Many people suffer from uncomfortable and embarrassing digestive problems. Local nutritionist Sam Silvester says: ”One of the most common reasons for people coming to see me is IBS (irritable bowel syndrome).  The symptoms can vary but there is always bloating or abdominal discomfort, plus either diarrhoea or constipation or both.  Most people will have gone to their GP at some point, and may have had investigations to rule out coeliac disease, Crohn’s or inflammatory bowel disease.  Once these are ruled out then the diagnosis is IBS, which is basically unexplained gut symptoms.”

She adds:” I can nearly always trace the onset of a client’s IBS to a course of antibiotics or a trip abroad to places where there is poor water hygiene such as India or Africa .”

Having identified IBS there are usually two courses of action:

·         Treatment with therapeutic probiotics (healthy gut bacteria).  These help to re-establish the sensitive eco-system of the gut, particularly if this has been altered due to antibiotics.  People often assume that probiotic yoghurt drinks or live yoghurt will be enough.  These are fine if you want to maintain a well functioning gut, but if you need to re-establish the right balance of flora you will need high levels of bacteria without the sugar, colours or flavours that are often found in yoghurt drinks.  I give clients specific capsules containing high or medium strength gut flora, depending on their condition, for one or two months.

·         Eliminate foods that are aggravating the gut.  This is primarily wheat for most people, if so I work out an eating plan with alternatives.  The second biggest offender, especially for causing diarrhoea, is dairy produce, and again I work with clients to offer alternatives.  Once the gut is rebalanced, some of these food offenders can be reintroduced, but people often feel much better without them.

There are other foods that can aggravate IBS and there are additional treatments that also offer relief.  If you would like help with any stomach or bowel problems, please contact me for an appointment:  Sam Silvester C.H.Ed (Dip Nut) via The Wantage Natural Therapy Centre 01235 760079 or email – info@wantagentc.co.uk

Quick Easy and Healthy Salads

Chicken & Mango
Mixed salad leaves, plus cooked chopped chicken, sliced fresh mango¸ and half a small tin of butter beans (add fresh parsley and spring onions – optional).  Serve with French dressing (olive oil, white wine vinegar and Dijon mustard).

Halloumi, Beetroot and Mint
Mixed salad leaves plus sliced Halloumi cheese, sliced cooked beetroot (preferably not pickled) and fresh mint leaves (add few cooked broad beans – optional)

Smoked Salmon & Avocado
Mixed salad leaves, half an avocado sliced and smoked salmon with lots of lemon and black pepper.  Serve with a little horseradish mayonnaise.

Rice Salad
Mix salad leaves and cooked rice with tinned sweetcorn, chopped red peppers (chopped red chillies – optional), spring onions and cashew nuts.  Add a salad dressing made with some sesame oil and soy sauce.