has to use medication to introduce insulin to the body, to perform its role.  
Type 2 - the body’s cells can’t react to the insulin produced.

What does insulin do ?
Insulin is a vital hormone produced by the pancreas gland.  It acts as a vehicle, transporting glucose into our cells which in turn give us energy.   If we do not produce insulin the glucose (fuel) can’t be transported so we lack energy, and also the glucose will then remain in the blood stream to be reprocessed by the kidneys.
Interestingly, the high glucose in the urine will leach water from the bloodstream, hence the increased urination in diabetics, and the associated thirst.
The failure to assimilate glucose will lead to the body using other sources of energy eg. Fat cells, which produces Ketones.  These Ketones and the raised blood glucose will make an individual feel very unwell.
Blood glucose level stays between 3.5 mmol/L and 7 mmol/L.

What are the symptoms ?
Fatigue, extreme thirst, weight loss, muzzy headed, sweating, low mood, dizziness, tingling in the hands, increased urination.

So why do Diabetics gain weight, if the symptoms are weight loss ?
It’s all about balancing the books ………
We eat some food so our blood sugars, a Type I Diabetic injects insulin to do the job of the pancreas, and allow the body to use the glucose for energy.
BUT the patient has over-eaten and does not exercise.
The excess glucose will be converted and stored, leading to weight gain, which balances off the blood sugars again.
Also, the more body fat we produce, the more resistant to insulin we are, so it has to be tailored as we gain weight, which many patients don’t do, or health professionals overlook.
This weight gain and increased insulin resistant as a result causes a vicious circle, and as the weight goes up, so other health conditions evolve, for example:

Less exercise due to weight gain = increased insulin resistant = weight gain.
Joint problems = increased insulin resistant = weight gain.
Heart Disease = increased insulin resistant = weight gain.

Some patients manipulate their insulin to suit their food, so they can over-indulge, so the excess glucose is then stored as explained above.

Seems bleak doesn’t it, but it is all about choices really and balancing the books.  If you choose to be a victim of diabetes you could fall into the weight gain trap, or you can master the disease and manage your lifestyle and diet, to help prevent the above problems.
So, how do I keep healthy with diabetes and avoid the weight gain ?


http://euro-wabb.org/en/diabetes-information-all/hypoglycaemia
http://www.mayoclinic.org
http://www.diabetesselfmanagement.com

#Diabetes#Support#Diet#Faversham#Whitstable#Swale#blood#sugars#weight#loss#PCOS#nutritionist#dietician#intolerance#testing#kent#Dover#herbalist#apotheca#botox#healthy#eating#support#ibs#ibd#colitis#acid#reflux#hernia#

Are you facing Christmas with dread that your IBS symptoms may ruin your holiday or time with friends and family ?  I have listed some very simple tips to help you avoid a flare up:

Stay Calm – That may sound crazy, but anxiety and stress are huge triggers for IBS/IBD sufferers.  By managing your stress levels and allowing yourself to stop from time too time to recharge your batteries, you are actually reducing the likelihood of IBS symptoms.  Also Acid Relux, Diverticulitis and many other gastric problems can be helped.
Do Not Eat On The Go – As we rush around the shops, taxi the children about and then manage to fit in housework, Christmas shopping, job and social life, we forget a fundamental part of digestion.  For IBS spectrum sufferers, chewing is essential.  By making sure you do not swallow lumps of partially chewed food you are actually eliminating another trigger for a flare up.  Therefore, no matter how busy you are, chew your food so it is very mushed up.
Hydrate – Liquid consumption is, in my opinion, as important as food.  Remembering to drink as we go about our daily lives during the festive season, is essential.   We can become dehydrated very quickly, and this in turn can lead to constipation.  So you could have an excellent diet, and undermine the hard work with food, with poor hydration.  
Avoid peels, skins and pips – Fibre can be a friend or a foe for IBS sufferers.   To ensure you do everything you can to have a flare free festive season, peel your fruit, avoid the pips and leave the skins.  If you apply this rule literally, that would mean you avoid dried fruit, as it is very very difficult to peel !  The little capsules of fruit sugar are a potential trigger and we do tend to consume more during the Christmas season.
Be Happy – The happy hormones do create a happy gut.
'It is Just One !' – DO NOT DO IT – Do not compromise your health and fun, by saying ‘just one’.  Those naughty nibbles and yummy deserts could trigger an IBS flare up, so be strong.
Plan – Have some stand-by foods in your bag, so you do not get caught out.  Take some of your own breads or biscuits with you for example, and most of all, if you are eating out, do not be afraid to ask the staff for information.  Restaurants have to supply allergy and intolerance information now, and a quick glance at their guide could save you days of discomfort.

Please note IBS and other gastric symptoms all respond in different ways, so the guidance above is just that a guide, not a cure all.  To book an appointment for more information and to attend the IBS Specialist clinic please contact Victoria, 01795 534627.  or [email protected]


#IBS#IBD#Support#Nutritionist#Swale#Whitstable#Canterbury#Kent

BLOATED ?  What could be to blame ?

I see lots of patients complaining of stomach ache, bloating, feeling tired, and some have bowel problems ranging from constipation to severe diarhoea.  If we look at our heritage, our food's evolution has raced ahead of our own development, and this has effected our ability to digest our food.  Also, wider imports of tropical fruit and vegetables from far flung continents means we are at times eating foods outside our own culture.

An example of this is mango, a wonderful juicy fruit which can be used raw or cooked, and also dried.  It has gradually become more and more widely used, and is seen on many menus now.  The problem is it is high in fructose, and some individuals have difficulty digesting this type of sugar. 

We are naturally designed to better digest glucose.  Our bodies do not have the dedicted means of absorption for fructose that glucose has, so this digestive difficulty means some fructose remains undigested in the large intestine, where it ferments.  This fermentation leads to the production of gas, bloating and for some people diarrhoea. 

Professor Whorwell from the University of Manchester says 'our bodies are not terribly good at digesting fructose, especially in the quantities we eat these days, with year-round access as well'.

Fructose malabsoroption can go hand in hand with IBS, Crohn's disease and IBD (inflammatory Bowel Disease), and 'approximately 1/3rd of IBS sufferers will have fructose intolerance' (quoted Julie Thompson, Specialist Gastroenterology Dietician.)

Fructose malabsorption can also be linked too depression or low mood, as fructose has been associated with blocking the production of serotonin !  It's interesting to note that children's behaviour has been effected by fructose intake.   Fructose is used to sweeten many foods, and marketing and manufacture has made these very appealing and available to children, and behaviour changes have matched this increase.

Some fruit and vegetables are better tolerated than others, so random exclusion is not a good idea.  Exclusion should be properly managed in order to prevent further mal-absorption and mal-nutrition.

Written By Victoria Shorland, Consultant Nutritionist, Faversham, Kent, www.eattolive.org.uk, [email protected] or Telephone. 01795 534627 / 07789512825.

Could the Foods You Eat Be Making You Feel Unwell ?

‘Excluding Suspect Foods Can Cause Other Health Problems if Not Properly Managed.’

Eat To Live, run by Consultant Nutritionist Victoria Shorland, offers the opportunity to see a professional for advice relating to all sorts of health conditions, including gastric / bowel disorders, which are an area they specialise in.   Through correct management and simple changes an individual can see their symptoms subside, and health improve considerably.

Food Intolerance Testing and Allergy Clinics are also available. 

So let’s take a look at the difference between allergy and intolerance:
 
Allergy

An allergy is an extreme, sudden immune response such as swelling of the face, tongue, other limbs, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, palpitations and even organ failure.  This response is caused by IgE Anti-bodies being produced to fight off a particular ‘allergen’ which in some cases could be a food.  This is also known as anaphylaxis.   IgE (Immunoglobulin E) is the most common allergy form.  This is a sudden onset allergic reaction.

A very tiny amount of ‘trigger’ food or substance is needed to promote a reaction.

Food Intolerance

This is not the same as a food allergy.

Symptoms can be stomach cramps, dull aching in the lower abdomen, low mood, hyperactivity, lethargy, diarrhoea, constipation, diverticulitis, excessive gas, burping, acid reflux, rashes.  The causes vary from person to person and can be difficult to identify, which is why a Nutritionist should be consulted, and in some cases a food intolerance test carried out.

‘Foods should not be excluded without supervision from a Professional specialsing in diet, in order to prevent malnourishment, vitamin deficiencies, and other health problems.’