bowel
A blog about the bowel and associated conditions
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Silicawater may help reduce bowel inflammation

Silicawater may help reduce bowel inflammation
Continue Readingtalkhealth meets…Sahara Fleetwood-Beresford, inflammatory bowel disease blogger and founder of #IBDSuperHeroes
What symptoms prompted you to seek help initially? When I was 19, I started suffering from diarrhoea and abdominal cramps that got worse over a period of two weeks. I had visited a GP who had diagnosed me with IBS …
Continue ReadingWhen You Gotta Go, You Gotta Go : Invisible Illness & Public Toilet Troubles

‘When you gotta go, you gotta go’. Everyone goes, everyone uses a toilet and some of us just happen to go in bags. So what? Why is it still so embarrassing to talk about it? I’ll admit I’m embarrassed just …
Continue ReadingThe Perfect Watercress Soup – low FODMAP

Watercress soup is sublime and tradition in our household means that we have it as a starter every Christmas. I have considered the fact that we can’t use onion – the complete taste profile onion gives to the dish – …
Continue ReadingAdvocacy at the doctors

“Do something your future self will be thankful for,” -unknown Imagine, two individuals, experiencing similar chronic health issues go to the doctor’s office. The first one roughly explains their symptoms, doesn’t feel prepared, is in a deep desire for relief, …
Continue ReadingOyster Mushrooms – A Umami Low Fodmap Option for IBS

It is autumn and the evenings are becoming darker. It is the season for mushrooms and many people really miss mushrooms when following the low fodmap diet. But if you are following the Kings College Low FODMAP diet oyster mushrooms …
Continue ReadingGuts UK explore the ‘Science of Digestion’ in their free event

Gut health charity, Guts UK are hosting an exciting new event for the public on Thursday 12th September starting at 5.30pm at The Revell Ward Suite, Huddersfield, Football Stadium, Stadium Way, HD1 6PG. The event is called ‘Exploring the Science …
Continue Reading95% of the body’s detoxification enzymes are found in the Liver.

? To look after your Liver, start by reducing toxins like refined sugar, saturated fat, carbonated drinks, smoking, alcohol, pollution, cleaning products. ? Try giving your body a rest from heavy meats and Monosaccharide carbs, by replacing a meal with …
Continue ReadingRecovery

“Some days there won’t be a song in your heart, sing anyway.” – Emory Austin Recovery takes everything you don’t feel like you have. It takes the energy you scrape from the bottom of the barrel to someday feel normal …
Continue Reading? Anxiety ?

? As a sufferer of Anxiety my whole life, I have learned and practiced some affective strategies that have enabled me to overcome the fear-based personality that was once stopping me from living a happy and free life, and reaching …
Continue ReadingBirth rates, what food to eat to avoid heart attacks, breast cancer breakthrough & more

If you’ve missed the latest health news from the week beginning 29th July, catch up now in our roundup. Butter, red meat & cheese increase heart attack & stroke risks Too much butter, red meat and cheese are actually bad …
Continue ReadingSimple steps for growing your daily wellbeing & long term happiness

? Know what your body needs to heal & meal prep in advance to make it easier for you to stay on track. ? Drink plenty of water daily. Take a thermos with you so you can fill with hot …
Continue ReadingGoing Vegan? ?

You may already know of the many benefits of going Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Flexitarian; ? To name a few: * Better digestion * Improved metabolism * Improved energy levels * Improved circulation * Healthy weight loss * Improved detoxification ability …
Continue ReadingTips to begin reducing stress, anxiety, and pain, naturally

Did you know? ???????? ———————————- Did you know Magnesium is one of the most important nutrients we require to function? . Magnesium is responsible for over 300 enzyme systems that regulate important biochemical reactions in the body. Its most important …
Continue ReadingSIBO Solutions

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth or SIBO, is a condition that can be minor or have debilitating symptoms. Most commonly, doctors will prescribe a type of antibiotic to eliminate overgrown bacteria. What happens when the patients SIBO arise again after a …
Continue ReadingWhy does Gastrointestinal Problems Affect Mostly Women
Ask any woman if she has had chronic digestive problems in her life. The answers will most likely be positive rather than her male counterpart. According to the International Gastrointestinal Disorders,” A significant proportion – 35% to 40% – of …
Continue ReadingLow-FODMAP
“Mindful eating is eating with intention while paying attention.” – Katie Konersman RD, CDE If you are present in the digestive health community or simply into diets, you might have heard of something called the Low-FODMAP Diet. The diets abbreviation …
Continue ReadingAdvice & guidance for living with Accidental Bowel Leakage

Do you have embarrassing bowel leakages? Bladder and Bowel UK estimates that 1 in 10 adults will have some form of bowel control problem at some point in their lives. This chronic condition can be very upsetting and embarrassing and …
Continue ReadingWeb IBS Therapy, Fatty Liver Disease, Cancer Treatment & More

If you’ve not had the chance to catch up on the latest news this week, here are the latest stories from 12 April. Fatty Liver Disease in Young People Experts have warned that high levels of fatty liver disease among young …
Continue ReadingHospital Go Bags : Prepare For The Unexpected

Have you ever had unexpected trips to the hospital emergency department before? Maybe you know all too well what it’s like to be caught off guard. Life gets thrown into disarray, best laid plans go out the window, and you’re …
Continue ReadingWhat is ‘healthy’ when you’re chronically ill?

It has been almost eight years since I first started feeling unwell. This was a something that niggled me at first but would go on to engulf my life at the ripe age of 22. I’ve written about my diagnosis …
Continue ReadingThis week in health – 21 December 2018

It’s only four days until Christmas Day, but that hasn’t slowed the flow of health news. Instead, it seems to have spurred a number of health professionals to call for stronger actions to dissuade people from eating unhealthy foods. This …
Continue ReadingNew support programme for anyone with IBS

Did you know that as many as 10-20% of people in Britain today suffer with irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS? These are the figures that healthcare organisations and charities such as The IBS Network quote. This means that potentially a …
Continue ReadingWhat Effect Would A Wet Wipes Ban Have On Ostomates?

You may have seen the news recently and the talk of the Government banning wet wipes. With the current focus on the environment, recyclable products are much more in favour at the moment. Wet wipes contain non-biodegradable plastics, are single …
Continue ReadingLiving On Steroids

If you follow the news you will have no doubt seen the recent pictures of the magician Dynamo. He took to social media to show the effects that the steroids used to fight his Crohns Disease, were having on his …
Continue ReadingTwitter chat for World IBD Day
To mark World IBD Day, talkhealth will be teaming up with @JanssenEMEA to host our latest Tweet Chat, on Friday May 18th between 1PM and 2PM. We’ll be putting questions out to the Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) community to raise …
Continue ReadingComing To Terms With A Stoma

Some people get a day. Some may get a week, a month, a year. Others may get no warning, simply waking up with a new life. From IBD and cancer, to colonic inertia, pelvic floor dysfunction and bowel trauma, stoma …
Continue Reading#ThinkHand campaign could be a game-changer
I feel like Thursday 22nd February 2018 is going to be one of those days when in years to come I’ll look back and know that I was part of what will hopefully be a game-changer in the world of …
Continue ReadingWhat Is Diversion Colitis?

I get asked this question a-lot across support groups as I have been quite vocal about diversion colitis since having this diagnosed. I have decided to do a video entry for this to explain about the condition and how it …
Continue ReadingLow Residue Diet After Ileostomy Formation

What Is A Low Residue Diet? So for those of you facing stoma surgery you may have heard this. You may not have heard this. So what is a low residue diet? A low residue diet is something that needs …
Continue ReadingWhat I want you to know about invisible illness

Not all is what it seems. From the outside, you’d say I’m a healthy, happy young woman who looks fine. Look beyond what your eyes tell you and you’ll find chronic illness. Invisible illness is a condition or disability that’s …
Continue ReadingWhat to expect after your surgery

So, you’ve been told you need to have an ileostomy formed and the big day arrives for you to go down to theatre and have it formed. All the questions you were going to ask have flown through your ears …
Continue ReadingUrostomy bag Change

Recently there has been a lot of media coverage of brave ostomates baring all in magazines, Tv and breaking stoma stigmas. More and more articles are being featured of men and women embracing their stoma bags and talking openly about …
Continue ReadingLet’s talk about Stomas!!

Over the last few years, something amazing has happened… Brave ostomates (people with an ostomy bag) have been proudly baring all with their stoma bags on show in the media and the general public. As a community, over the last …
Continue ReadingLet the sun shine into your life with the vital vitamin D

After I broke my shoulder in an accident three years ago, my GP suggested a DEXA scan to measure bone density for osteoporosis. I was not surprised, at the age of 70 and more than 20 years after suffering from …
Continue ReadingManage your health with Patient support Programmes

For those living with chronic health conditions, self-management is crucial for managing and controlling symptoms day to day. Protecting your own health is a responsibility that can require some help and guidance to ensure you pursue the right treatment for …
Continue ReadingRelief from IBS – your route to digestive comfort

Around one in five people in the UK experience IBS or troublesome digestive problems with symptoms such as reflux, heartburn, vomiting, nausea, flatulence, stomach ache, discomfort, and diarrhoea. Self-management of lifestyle and diet is key to managing the daily discomfort …
Continue Reading6 Ways Acupuncture Could Benefit Your Health
Acupuncture had been practised for thousands and thousands of years over time, perfecting and refining the techniques used. Extensively studied, acupuncture has shown significant results for those with ongoing health issues or problems. Although some still remain sceptical, there are …
Continue ReadingIt’s Not ‘Just’ IBS campaign
Watch the presentation I gave for the IBS Network’s event The Patients Perspective, which is an effort to recognise that it’s not ‘just’ IBS. The petition is still open and you can sign it here if you wish https://www.change.org/p/all-political-parties-and-the-national-medical-director-recognise-it-s-not-just-irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs Its …
Continue ReadingPecan, lime and blueberry bircher low fodmap

What a glorious way to start the day with a yoghurt and oat based creamy breakfast – this recipe contains ground flaxseed to add lots of soluble fibre to your breakfast, a real treat for sluggish bowels! Skyr yoghurt contains …
Continue ReadingDon’t suffer in silence: World Continence Week

Bladder incontinence is a problem which affects 6 million people, just within the UK. The condition causes people to feel embarrassed and isolated, with many being too scared to leave the house. Urinary incontinence is described as the unintentional …
Continue ReadingHerding cats – the challenges of probiotic research in IBS.
The dietary guidelines for IBS have been published. It has taken considerable work to produce these guidelines over the last 2 years at least and I was very pleased to be part of the development process with some very experienced …
Continue ReadingShould we really be putting children on the low FODMAP diet?

Gastrointestinal complaints are extremely common in children, from mild bloating and discomfort to chronic constipation or diarrhoea, reflux and pain. The reasons behind these symptoms can be straightforward to diagnose and treat with dietary changes and sometimes with the use …
Continue ReadingWhy your wind smells of roses – The Life of Poo book review
Well now, a book all about poo, why would anyone want to read this you may ask, surely the grim subject of poo is not something to read about – certainly not in public or polite company, I imagine you …
Continue ReadingComment on I’m now researching FODMAPs at Kings College London! by Research on the reintroduction phase of the low FODMAP diet – Reintroducing fodmaps

UPDATE: I originally posted this in Feb 2014 and since then I left King’s one and a half years later to travel the world for a year. You can read all about our journey of ‘Around the world in 80 …
Continue ReadingWorld Cancer Day, and Major New Research into Bowel Cancer

As you’ve probably already seen, today (4th February 2016) is World Cancer Day. Charities and individuals all over the world have been engaging with the event, both through supporting the campaign itself and organizing local efforts to raise awareness of …
Continue ReadingDoes the ‘Season of goodwill’ truly apply to all?
Christians and atheists alike are all looking forward to Christmas. We are lucky to live in a multicultural and diverse-religion society and although not all religions celebrate Christmas, the air of festivity is felt throughout the land. As a nation …
Continue ReadingDoes Father Christmas Have IBS?

It was six o’clock and I wanted to go home when the nurse came in and announced I had one more patient to see. I thought I’d seen the last one, I complained, my heart sinking. I’m sorry she said, …
Continue Reading10 Tips for Keeping Your Gut Healthy This Christmas

It’s the silly season again! We will all be tempted to eat far too much, drink ourselves daft and collapse in front of the telly. And then there’s the relatives. They come bearing gifts we don’t want and stay for …
Continue ReadingThe Health Benefits of Liquorice
In the past, liquorice roots have always held great commercial value. Besides this, their status of luxury meant that they were often offered as a gift to kings. Today, while maybe not treated as quite as luxurious a product as …
Continue ReadingManaging IBS. Problems with GP’s, national guidance and the low FODMAP diet.

Believe it or not, not everyone who has IBS needs to follow the low FODMAP diet! The low FODMAP diet has been such a revelation in the treatment of IBS symptoms that one can forget there are actually many things …
Continue ReadingEmma-jane – a serious good news story!

It is always so nice to get good news stories, isn’t it? So, I was chuffed to bits to get an email from a proud gran who had been a subscriber to the Foods Matter magazine way back in 2002. At …
Continue ReadingIBS? Really?

As a dietitian specialising in Irritable Bowel Syndrome I usually begin my consultations by discussing how the patient feels about their diagnosis. Many of my patients instead of being reassured by their diagnosis find it very hard to accept that …
Continue ReadingFollowing a low FODMAP diet when travelling in the Philippines

I absolutely loved the Philippines it is a spectacular place with some of the best scenery and beaches in the world. View from our hotel in El Nido, Palawan Stunning scenery at Las Cabanas beach, Palawan We spent 5 weeks …
Continue Reading8.5 Ways to Keep Your Bones Healthy
Bones are complex organs and rather than being static as most people think, are in constant dynamic change, adapting and adjusting to all the knocks and traumas and changes in lifestyle that we throw at them on a daily basis. …
Continue ReadingStuffed Aubergine

Aubergines are my favourite vegetable and suitable for a Low Fodmap diet. Aubergines have been stated to be the vegetable to use if you wish to replace meat in a dish as they have a good texture and is satisfying …
Continue ReadingIBS is no fun for anybody

As a practicing Consultant Gastroenterologist, by far the commonest condition that I see in my out-patient clinics, is IBS The patients are usually are at their wit’s end by the time they get to see me, having harassed their GPs …
Continue ReadingWhat does ‘abnormal’ white cell count mean?
This is something your GP may talk to you about after reviewing your blood tests. It sounds very scary but the vast majority of times there is usually a very simple and non-worrying reason. White cells are blood cells that …
Continue ReadingPain Management and TCM
As a traditionally trained Acupuncturist I regularly get people coming to me for the treatment of pain; often as a last resort but also as part of a holistic pain management strategy working in partnership with other health professionals …
Continue ReadingThe miracle that is aspirin

Aspirin has been around a long time. It was first marketed by a German pharmaceutical company Bayer in 1898 as a cough suppressant and a ‘non-addictive’ substitute for morphine. Although acetylsalicylic acid (the chemical name for aspirin) was only first …
Continue ReadingWhich probiotic could I try for IBS?

Photo Credit: Christiann MacAuley http://www.stickycomics.com A systematic review last year by Ford and his colleagues (2014) looked at probiotics and their effectiveness for IBS, the conclusion the authors made after applying some statistical analysis was that probiotics in general were …
Continue ReadingPrunes – natures laxative.

“I hope my tongue in prune juice smothers, If I belittle dogs and mothers” Ogden Nash Ogden Nash was an American poet who suffered from crohn’s disease according to Wikipedia, his unfortunate demise was after a lactobacillus infection after eating …
Continue Reading13 symptoms never to ignore

A large number of people have a habit of ignoring potentially serious symptoms. This may have dire consequences for the individuals concerned as delays in diagnosing cancer can lead to disastrous outcomes in terms of treatment and potential cure. There …
Continue ReadingThe stigma of stomas?

Luke Bennet’s very brave ‘selfie’ that went viral with 3 million views and shared by 10 000 users, depicted the 20 year old law student from Swansea standing in his boxers with his 5 week old stoma bag proudly on …
Continue ReadingIt’s August so…

The middle Sunday in August and, apart from the leadership row in the Labour party, not a lot to write about so, guess what? Both the Mail and theGuardian dug out the old ‘coeliac food on prescription outrage’ and ‘food intolerance – fact …
Continue ReadingThe Black Seed Plant: Over 2,000 Years of Health Benefits

Black seed plant, also known as black cumin, or black caraway, has been used for numerous health problems and conditions. Here’s what it can do, what it might do for you, as well as side effects to be aware of …
Continue Reading#NotJustIBS Twitter Chat with the IBS Network

Take part in a Twitter chat with the IBS Network on Tuesday 18 August for the chance to ask any questions you may have regarding Irritable Bowel Syndrome. The event is happening between 19:00pm and 20:00pm GMT and anyone with a Twitter account …
Continue ReadingSurvey Results: 70% Suffering from Bowel or Digestive Problems

There is an estimated 14 million people in the UK living with a bladder control problem and 6.5 million living with a bowel control problem. [1] Of all the illnesses that affect the gut, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is one …
Continue ReadingOur amazing gut microbiome – what is it and what happens when it goes awry?

Courtesy of MetaHit website Our microbiome is the name for the microbes that live on our body and some people think that the microbiome is our forgotten organ. Over the last few years our knowledge of what our microbiome is …
Continue ReadingNever2Young + Bladder, Bowel and Digestive Health

talkhealth and NHS Choices have teamed up with Bladder & Bowel Foundation, The IBS Network and PromoCon to present an Online Clinic on Bladder, Bowel & Digestive Health – open now! We recently received a press release from Never Too Young …
Continue ReadingLiving the dream

This week we are running our online clinic on bladder, bowel and digestive health. I have had a stressful week, moving house, downsizing here in the UK and hoping soon to semi-retire and move to France. It made me think of …
Continue ReadingClinical efficacy and cost effectiveness of low FODMAP diet
Jules_GastroRD: Just started following JHND blog – see here for a link to a paper published on Group education for the Low FODMAP diet. Originally posted on Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics Notes: Clinical effectiveness and economic costs of …
Continue ReadingWorld Continence Week – when inhibitions are cast off and awareness is promoted
The first World Continence Week (WCW) was initiated by the international Continence Society (ICS) in Cairo in 2008, with worldwide activities promoted to raise its profile and public awareness. Incontinence and bladder-related problems are now more common than asthma, diabetes …
Continue ReadingWhen Sex Is Painful What Can You Do?
The hormonal changes at menopause can make sex more difficult as the body’s natural lubrication diminishes. You don’t have to ‘put up with it’ as restoring hormone balance can really help. This is a frequent concern for women as they …
Continue ReadingWhy Microbiotics should be in your diet
Many of us are much more aware of our need for good nutrition than ever before – but even more people are confused and bewildered by the contradicting advice, and ever-emerging string of ‘super foods’ we are advised to include …
Continue ReadingMy Catch 22 Disease

Ever heard of a catch 22? Well according to Urbandictionary.com, a catch 22 is “Also known as a vicious cycle – two or more conditions require the other conditions to be fulfilled, but these other conditions also require the original …
Continue ReadingWhat to Expect with a CT Enteroclysis

No this is not mine, mine is all screwed up! But you gotta admit this is cool! Friday I had my least favorite test in the world performed. Well actually it was a double doozie because I had a colonoscopy …
Continue ReadingDry January

The blog entry was originally posted on the British Dental Health Foundation Blog Section When I was asked if I was doing Dry January, the thought initially made me shudder. So called ‘dryathletes’ give up alcohol for a month and …
Continue ReadingComment on DELICIOUS low FODMAP lemon polenta cake by RMdietetics

Another dietitian off to have a baby means another event in the office with sweet treats. So that myself and coeliac colleagues could get involved, this was a great opportunity to try out a FODMAP friendly and gluten free cake …
Continue ReadingComment on DELICIOUS low FODMAP lemon polenta cake by Judith van der Leeden

Another dietitian off to have a baby means another event in the office with sweet treats. So that myself and coeliac colleagues could get involved, this was a great opportunity to try out a FODMAP friendly and gluten free cake …
Continue ReadingMy College LifeSavers

Yesterday I had my last first day of college. While the day was a tad bitter-sweet, I couldn’t help but be amazed that I’ve made it this far. It is crazy everything I have been through in college. To be …
Continue ReadingComment on About by Low FODMAP Grocery Shopping: UK vs US – Well Balanced. Food. Life. Travel.

RMdietetics Ltd. is Mel Rendall and Lee Martin, two Registered Dietitians (RD) living in London. Mel is a specialist paediatric dietitan working in the acute and community in North West London & also at The Portland Hospital, working across a wide range …
Continue Reading#FightingFierce: IBD Awareness Week

Everyday I am Fighting on the Inside BUT Fierce on the Outside. I refuse to give up and I refuse to give in to my disease. My life with Crohns makes each day an uphill battle, BUT it has also …
Continue ReadingComment on About by Low FODMAP Baking: US vs. UK – Well Balanced. Food. Life. Travel.

RMdietetics Ltd. is Mel Rendall and Lee Martin, two Registered Dietitians (RD) living in London. Mel is a specialist paediatric dietitan working in the acute and community in North West London & also at The Portland Hospital, working across a wide range …
Continue ReadingWheat free couscous stuffed peppers and Living well with IBS

Please watch and share ‘Living well with IBS’ (irritable bowel syndrome), a film made by Vicky Grant, a researcher at the University of Sheffield, and Gemma Thorpe, a professional filmmaker. Vicky has lived with IBS for over 30 years; here …
Continue ReadingWhy You Should Care

“The information from your blog has helped me relate to people who are battling sickness, are affected by a loved one who is battling, or an individual who has overcome and beaten their disease or illness.” – Bryan Why should …
Continue ReadingCome Back Food

Last Thursday I walked to the mailroom to pick up my box of IV nutrition. When I got there, the box was heavier than normal and my heart sank and my mind started spinning… Heavier box = more TPN = …
Continue ReadingLynda Bellingham- Bowel Cancer UK statement

“At Bowel Cancer UK, we were all saddened to hear of the news of Lynda Bellingham’s diagnosis of advanced bowel cancer.” “But unfortunately it’s all too common. Bowel cancer is the UK’s second biggest cancer killer and that’s why we …
Continue ReadingComment on I’m now researching FODMAPs at Kings College London! by Larah

It’s been a few months since my last blog post and I have been very busy with my food poverty and dementia work. Firstly, as my alter ego; the Chairman of East London Food Access @ELFA_Ltd , a social enterprise based in …
Continue ReadingComment on I’m now researching FODMAPs at Kings College London! by RMdietetics

It’s been a few months since my last blog post and I have been very busy with my food poverty and dementia work. Firstly, as my alter ego; the Chairman of East London Food Access @ELFA_Ltd , a social enterprise based in …
Continue ReadingComment on I’m now researching FODMAPs at Kings College London! by Larah

It’s been a few months since my last blog post and I have been very busy with my food poverty and dementia work. Firstly, as my alter ego; the Chairman of East London Food Access @ELFA_Ltd , a social enterprise based in …
Continue ReadingAmerican College of Gastroenterology Issues 2014 Evidence-Based Review on Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Management

This past week, on August 5, the American College of Gastroenterology Task Force on Functional Bowel Disorders, publicly released the 2014 ACG evidence-based systematic review on the management of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC), also known …
Continue ReadingAmerican College of Gastroenterology Issues 2014 Evidence-Based Review on Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Management

This past week, on August 5, the American College of Gastroenterology Task Force on Functional Bowel Disorders, publicly released the 2014 ACG evidence-based systematic review on the management of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC), also known …
Continue ReadingBloglovin

The FODMAPPER Blogging about the FODMAP diet for IBS sufferers and eating lots along the way FODMAP, glorious FODMAP! all things FODMAP friendly Cooking for the Sensitive Gut Delicious soothing recipes the sensitive gut FODMAP free living Yummy recipes for …
Continue ReadingBladder, bowel and digestive health clinic 2014

Did you manage to visit our online clinic on bladder, bowel and digestive health? If you missed it or would like to read through the questions and answers you can see all the content here. We would like to thank …
Continue ReadingNew clinical trial in bowel cancer
Cancer Research UK scientists have discovered how two genes – called MEK and MET – cause bowel cancer cells to become resistant to treatments used against the disease, according to research in the journal Cell Reports*. “Our discoveries in this …
Continue ReadingOral bacteria ‘irritates IBD’

Oral bacteria could have a role to play in the flare-up of irritable bowel disease, new research suggests. The findings, presented in the journal Oral Diseases, discovered that colitis, also known as irritable bowel disease (IBD), was aggravated by the presence …
Continue ReadingTo the World that Hears without Listening

Words words words. Everyone wants me to talk about how I am feeling, to share how it feels to be ill. To explain to them why I feel the way that I do, and they want me to use words …
Continue Readingtalkhealth visit the Natural & Organic Product Show

Last week talkhealth went to the very busy Natural & Organic Product Show up in Olympia. We were so pleased to see so many friendly faces including Pravera, silicolgel and Salcura to name but a …
Continue ReadingThe Game That Never Should Have Been Invented
During my time in the first psychiatric hospital I was in, I noticed that the cleanliness of the ward left a lot to be desired. For one, I noticed a giant dust bunny beside my bed on the first night …
Continue ReadingTwo things…

There are two things that I am going to share with you today…one is a moral karma kind of thing, and the other is a what pisses me off kind of thing. So first up is the very brief moral …
Continue ReadingBowel Cancer UK launches new diet information pack for people in recovery from bowel cancer

Bowel Cancer UK has produced a new information pack called ‘Your Diet: Living with and beyond bowel cancer’ which will inform and give tips to people recovering from bowel cancer. Every year, over 40,000 people are diagnosed with bowel cancer …
Continue ReadingGoodness me…

…Mr WLB wants me to let him loose again! He has been emailing little suggestions over to me all day! Things that he thinks I should mention to you. However, his idea of mentionable behaviour and mine are a little …
Continue ReadingWould Renaming Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Make a Real Difference?
Jules_GastroRD: This is a thought provoking piece about renaming IBS – we certainly need more IBS advocates would a name change increase advocacy? Originally posted on IBS IMPACT: Over the years, the symptom cluster currently known as irritable bowel syndrome …
Continue ReadingI’m now researching FODMAPs at Kings College London!

It’s been a few months since my last blog post and I have been very busy with my food poverty and dementia work. Firstly, as my alter ego; the Chairman of East London Food Access @ELFA_Ltd , a social enterprise based in …
Continue ReadingMr WLB…

…decided that he wanted to choose the subject for tonight’s blog post. It seems that he wants to be amused! Mr WLB has been reminiscing and reminded me last night of some of the silly and stupid happenings we have …
Continue ReadingTips that Make Not Eating Easier
Ever been on a liquid or supplemental diet for your IBD, or been on TPN, like me and not been able to eat anything? Well it sucks! So here are 5 tips that I have developed of the last 14 …
Continue ReadingCommonly malabsorbed sugar causes obesity! What? – I’m afraid its just not that simple.
What is Fructose? Fructose is a hexose, a single unit sugar which occurs naturally in fruit and is a component of the disaccharide table sugar sucrose; it is also the building block of the long chain carbohydrate, fructans. This sugar …
Continue ReadingDeep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) link with cancer
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot in the deep veins of the legs, is always going to be a matter of concern. Worryingly however, recent NICE guidelines have highlighted an additional concern for those found to be suffering from …
Continue ReadingWant To Run A Marathon? Tips To Help…

So, you’ve signed up for the London Marathon? Here are some generalised training tips and knowledge to help. OK, not the London Marathon, but I do like this shot of me and the huskies on the Brecon Beacons! A marathon …
Continue Reading2013 in review

In the great tradition leading up to New Year we look back at what has gone before and think about the times ahead. Last year I published the WordPress stats of my blog and I decided to repeat the process …
Continue ReadingHealth Update on TPN
I haven’t been writing much lately because I don’t really have anything to write. I’ve been on TPN for almost 3 weeks and haven’t seen any significant improvements. In fact in some ways I seem to be getting worse. …
Continue ReadingI am a Ninja

I do not want your sympathy. I can’t speak for others with Irritable Bowel Disease, but I know personally, that I do not want sympathy. Even worse than sympathy is pity. Why would I want you to pity me, …
Continue Reading5 Interesting Articles on Gut Bacteria, Gluten & FODMAPs, NCGS (Non Coeliac Gluten Sensitivity), & Constipation

I try to complete a post once per month but this month has been hectic! However I did have time to whip up this post which has some good articles that I came across via twitter in October so I …
Continue ReadingMy annual toilet rant

I have to say I find the price of toilets rather expensive and unlike last year when I travelled to London, this year I am going to blog about the problem. My bladder is partly at fault here, because it …
Continue ReadingOnline Clinic on Men’s Health now OPEN

Our Online Clinic on Men’s health is now open, this is your chance to ask our experts about any health concerns or queries you may have. We know that men in particular are not that good at going to the …
Continue ReadingStir fry beef low fodmap

This recipe is suitable for a Low FODMAP diet, lactose free, wheat free dairy free and some advice later will show you how you can modify this recipe suitable for Crohn’s and colitis too. Give it a go – also …
Continue ReadingLocal Charity hosts IBS Wellbeing Day in Sheffield on Saturday 16th November.

With 1 in 3 people experiencing the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome, this common health complaint accounts for 10 per cent of visits to GP surgeries. To coincide with the launch of its unique IBS Self Care Plan, The IBS …
Continue ReadingGrains galore! Super? Or perhaps not……………

It appears that we have some grains that are ‘super’ according to the blogosphere, now I am not necessarily a fan of super foods which are proposed to be better for you than standard foods, but it is great for …
Continue Reading5 IBS & FODMAP Articles You Really Need to Read! (August 2013)

I love writing these posts (bit geeky I know!) but the more information you have about a subject, as long as you can critically appraise it, the better your understanding and therefore you enjoy it more. This months top articles …
Continue ReadingIrritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
I often find myself working with clients suffering from IBS, both in my Hypnotherapy and in my Personal Training capacities. Irritable Bowel Syndrome, or ‘IBS’, is a disorder involving a collection of symptoms that can include abdominal pain and cramping …
Continue ReadingThe Top 5 FODMAP & IBS Articles from July 2013

I’m a bit late this month reviewing the useful information twitter sends our way. Weddings (not ours!) and general summer activities have taken up my time along with far too much painting and redecorating. Anyway sit back and enjoy this …
Continue ReadingLow FODMAP inspired Beef Rendang

This curry is cooked for a couple of hours so the meat is lovely and tender. Choose some vegetables that will cook slowly with the dish. We found some cheap butternut squash already sliced in a packet so added these …
Continue ReadingBladder, Bowel and IBS Clinic

Did you manage to catch our online clinic on Bladder, Bowel and IBS? If not don’t worry – as the clinic is still available for viewing and offers some fantastic support and advice provided by our panel of leading experts. …
Continue ReadingLow FODMAP on a budget – how to make the diet more affordable

One factor I have noticed about this diet is the likely increase in food costs, it is not possible to get gluten/wheat free foods on prescription. Free from food is expensive, no-one will disagree, so how can we make the …
Continue ReadingDELICIOUS low FODMAP lemon polenta cake

Another dietitian off to have a baby means another event in the office with sweet treats. So that myself and coeliac colleagues could get involved, this was a great opportunity to try out a FODMAP friendly and gluten free cake …
Continue ReadingIf you can only read 5 articles on IBS & FODMAP this month make sure they are these…….

Summary of useful IBS & FODMAP related articles & research via Twitter in the last month (May 2013) This is obviously not an extensive list…what you think I live on twitter? But please use the comments to leave links to …
Continue ReadingAdding flavour to Low FODMAP meals (Part 2)

Using up your herbs! If you’re new to the blog, we previously posted about adding flavour to FODMAP meals with herbs being a favourite of ours and an opportunity to get those green thumbs flexing. If it has now got to …
Continue ReadingSelf care for Irritable Bowel Syndrome

As of last weekend the Self Care Plan for people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is free access for those people with the condition and for those who might feel their symptoms are down to IBS, but are unsure and …
Continue Reading“I’ve lost more than you weigh, bitch!”

What do Subo and I have in common? Well, it goes something along the lines of the look that Simon Cowell and the audience gave when Susan Boyle stepped on stage, and the looks that I was given today by …
Continue ReadingGluten free bread woes?

The one anxiety people have when they are diagnosed with coeliac disease is the bread. People complain about the texture, the taste, the fact that sandwiches ‘are just not the same’, the slices are too small and they struggle with …
Continue ReadingtalkIBS coming soon & we need your help!

We will be launching talkIBS very soon and we are looking for you to help us build our new platform in order to help many others. We are looking for articles and stories associated with IBS that you think others …
Continue ReadingRecognizing the Signs and Symptoms of Chronic Candida
The human body harbors a variety of yeasts as well as beneficial bacteria to keep out destructive bacteria and toxins in the digestive tract and mucus membranes. For optimal health, it’s necessary to harbor a good balance of yeast and …
Continue ReadingHow To Stop Wetting Your Knickers & Start Enjoying Life Again
Really how can you ignore a headline like that when it seems that one in 4 women1 wet their knickers every time they sneeze, cough, exercise, laugh or dance? We women of a certain age have taken to buying Tena lady …
Continue ReadingCheap vitamin could prevent birth defects

Politicians need to help tackle the common misconception that taking folic acid during pregnancy is optional, writes Jackie Bland, chief executive of SHINE. Spina bifida is the most severe congenital abnormality compatible with life, yet it still affects 1 in …
Continue Reading40% only visit GP after nudge from a friend or relative

More than a third (40 per cent) of people say talking to a friend or relative about a change to their body that was playing on their mind encouraged them to make an appointment with a GP, according to a …
Continue ReadingA Yogalicious Advent Calendar – Free!
I know we are more used to the traditional chocolate feast for the first 24 days of December, but in the interests of our health – and waistlines – I thought you might like to try something different this year. …
Continue ReadingWhat To Do About Fibroids
Fibroids will be diagnosed in many women, but may need no treatment at all. They are most often found in women between 30-50+ who have had no children and become less common at menopause as oestrogen levels decline. Being overweight is …
Continue ReadingCancer Warning for Women who like a Glass of Wine or Three
They are the problem drinkers missed by government efforts to curb alcohol misuse – women, often middle-class and professional, who share a bottle of wine with a partner over dinner each night, putting their health at risk. Unnoticed because they …
Continue ReadingWE ARE ALL FULL OF IT
This week’s picture has nothing to do with the blog. I figured if I put up a picture of what my blog is about…y’all probably would not read it. I want to talk about something that no one wants …
Continue ReadingPeppermint tea – great for stomach pains
As all Coeliacs will know, it’s easy for your stomach/intestines to get irritated about something when you have a gluten-intolerance. The gluten damages the villi of your intestine, leaving it weak. Sometimes it’s easy to eat gluten by accident, and …
Continue ReadingIrritable Bowel Syndrome leads to more than 5,000 hospital admissions a year, new report shows
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) led to more than 5,000 hospital admissions in England in 2011 – with women accounting for 70 per cent of such admissions – Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC) figures show. IBS is a common …
Continue ReadingCould You Go Without Gluten For A Week?
Coeliac UK, the national charity for coeliac disease is challenging the nation to go gluten-free from 14-20 May to raise awareness of the daily food frustrations encountered by the 1 in 100 people in the UK who have coeliac disease. …
Continue ReadingEating Disorders and Malnutrition
Reproduced by kind permission of F.E.A.S.T. (Families Empowered and Supporting Treatment of Eating Disorders) www.feast-ed.org “EFFECTS OF MALNUTRITION An eating disorder, along with the cognitive and emotional symptoms, causes nutritional chaos. That chaos of lost nutrients, erratic supply, and the …
Continue ReadingAcne – A Herbalist’s View

Acne usually starts at puberty and tends to affect males more than females. Usually it’s the face, neck chest and upper back that are affected. Although acne is often triggered by puberty it can persist once puberty is over. Layers …
Continue ReadingTesting for allergies
When all your usual remedies fail and the doctor is baffled by your symptoms, you may suspect you or your child has an allergy. It’s often difficult to find a specialist in allergies who can help, but there are now …
Continue ReadingCollaboration with the Bladder and Bowel Foundation
talkhealth are proud to be in collaboration with the Bladder and Bowel Foundation (B&BF) in our talkcontinence forum. The Bladder and Bowel Foundation (B&BF) is the UK charity for people with bladder and bowel control problems. B&BF provides information and …
Continue ReadingBritish Nutrition Foundation Confirms There Is No Evidence That Sliced Bread Bloats Us
Despite a distinct lack of scientific proof, the start of the 21st century has seen a continuation of the claim that sliced supermarket bread made by the Chorleywood Bread Process (CBP)** causes bloating. A new report published by the British Nutrition Foundation in …
Continue ReadingThree bowel cancer drugs rejected
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) have rejected 3 bowel cancer drugs over concerns of cost effectiveness. Chief Executive Andrew Dillon said “We have to be confident that the benefits that drugs offer patients really do justify what …
Continue ReadingIs bread the enemy?
New research by the University of Portsmouth has found that 1 in 5 British adults believe they have a food allergy and most blame wheat. This could explain why bread sales have been declining since the 1970s. Many diets portray …
Continue Reading10 Myths About Food Intolerance
I thought that I would share with you some of the common myths surrounding food intolerance! Here goes:- Myth 1 – Food intolerances are very rare Genuine food allergy is rare. Less than 2% of the population (and 8% of children …
Continue ReadingHow do you get a 3 year old to understand their allergies?
So how do you get a 3 year old to understand that they can’t eat wheat? That if they eat wheat they will end up in pain and discomfort for days around going to the toilet? How do you get …
Continue ReadingFood allergy or intolerance? When people talk about suffering from food reactions, whether allergy, intolerance or hyper-sensitivity, what do they mean?
The statistics from Allergy UK state that 45% of the population suffer from “food intolerance” symptoms such as gut problems, skin problems, headaches, migraines, joint pains, fatigue and low mood. However, when people talk about suffering from food reactions, whether …
Continue ReadingDr Chris Steele Has Coeliac Disease
Dr Chris Steele MBE announced today, 18th January 2010, on ITV’s This Morning where he is the show’s resident doctor, that he has been diagnosed coeliac disease. Coeliac disease is an autoimmune disease caused by intolerance to gluten. Damage is …
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