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…
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…
Do I have Irritable Bowel Syndrome? Irritable Bowel Syndrome (or IBS) is a chronic gastrointestinal problem, which leads to unusual sensitivity and muscle activity. It is very common, afflicts mainly women and tends to develop ebfore the age of 35. It is also often referred to as spastic colon, spastic colitis, mucous colitis or nervous…
Everyone’s had bad breath at some time in their lives, particularly first thing in the morning. But when it becomes a chronic problem, it can cause embarrassment and have a negative impact on your quality of life. For instance, in terms of work interactions and socialising. Identifying the cause of bad breath is often the…
The most common causes of bloating Stomach bloating is a common condition that affects as many as 1 in 5 people. While it’s most commonly associated with women, men can be just as prone. Bloating can be very unpleasant, with the stomach swelling up like a balloon and making it difficult to wear tight-fitting clothes…
What is dietary fibre? Dietary fibre, “bulk” or “roughage” (a complex carbohydrate) is the part of plant-derived foods that can’t be completely broken down by digestive enzymes in the human digestive system. Instead, it travels through the gut largely untouched, when it arrives in the colon where it may or may not be fermented by…
What is body detoxification? Broadly speaking, the aim of any detox programme is to eliminate toxins from the body that have accumulated over time, resulting in a healthier and more energised you. There are countless ways to bring about the detoxification of the body and, as such, there are a wide variety of detox programmes…
About the colon To understand the role of the colon, it is important to first understand how the digestive tract (of which the colon is a part) is formed and functions in the body. The digestive tract is the group of organs through which food and liquids pass when they are swallowed, digested and finally…
So you think you know all about the humble beetroot – the root vegetable so often found in pantries since World War II. But you might be surprised to learn that it is so much more than just a pickle. It is actually a nutritional powerhouse, now widely regarded as a “superfood”, and best friend…
Digestive system disorders Nutritionists and other natural health practitioners place a lot of emphasis on the health of the digestive tract in terms of maintaining overall health and well-being. This is logical, given that our digestive system is central to the absorption of the nutrients that we need to keep us functioning efficiently. In addition,…
