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 […]
What is diarrhoea? Diarrhoea is an increase in the frequency of bowel movements or a decrease in the form of the stool (i.e. greater looseness and water content). It is usually a symptom of an underlying illness, infection or other condition or external factor (such as poor diet or stress). Although changes in frequency of […]
What are antioxidants? Antioxidants are beneficial compounds found in certain natural foods, such as fruit, vegetables, grasses, grains etc and even some animal products (such as fish oils). They help to defend your cells from damage caused by potentially harmful molecules, known as free radicals. How do free radicals damage the body? When free radicals […]
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 […]
Is your body acidic? If your diet is high in alcohol, caffeine, meat, sugary foods, processed foods, dairy products and/or nicotine (all highly acid-forming), chances are your body will be acidic. Some signs of over-acidity include irritability, sensitivity, fatigue, joint aches and pains (inflammation), headaches, trouble sleeping and indigestion. These symptoms are also often accompanied […]
What is Candida albicans? Candida (also sometimes referred to as a thrush, yeast or fungal infection) is a single cell, plant-like fungi. It starts life as a yeast, which everybody has in their digestive systems and other mucous membranes from birth. It also lives on the skin. In terms of how it acts in the […]
Coeliac disease (pronounced see-liac and spelled celiac in other countries) is an autoimmune disease, not an intolerance as is often assumed. This means that the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues, through the production of antibodies. In the case of coeliac disease, this reaction is triggered by gluten. Gluten is a protein composite found […]
What puts the “super” into superfoods? The expression “superfood” has been used for many years now, but what does it actually mean? And do these foods provide the answer to your nutritional goals, or is it all just hype? Well, the reason these foods are referred to as being “super” is because they tend to […]
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 […]
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 […]
