Helicobacter pylori is a common bacterium that grows in the digestive tract (gut). It is also known as H. pylori, the “H” in the name is short for Helicobacter. “Helico” means spiral, which shows that the bacteria are spiral shaped. H. pylori attack the stomach lining, many infections are usually harmless, but they are also responsible for most stomach and […]
Author archives: Sandie E
Dietary fibre, explained.
Getting enough fibre in the diet is essential for health as research has shown that besides reducing constipation, it can help with weight management, may lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of diabetes, heart disease and bowel cancer. Dietary fibre is a type of complex carbohydrates found in plant-based foods that our digestive system […]
Irritable bowel syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a long-term condition of the digestive system that causes episodes of abdominal cramps, bloating and changes in bowel movements. IBS is the name doctors give to a collection of otherwise unexplained symptoms relating to a disturbance in the digestive system and bowels habits. IBS is an illness that has no […]
Navigating the forest of life: Managing the stress response.
Pressure and stress are essential; they touch every aspect of our everyday life; helping us complete tasks, allowing us to learn new things and to be creative, and one is needed for our survival. There is an optimum level of pressure that brings about our best performance, allows us to take on new challenges hit […]
Understanding Coeliac Disease: What You Need to Know
Coeliac disease is a lifelong autoimmune condition triggered by a reaction to gluten. It’s surprisingly common, affecting 1 in 100 people, but many are living with the condition undiagnosed.
Tinnitus
Often described as a ringing in the ears, Tinnitus is the name for perception or sensation of hearing any sound in the ears or head not created from the outside environment.
Potassium, why do we need it?
Potassium is a mineral and one of the body’s essential electrolytes, and it has many vital roles in maintaining our health. Found in all body tissues and required for normal cell function helping to regulate fluid balance, the electrical activity of the heart and the control of other muscles. Potassium is present in many foods […]
Coccyx pain explained
The tailbone, or coccyx, sits at the very bottom of your spine, just below the sacrum. It’s a small, triangular bone that looks like a tiny tail. The coccyx comprises 3 to 5 small bones, called coccygeal vertebrae, which are held together by ligaments.
Calming the monkey mind
Mindfulness and meditation are everywhere; it’s being offered as a cure-all for everything from IBS and low-self esteem to help pain management and depression. There is good science to confirm the benefits, and growing research shows that when people train to be more mindful, they are rewiring the physical structure of their brain, but what […]
Zinc, the inside scoop
Zinc is an essential trace element involved in many crucial processes in our body including the optimal function of over 300 enzymes, facilitating digestion, strengthening the heart, metabolising nutrients, and maintaining our immune system and fighting free-radical damage.
Touch, the silent language of compassion, communication, and connection.
Welcome to 2019! I wanted the first entry of this new year to be about something significant, meaningful and potentially life-changing, so let’s talk about the benefits of touch. Touch is our first sense to develop and the first language we learn; while in the womb, foetuses touch their face to learn about themselves. As […]
High blood pressure, explained
Studies estimate that one in four adults in the UK to have high blood pressure without realising it because it rarely has any signs or symptoms. Hypertension the medical term for high blood pressure, untreated it increases the risk of severe health problems..
Alcohol, the good, the bad and the confusing.
Alcohol is a Jekyll and Hyde character; inextricably linked with so many good events in most people’s lives. Many of the happiest times celebrated with a clink of glasses and a little (or a lot) of your favourite tipple. In contrast, how many times have you reached for an alcoholic drink due after hearing bad […]
Anaemia
Do you struggle to get through the day? Or get breathless, sluggish and weak doing everyday activities? These could be signs of anaemia. Anaemia leads to poor circulation of oxygen around the body and sometimes causes complications, although it’s rare, anaemia that remains untreated can even become deadly.
Movement matters, 5 exercise hacks for standing and balance
Proper alignment can help your body move in a way that’s efficient and intelligent, it can reduce the risk of injury and prevent wear and tear on joints. Standing well has other benefits too, our respiratory and digestive systems are more efficient when the body is aligned, and we can appear more confident. This simple […]
Prehabilitation, explained and how it can enhance your life.
Most people will have heard of physical or health rehabilitation, which aims to help people restore their full health or their normal life through hands-on therapy and physical training usually after illness, injury or surgery.
Serotonin, why you need it?
Serotonin is sometimes called the happy chemical because it contributes to wellbeing, mood and happiness. Serotonin is widely believed to be a neurotransmitter although some scientists think it is a hormone.
Seasonal Affective Disorder, winter depression, explained
Are you dreading the long cold dark evenings ahead now that the clocks have changed? Do you want to hibernate and overeat? If yes, you might be at risk of winter depression. Living in the northern hemisphere means the change of seasons can profoundly affect some people; low mood, craving carbohydrates, or simply wanting to hibernate through […]
Walking, are you getting the real benefits?
I was recounting a story in one of my classes recently about a man complaining about his struggle to find a parking space after a stressful drive to his “lovely health club”, where he jumped on a treadmill and walked for 30 minutes before driving home! Mmm, I know his part of the metropolis is […]
The Vagus Nerve, and your health
Like a super spy, the vagus nerve wanders around the body, reporting back to the brain subconsciously (secretly) with constant updates on what’s going on in our body. It is part of our protective stress response, noticing facial expressions, responding to people’s voices and monitoring our internal organs.