About Me

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Birmingham, United Kingdom
Welcome to my blog, and thank you for stopping by. I hope you find it informative, and if there is anything I have missed or you would like me to talk about please drop me a line of suggestion. After seeing a nutritional therapist I decided from the improvement of my own health that I would like to be there in the same way for others, therefore, I studied two degrees; one in Nutritional Therapy and another in Bioscience Nutrition so that i could be equipped to support a number of health conditions. I now work for a supplement company on a clinical team supporting practitioners and keeping upto date with all new scientific information and provide private consultations too aswel as keeping my blog going :)

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Friday 25 November 2011

Non alcoholic mulled wine recipe: remedy for the common cough, cold and flu

A great drink for the winter to support the immune system especially if you have a cough or cold 

Non alcoholic mulled wine
Serves 2
Ingredients
375g of elderberries
1.25 litres of water
2 cinnamon stick
50g raisins
10 cloves
3 large oranges
3 tablespoons of manuka honey
2  tablespoons of xylitol
¼ lemon
1 piece of ginger root (grated)
Method
1.     Grate the zest from the oranges and lemon, and then juice them with the elderberries and add the cloves
2.     Place all the above into a large saucepan
3.     Add the water, honey, xylitol, cinnamon sticks, grated ginger and raisins.
4.     Heat the mixture for 20 mins, try not to let it simmer.
5.     Remove from the heat and drain through a sieve into a large punch bowl
6.     Your wine is now ready to serve.

Thursday 24 November 2011

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

Crohns Disease

CD is an Inflammatory disease that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract.  The condition often affects the lower part of the small intestine ‘distal iluem’ and the large intestine ‘colon’. Inflammation may spread throughout the bowel causing ulceration of the mucosa (fistula), and thickening of the intestinal wall from scar tissue (stenosis). The scar tissue can form an obstruction symptomised by cramping and abdominal pain. The damage to the intestinal wall may lead to increase intestinal permeability and an open area for bacterial infection.

Symptoms

·         Diarrhoea sometimes with apparent blood in the stools with faecal occult blood (the blood that is not visible)
·         Lethargy
·         Abdominal pains and cramping
·         Loss of appetite and weight loss
·         Long lasting fever
·         Skin conditions
·         Ulcers in the mouth

Pathophysiology

The condition can be due to genetic factors, increased intestinal permeability, food allergies, dysbiosis and poor detoxification.

An up-regulated immune response has been associated to TH1 being out of balance with TH2.  The TH2 cells release pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-alpha and and iFN-y) in response to what should be innocuous allergens binding at the receptor sites of antigens  in the lumen.

Medical Management

 A diagnosis is made from tests such as colonoscopy, blood tests, small bowel
enema (SBE), CT scans and MRI scans.  To treat the inflammation medications 
such steroids, immunomodulators and aminosalicylates, and antibodies 
combined with enzymes are often used.  25% of people  experience an allergic
response to the combination of enzymes with antibodies.  Other side effects 
from the medications may be lethargy, headaches, muscle aches and nausea.  
If the  condition cannot be controlled with medication surgery is suggested.   

Clinical Considerations

·         Liquid vitamins and minerals may be taken sublingually to reduce digestive activity
·         Consider liver support due to toxins from poor digestion and dysbiosis
·         Regular blood tests are advised to monitor iron, folate and B12 levels as blood loss may cause anaemia

Nutritional Interventions

·         Vitamin C-Serum and leucocyte ascorbate levels are low in adult and pediatric patients with CD, both in active disease and in disease remission[i],[ii],[iii]
·     Vitamin D - to support the absorption of calcium through the intestinal lining for bone health. 
·         Omega 3- reduce the inflammatory response of the colonic mucosa [iv]
·         Probiotics-down-regulate the inflammatory response of IgA, and TNF-α[v}

Diet

·         Raw vegetable juices to provide antioxidant support and natural digestive enzymes 
·         Green leafy vegetables such as cabbage may help encourage the growth of healthy bacteria
·         Slippery elm and aloe vera juice may help soothe the digestive tract and help inhibit bacterial growth
·         Meditation and yoga may help to relieve stress
·         Remove citrus from the diet as it may irritate the digestive tract
·         Dairy may form additional mucous to the lining along the gastrointestinal tract affecting the uptake of nutrients


[i] Filippi J, Al-Jaouni R, Wiroth JB, et al. Nutritional deficiencies in patients with Crohn’s disease in remission. Inflamm Bowel Dis 2006; 12: 185–191.
[ii] Wendland BE, Aghdassi E, Tam C, et al. Lipid peroxidation and plasma antioxidant micronutrients in Crohn disease. Am J Clin Nutr 2001; 74: 259–264.
[iii] Reifen R, Nur T, Matas Z, Halpren Z. Lycopene supplementation attenuates the inflammatory status of colitis in a rat model. Int J Vitamin Nutr Res. 2001;71(6):347-51
[iv] Calder PC (2006) n-3 Polyunsaturated fatty acids, inflammation, and inflammatory diseases. Am J Clin Nutr 83, 1505–1519[iii] Hoffenberg EJ, Deutsch J, Smith S, et al. Circulating antioxidant concentrations in children with inflammatory  bowel disease. Am J Clin Nutr 1997; 65, 1482–1488.
[v] Matsumo S. Anti-inflammatory effects of probiotic Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota in chronic intestinal inflammatory disorders. Int J Probiotics Prebiotics 2008; 3: 149-152

Wednesday 26 October 2011

Eczema Clinical Protocol

Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that is most prevalent in children due to an allergic response hyperactive IgE activity from the Langerhan cells and other dermal dendritic cells in the epidermal layer.  The condition is commonly localised to the neck, hands, feet and flexures such as the elbows and the backs of the legs.   During the acute stages of eczema dermal blood vessels undergo vasodilation making them more permeable causing plasma to leak into a localised area resulting in oedema. The oedema manifests itself as small blisters on soft skin that rupture producing exudate and crusting. On hard skin such as the hands and feet the blisters conjoin and bubble known as ‘polypholyx’. During the chronic stage inflammation reduces and the area that has been aggravated through itching and rubbing is painful and forms a thick horny layer known as lecification. 

 Symptoms

·         Tiny blisters conjoining to form larger blisters called ‘pompholyx’ on the soles of the feet or hands
·         Skin will be red and swollen accompanied by itchiness and warmth to touch 
·         Lecification due to the skin being aggravated though itching and rubbing
·         exudate and crusting 

Pathophysiology

This may be a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
If both parents have atopic conditions such as asthma or hayfever
the child is 70% more likely to have an atopic condition in the
infant years that occur as flare ups during adult life when under
stress. Clusters of interleukins IL-3,IL-4,IL5 and IL-13(TH2
cytokines)on chromosome 5q have been associated with atopic
lesions .

T-Helper 2 (TH2) cell up-regulation results in a down-regulation
of T-Helper 1 (TH1) cells. TH2 dominance increases the synthesis of inflammatory cell mediators; Immunoglobulin E (IgE) and T-lymphocytes which activates Langerhan cells and other immune supportive dermal cells in the epidermal layer. This can cause innocuous endogenous molecules (ie: pollen and dust) to react as antigens. 

Digestion seems to be major factor related to flare ups. Low levels of HCl production combined with leaky gut and dysbiosis trigger allergic reactions to food such as milk, peanuts and gluten proteins. In addition poor fat metabolism may relate to a thin epidermal layer in atopic eczema causing lesions and scaling of the skin.

Medical Management

Medicines such as oral or topical corticosteroids are used to reduce inflammation and antihistamines to reduce itching.  If the eczema becomes affected by bacteria antibiotics are also prescribed. 

Clinical Considerations

·         Food allergy testing may be useful to help eliminate certain allergens from the diet.
·         Stools Analysis to check fat metabolism and for the presence of bacteria
·         Drugs such as Ibuprofen may cause a leaky gut
·         Low stomach acid may affect the breakdown of proteins and cause bacterial overgrowth.
·         Poor liver function causing toxic overload has been related to poor skin conditions


Nutritional Support


·         Quercetin is a flavonoid that has been shown to exhibit broad immune modulating   effects[1],[2].
·         Omega 3 fish oils during pregnancy may reduce the risk of food allergy and eczema in children. There may be additional anti-inflammatory effects of EPA and DHA in early immune development through bioactive lipids and T-cell suppression[3],[4],[5].
·         Omega 6 can improve a range of skin problems in eczema especially when GLA is combined with Omega 3[6]. PUFAs in general tend to be deficient in those with itchy, dry skin[7]
·         MSM sulphur acts as an anti-inflammatory and cleanses the system
·         Zinc is supportive to the skins integrity to reduce inflammation and encourage wound healing[8]
·         Vitamin D acts as an immunomodulator of dendritic (Langerhan) cell activity[9]  
·        Digestive Enzymes and HCl  to support the digestion of proteins to reduce allergen response.
·         Probiotics for the colonization of the neo nate GI tract by healthy intestinal microbial flora to support the balance of TH1/Th2 immunity[10].


Dietary Changes


·         Gluten, dairy and egg proteins may act as antigens causing an allergic response
·         Exogenous toxins such as household cleaning products, shampoos and creams may cause a toxic overload on the liver
·         A rich diet in antioxidants may reduce toxic overload and support an anti-inflammatory process
·         Oily fish, nuts and seeds 3-4 times a week may help support the skin barrier integrity


[1]Welton AF, Tobias LD, Fiedler-Nagy C, et al. (1986) Effect of flavonoids on arachidonic acid
metabolism. Prog Clin Biol Res;213:231-42
[2]  Anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties of flavonoids. Prog Clin Biol Res 1986;213:471-
80 [review])
[3] C. Furuhjelm, K. Warstedt, J. Larsson, M. Fredriksson, M. Fageras Bottcher, K. Falth-Magnusson, K. Duchen. Fish oil supplementation in pregnancy and lactation may decrease the risk of infant allergy, Acta Paediatrica
[4] Horrobin DF. Essential fatty acids in clinical dermatology. J Am Acad Dermatol 1989;20:1045–53.
[5] Henz, Jablonska, van de Kerkhof, Stingl, Blaszczyk, Vandervalk, Veenhuizen, Muggli and Raederstorff (1999), Double-blind, multicentre analysis of the efficacy of borage oil in patients with atopic eczema. British Journal of Dermatology, 140: 685–688. [Abstract] http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1046/j.1365-2133.1999.02771.x/full
[6] Miller CC, Tang W, Ziboh VA and Fletche MP (1991) Dietary Supplementation with Ethyl Ester Concentrates of Fish Oil (n-3) and Borage Oil (n-6) Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Induces Epidermal Generation of Local Putative Anti-Inflammatory Metabolites Journal of Investigative Dermatology  96: 98–103[Abstract] http://www.nature.com
[7] Hallahan G and Garland MR (2004) Essential fatty acids and their role in the treatment of impulsivity disorders’ Prostoglandins, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids 4:211-216
[8] Schwartz, J. R., Marsh, R. G. and Draelos, Z. D. (2005), Zinc and Skin Health: Overview of Physiology and Pharmacology. Dermatologic Surgery, 31: 837–847. doi: 10.1111/j.1524-4725.2005.31729
[9] Piemonti  L, Monti P, Sironi M, Fraticelli P, Leone BE, Cin ED, Allavena P and Di Carlo V Vitamin D3 Affects Differentiation, Maturation, and Function of Human Monocyte-Derived Dendritic Cells, The Journal of Immunology, 2000, 164: 4443-4451
[10]  Plummer N, Wood.C  The Neonate Immune System and Risk of allergy. A Delicate Balancing Act, Positively Influence by Probiotics and Fatty Acids.

B vitamins for a healthier mind

B vitamins are water soluble and found in a wide range of foods such as beans, pulses and wholegrains. They work in a multifunctional way by supporting many of our body’s systems such as the release of energy from food, our hormones and brain chemistry.
Have you remembered to take your B vitamins today
A recent study by Oxford and Oslo University found that using high dosages of vitamin B12, folic acid and B6 reduced homocysteine levels. Elevated levels of homocysteine have been associated with damage to blood vessels resulting in cognitive impairment .  By reducing elevated levels of homocysteine over a period of two years with B vitamin supplementation brain shrinkage reduced by 30%. 
Feeling the blues
B vitamins are essential for the manufacturer of our happy hormones dopamine and serotonin. Deficiencies in these vitamins may be shown by signs of depression, anxiety and cognitive decline. During the winter serotonin levels tend to be low due to the lack of sunlight and therefore it is important that we support serotonin production through supportive nutrients. 
Creative minds
Can you remember your dreams?  B6 has been associated with dream recall and vivid dreams and therefore may aid to a creative mind. 
Get your thinking cap on
The whole B complex is involved in neurotransmitter and nerve response.  A healthy B vitamin status supports the brain chemistry and response to help you get through your day to day activity. Making sure you have a rich diet in B vitamins is associated with better concentration and memory

Monday 3 October 2011

How to deal with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)






·     How common would you say Seasonal Affective Disorder is in the UK, and is it increasing? If so, why is that?

SAD has a higher prevalence during winter months in countries further away from the equator , such as the UK which sits in the higher latitudes of the northern hemisphere. A theory is that shorter days equate to less sunlight causing lesser degree of the neurotransmitter serotonin as it is converted to melatonin to encourage sleep.  An estimated 2 million diagnosed with SAD in the UK. 75% of these being women.  
The first classification of SAD as a medical condition was in the 1980s by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). However, it is likely that there has been a steady trend in SAD occurrence since the industrial revolution.  Two centuries ago 75% of workers were outside in natural sunlight with manual labour jobs whereas in the modern world the inverse is true.  The new headway of modern technology has given a dawn to social and work opportunities to perform tasks outside of a persons natural body clock therefore putting it out of keel and therefore increasing the incidence of SAD and related conditions






·     Is there a difference between having the winter blues, and actually being diagnosed with SAD?

Yes there is a difference between the two. Between September and March many people can associate with the ‘winter blues’- feeling of dislike to waking to dark mornings, having shorter days, eating more and getting up in the morning is becoming more of an uphill struggle. However, when experiencing SAD these feelings are heightened and additional symptoms can be experienced from the list below:   

Depression
Lethargy
Carbohydrate cravings
Anxiety
Lack of concentration
Apathy
Suicidal thoughts
Increased appetite
Irritability
Loss of libido
Low immunity status
lack of need for social interaction
digestive discomfort





·     Is there anything we can do to prepare for the onset of winter to avoid suffering when the winter hits – looking at both diet and lifestyle?

Before the winter get your vitamin D status checked by the doctor as a low vitamin D status has been associated with poor immunity and anxiety and depression through the winter season.
Ensuring a healthy diet is inplace may have its benefits as a biological increase of melatonin during the winter months may increase ghrelin. Ghrelin when concentrated in blood plasma levels may over stimulate the appetite and encourage social avoidance.  Therefore, maintaining a blood sugar balance in a tight equilibrium from a diet rich in protein and low in refined carbohydrates may sustain energy levels, support mood and help with satiety. An example of nutrient dense foods to include could be oily fish, nuts, seeds avocado and spirulina to provide essential fatty acids to support brain tissue integrity and hormonal levels, and amino acid l-tryptohphan , a precursor to serotonin.    As well as having a good level of fats and proteins soluble and insoluble fibres and probiotics will be important to support the removal of toxins through the digestive tract. Peristalsis during the winter may become less frequent due to low serotonin levels, therefore supporting and building up a healthy gut biota is preferable for the first line of defence in immunity, energy levels and healthy neurotransmitter response through gut B vitamin synthesis.   






·     What can we do during the winter months to try and overcome SAD, especially when people when feel less inclined to be outside?

Vitamin D is synthesized by humans in the skin from 7-Dehydrocholesterol upon exposure to ultraviolet-B radiation from sunlight. Low blood status of vitamin D levels in winter is linked with poor immunity, depression and anxiety.  Taking a winter holiday close to the equator for the sun to boost serotonin and vitamin D levels may help improve mood and energy.
When in the UK exercise inside first to encourage endorphins and then take the last half of your fitness regime outside.  By going outside you will be naturally boosting serotonin through daylight to support a healthy mood
.





·     What supplements would you recommend during these months to help?

Vitamin D Serum calcidiol levels do not plateau until after 3-4 months of supplementation, so short term supplementation may not correct low levels sufficiently. Long term supplementation is required at high intake and safety data suggests this can be at levels of at least 1000iu per day.


Omega-3  and 6 fatty acids  to help support cognitive function, nervous system and hormonal integrity.
B  vitamins are required for the release of energy from food, for the healthy function of the nervous system and for the production of hormones. 
   
Probiotics to encourage a healthy gut flora to support the elimination and nutrient absorption process that may have been affected by low levels of serotonin.
5-HTP can be naturally found in griffonia simplifica seed. 5-HTP is a precursor to the neurotransmitter serotonin and therefore it may help regulate mood and memory.

Wednesday 3 August 2011

Travel Health for this summer

The most common health concerns on holiday tend to be ‘traveller’s diarrhoea’ from infected water and food, cystitis, travel sickness, sunstroke and alcohol related fatigue.

‘Traveller’s Diarrhoea’
Within a healthy digestive system there are roughly 500 naturally occurring different species of micro-organisms present at one time. The microbiota of the gut ecology is in its billions and acts in a symbiotic relationship with the human digestive tract.  The development of the flora seems to colonize during one’s infancy and studies suggest this is influenced by the mother transferring bacteria in a natural birth. However, the habitual environment of the parent and child only appears to be tolerable or resilient to certain dietary and pathogen inclusions.
The strains that govern the digestive tract can be depleted from a poor diet, impaired digestive system or many modern day lifestyle factors may cause an overwhelming influx of harmful pathogens that disrupt the gut ecology resulting in one’s sickness displayed by a change of bowel habit.  The most common health concern for people on holiday tends to be ‘traveller’s diarrhoea’, which is commonly caused by the country’s local water supply or food being infected by a range of bacteria. Interestingly natives of the country seem unaffected by the same food and water sources suggesting that their microflora has built up an immune response against these particular harmful pathogens.  When there are visits abroad, especially certain parts of Africa and Asia, it is advised to take a combination of plant oils such as oregano, garlic and clove alongside probiotic strains to aim at encouraging an anti-parasitic environment.  Ideally supplementation of probiotics and plant oils would be encouraged for at least 5 days to a week before travel.   

Cystitis
At least 40% of women will experience cystitis in their lifetime, men can also suffer from cystitis but the likelihood of infection is much lower. This urinary infection is reoccurring and can be caused by a bacteria that may be triggered by an increase of sexual activity on holiday. This infection can ruin holidays due to the limited wellbeing that a person can experience therefore it would be encouraged that a person takes a high strength probiotic to encourage a healthy vaginal flora, alongside an intake of mannose rich in cranberries to aim at supporting an environment that is less likely to cause the bacteria to thrive.

Travel Sickness
Travel sickness causes such discomfort and possible limitation to a holiday.  Around 33% of people experience this and it can be triggered by all modes of transport, causing a disruption to the vestibular system. This disruption to fluid balance in the inner ears affects the eyes’ ability to focus on moving scenery.  The confusion of fluid balance is suggested to cause the part of the brain that senses neurotoxins to induce dizziness, nausea and sickness as a defence mechanism.   In this instance peppermint and ginger may aim at calming and relaxing the stomach valve, that allows food to transport into the small intestine. In addition an inclusion of vitamin B6 and magnesium may help settle nerves, support circulation in the vestibular system and aid maintenance to a healthy neurotransmitter response.    
2. But there are a few tips you may find helpful to make your summer holiday a happy one.      
         ·            Keep hydrated and only drink bottled drinks that are sealed, tap water should be boiled and ice avoided to help prevent water borne illnesses in a country where sanitation is a concern.  
         ·            Flavour foods with servings of garlic, coriander, oregano, cloves and turmeric as they may make the digestive system less habitable for harmful pathogens.
         ·            Eat plenty of antioxidant rich foods from an array of colourful vegetables to support the integrity of your skin and cell health. Make the plate as colourful as possible, but make sure that all foods are peeled and, if possible, boiled to aim at reducing food borne illness.
         ·            Travel sickness sufferers may find drinking peppermint and ginger teas soothe the digestive system.
         ·            In the case of sunburn and after sun exposure use aloe vera and a vitamin E cream to soothe the skin.
         ·            Applying topically vitamin A and zinc drops to the skin to support healthy skin. The vitamin A may also be applied to cuts and grazes to encourage repair of the tissue.


3.Key products to take with you:
 Polyzyme Forte®
Peeling/boiling vegetables and fruit that are eaten on holiday may lose some of their natural digestive enzymes, making the digestive system sluggish.  Digestive enzymes contained with Polyzyme Forte® may assist the proper digestion of foods.

 MicroCell NutriGuard® Plus
A good antioxidant containing vitamin A, C, E and zinc, this product can be used to support skin integrity as the sun’s ultraviolet rays may produce cell damage (it will not prevent sun burn).

 TravelGuard®
TravelGuard® provides a potent combination of LAB4 probiotics and plant oils, encapsulated using our unique DuoCap® technology and is an ideal choice for travellers to support intestinal health on the move.

Gingerdophilus®
The combination of ginger with probiotic strains may help support and settle the digestive system whilst travelling.
 HepaGuard Forte® and B Complex
Alcohol may affect blood sugar levels, deplete the body’s B vitamin status and cause added toxicity load on the body. Therefore, additional liver support from nutrients such as choline, inositol and methionine contained in HepaGuard Forte®, may support the detoxification process, and B vitamins are required for normal energy metabolism.  

Cranberry Plus
 To support urinary tract health, Cranberry Plus contains cranberry concentrate in a sugar free form with probiotic bacteria that can be taken on a daily basis with water.  Cranberries and fresh cranberry juice have long been employed as a natural means of supporting the health of the urinary system.  Lactobacillus acidophilus is added to help to support a healthy immune system.

 4.Encourage the use of any creams containing vitamin A, E and zinc as these are supportive to skin integrity.   Offer a gift set put together containing aloe vera to treat sunburn, a natural omega- 3 lip gloss and the easy-to-transport TravelGuard® pack. Additionally you could encourage people to try the Nutrisorb® range of vitamin A and zinc which fits easily into a handbag and can be applied topically for skin repair to wounds and to soothe sunburn.

Thursday 2 June 2011

Looking after a healthy digestive system

Introduction
A healthy digestive system is the cornerstone of health.  When the body is not digesting food well, it can greatly affect ones overall wellbeing, and result in poor assimilation of nutrients from foods.  The gastrointestinal tract digests the food that we eat and absorbs nutrients and water, whilst expelling undigested components as waste products.  The gut wall secretes a wide variety of components to aid digestion and eliminates millions of cells each day which must be continuously replaced.  The gastrointestinal tract contains many different species of bacteria which interact with each other and the body.  These bacteria are known to play an important role in maintaining the health of not only the gastrointestinal system, but also the immune system. 
What would you consider the most common gut related health conditions?
As we see the demands of a busy modern lifestyle increase so have digestive complaints. 40% of the population experience at least one form of digestive discomfort at one time. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is the most popular medical diagnosis of gut related conditions, yet something of an enigma. It is defined as ‘a very common syndrome of abdominal pain and disordered bowel habit for which there is no organic explanation’. The condition affects 15-20% of the population in westernised nations, providing between 25 and 50% of patient referrals to hospital gastroenterology. The main symptoms of IBS are abdominal pain and spasms, bloating, gas, and diarrhoea alternating with constipation. Bowel movements usually relieve discomfort.
 Is Britain seeing increased prevalence of such conditions? If so, why?
Yes, stresses incurred by a modern busy lifestyle have an impact on the digestive health due to an increased intake of convenience foods and limited time to adequately digest food in a tranquil environment. The annual increase of IBS being diagnosed is still not a true reflection of the real scale of the problem as many people suffer without seeking advice.
What are the dietary lifestyle culprits that exacerbate problems?
The cause of IBS may be multi-factorial and differ from individual to individual. In broad terms the key factors are likely to be a high intake of refined foods, coffee, tea and sugar, antibiotics and stress induced bacterial imbalance/overgrowth limiting gut motility, digestion and absorption of foods. The common stress response of the digestive system manifests itself in a system shutdown, limiting digestive enzymes and stomach acid production which equates to undigested food particles irritating the gastrointestinal tract and a reduction in intestinal microflora.  
When blood sugar rises too rapidly due to refined sugar and caffeine, gastrointestinal peristalsis slows down. There is also a recognised connection between IBS and food intolerances and allergies. Approximately two thirds of IBS patients have at least one food intolerance and some have multiple. The typical culprits for intolerance tend to be dairy, citrus and grains.  
 What dietary advice should retailers be giving to their customers?
With the presence of IBS symptoms, limit or avoid offensive foods such as dairy, wheat, refined and citrus foods at all costs so as not to irritate the intestinal lining. If there is a suspected presence of Candida follow a candida diet which means avoiding all foods containing sugar or yeast, and limiting fruit to two portion at most per day, so as not to feed the yeast/fungal infection. Any foods containing tyramine such as port, red wine, or beef, can cause a digestive response in some and therefore should be limited.
Encourage a diet rich in brown rice, lentils, millet, fish, probiotic yoghurt and vegetables to support cleansing of the intestine and recolinisation of a healthy gut flora.  If there is a case of low stomach acid a salad a day may prove to be beneficial due to the digestive enzymes they contain that can aid the breakdown of food as does apple cider vinegar, papaya and pineapple.  Adding peppermint, camomile and fennel to foods or as a drink may soothe the digestive tract.    
What would you consider the top five supplements for gut health, and why?
Psyllium Intensive Comes in a powder form containing psyllium Husk, prune Juice, burdock and rhubarb to aim at promoting a healthy digestive system. The inclusion of Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) alongside probiotics Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains aim to maintain and heal a healthy gut flora.
Eradicin A potent formulation of broad spectrum antimicrobial antibacterial from freeze dried garlic, oregano oil, cinnamon oil and cloves to aim at eradicating pathogenic bacteria and encourage good bacteria in the gut.
Intestinal Bowel Supplement comes in a capsule form that combines peppermint, ginger, fennel, chamomile and cardamom oil to aim at soothing and supporting the digestive system and gastric secretions.  
Bio-Acidophilus Forte comes in a capsule form containing 30 billion potency per daily intake to end of shelf life if stored correctly. The Hypoallergenic and dairy-free formulation contains Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium bifidum & lactis may reduce the colonisation of unfriendly bacteria and yeast organisms by producing lactic acid and natural antibiotics. An inclusion of Fructooligosaccharides (F.O.S.) when ingested, provide a specific food source for the growth of friendly intestinal bacteria
Polyzyme Forte capsules are a high potency, broad-spectrum enzyme preparation that also contains lactobacillus acidophilus to help maintain healthy gut bacteria flora, supporting the maintenance of a healthy digestive system. 
What can therapists and retailers do
Make people aware of the warning signs :  Abdominal pain, blood present in stools, pain from passing stools, alteration to bowel habit, nausea and vomiting, feeling full, bloating or flatulence, loss of appetite, heartburn and reflux, unexplainable weightloss, change in stool colour ie black, dark red, pale or containing mucus