Digestion is the body’s way of taking food, breaking it down into small molecules that can be absorbed into the body and excreting the waste. The nervous system starts digestion by getting the body ready for food when we think about, and see, food. Chewing and saliva start to break food down in the mouth before going into the stomach via the oesophagus.
We work under the same roof as Alison from Healthy Eating and we often refer patients to her who are experiencing long term upset stomachs, indigestion, constipation and other digestive problems. As a Holistic Nutritionist, she knows all too well how our food can influence our overall health. So, as we were planning this column on digestion, I asked Alison if she could shed some light on the matter. Thanks Alison. The human body is simply a series of cells waiting for nutrients, and we get those nutrients from the foods we eat. Simple, right? You know all about healthy eating and you make the best choices (most of the time!). So, the ‘fuel’ for your bodies ticks all the...
Digestion is the body’s way of taking food, breaking it down into small molecules that can be absorbed into the body and excreting the waste. The first sign our digestion isn’t working as well as it should is a shift in normal bowel habits and pain. Other symptoms may include reflux, heart burn, bloating, cramping, wind, tender abdomen and constipation or diarrhoea. It is common for people to simply put up with them.
But these symptoms can act as a warning sign that our digestion is not working properly and of future ill health...
The cold, dry air of Winter can play havoc with our skin, especially combined with heating, reduced sunlight and hot showers, leaving it dehydrated, dry and itchy. Scratching can cause it to become inflamed and may develop into eczema, which looks red, thickened and with a rash. We look at three keys to minimise dry skin.
We all have our ups and downs in life but it is important to remain emotionally well for overall wellbeing. Mental illnesses include depression and anxiety and affect many people around us. It is important that if you have one of these conditions that you ask for help from a health professional. However, there's more to good mental health than avoiding or treating mental illness.
