Do I have dysbiosis? Dysbiosis refers to a microbial imbalance on or within the body; in other words, an imbalance of good versus bad bacteria. It most often occurs in the digestive tract (leading to unpleasant symptoms, such as bloating, excessive wind, IBS symptoms etc). However, it can also present on any exposed surface or…
Effects of antibiotic use on the digestive system Antibiotic resistance is perhaps the most well-known side effect of long-term use of antibiotics – a type of drug resistance, where a micro-organism can eventually withstand exposure to the antibiotic as a result of over-prescription and reliance. However, there are actually many other side effects that can…
The process of digestion Digestion is a vital process in the body, during which food that is eaten is broken down into a simple form that can be absorbed by the body. The mouth, oesophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum and anus are the organs that make up our digestive system. The process of…
What is protein? Protein is a word that is frequently used on television, in advertising and on packaging and so most people are familiar with it. However, you might be surprised at just how few people actually know what protein is, how it is used by the body and how to identify quality protein foods….
What is Crohn’s disease? Crohn’s disease (also known as granulomatous colitis and regional enteritis), is a chronic inflammatory disease of the digestive or gastrointestinal (GI) tract. This can lead to a variety of symptoms, as detailed below. Named after a physician, Dr Crohn, who first described it in 1932, it most commonly presents during adolescence…
What is a balanced diet? Everyone always talks about “eating a balanced diet”, but have you ever wondered what that actually means? Firstly, it is important to note that a balanced diet is essential for general health and well-being, as well as for maintaining a healthy weight. How it is achieved in practice can be…
Get started with your weight loss programme today! Let’s face it, no one is at their ideal weight all the time and more often than not, you could stand to lose a few pounds rather than putting some on. Luckily, this blog post will help out anyone who wishes to get started on a successful…
What does weight management mean? For many people, weight loss, slimming, dieting, shaping up (whatever you choose to call it) is a life-long struggle and involves a lot of disappointment, negative body image and, often, worry, feelings of hopelessness and damage to self-confidence. Yet, being in control of your weight and managing it in a…
Do you have brain fog? Listen to the hype about certain “superfoods” and you’ll hear claims that they can support everything from cognitive function and psychological function, to enhanced memory and focus. But what are these foods and do they really do what is promised? There’s no denying that as the body ages, our brain…
What are probiotics? Probiotics are live micro-organisms (often bacteria) that are thought to have a positive effect on the health of the host organism (i.e. our bodies) and, in particular, digestive tract health. They are more commonly referred to as “friendly bacteria” or “good bacteria.” Most probiotics are bacteria similar to those naturally found in…
