Haemorrhoids (piles)
 Haemorrhoids occur when veins found in the lower end of the bowel (the anus) become dilated (swollen) and inflamed. They are similar to varicose veins but are found in the region of the anus.
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There has been a lot of information recently in the press about ‘mucoid plaque’. This, according to reports is a hardened mucous-like material that adheres to the wall of the intestine and thus, in theory stops the absorption of nutrients. The scientific and medical literature fails to support this concept. What is clear is that eating a healthy diet with sufficient fibre (25g per day) can greatly reduce the risk of colon cancer since the transit time of waste material in the intestine is increased. In other words, emptying the bowel more regularly reduces the time the waste material is in the bowel. 

During the Three Weeks of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2007, Elizabeth Roddick gave a series of Introductory talks to her life coaching personnel development programme made popular by her book “Look Better Feel Better Live Better“. (more…)

There still seems to be a lot of stigma attached to bowel symptoms. People would rather talk e.g. about a problem in their sex lives than the fact that they have painful constipation. Irritable bowel syndrome or (IBS) causes a wide variety of symptoms. You may experience constipation, diarrhoea and wind. Other parts of the body can be affected as well e.g. pain in muscles and joints, headache, dizziness and tiredness. More worringly, it can trigger feelings of depression, anxiety and hopelesness. No wonder you may have difficulty talking about it! (more…)

A recent report by the The Food Magazine examined medicines aimed at babies and children under three. They found that some of these medicines intended for young children frequently contained additives banned from food and drink.  (more…)