Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)- everything you need to know..
Struggling with bloating, cramps, or unpredictable bowels? You might be one of the millions affected by Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). In this blog, expert Dietitian Gillian Killiner explains the causes, symptoms, and evidence-based strategies to manage IBS — including how personalised nutrition and lifestyle changes can help you take control of your gut health.
How to Improve Gut Health in the UK
Understanding Gut Health Gut health is a very common concern that Gillian Killiner, our 121 gut specialist award winning Dietitian is asked to assess by Drs, Consultants, AHPs and patients who self-refer. She treats many every day, whether it be through online consultations or face-to-face in her clinic. If you’re not familiar with the concept of gut health, don’t worry! It’s a broad topic that encompasses various aspects related to different parts of the body, in addition to the gut itself and in the next few blogs we hope to cover these areas in more detail so you can get a better understanding. Gut Bacteria The gut microbiota, also known as gastrointestinal bacteria, is a diverse community of microorganisms that reside primarily in a part of the large bowel known as the colon, which is part of the digestive tract. This community includes bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other single-celled organisms. The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in various aspects of human health, and its composition can vary among individuals. A healthy gut not only strengthens our immune system but also supports the well-being of essential organs like the heart and brain. Moreover, it positively influences mood, fostering happiness and satisfaction. We know that when the gut is not balanced health is compromised at many levels. How are we able to assess our gut bacteria? Research into gut bacteria has been conducted since the invention of the microscope around 1665. Over the past 30 years, there has been a significant leap in this field, thanks to the sequencing of small molecules of life, including DNA and eventually RNA. What is Gut Health? The term “Gut health” is the umbrella term for various health conditions including : GERD Irritable bowel syndrome Hemorrhoids Coeliac disease Gallstones Constipation Diverticulitis Gastritis Ulcers Colorectal cancer Diarrhoea Gastrointestinal infections Liver disease Pancreatitis Esophageal cancer Gastroparesis Years of research and work in practice link these conditions to our gut bacteria whether as a direct cause, preventative or used as a treatment. In addition extensive research has also been linking the vital organs like brain, heart, liver, skin to our gut bacteria and how imbalances in the gut microbiota can lead to increased intestinal permeability or “leaky gut,” allowing harmful substances to enter the systemic circulation and burdening liver function. We know the health of our skin is closely linked to our gut health due to their shared immune system involvement. Research indicates that disruptions in the balance of intestinal flora may contribute to skin conditions like acne, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, and dermatitis. The gut-brain axis is a bidirectional communication system between the brain and the GI tract. Treating the gut can directly assist mental health and well-being. Our Gut Health Programme is adapted to suit all gut health issues and more. Excellent Gut Health Ensuring excellent gut health at every age is crucial for overall wellness. An effective digestive system also promotes efficient nutrient digestion and absorption, which subsequently enhances sleep quality. Hence, giving priority to gut health is highly recommended. × Dismiss this alert. Dietitian’s Role in Managing Digestive Disorders A dietitian plays a crucial role in managing digestive disorders by providing tailored nutritional guidance to alleviate symptoms, promote digestive health, and improve overall well-being. Our 121 Gut Health Programme has helped thousands of people not only regain control of their bowel symptoms and health but also improve their sleep, mental clarity, weight and other health issues. How does 121 Dietitian work to improve Gut Health? At 121 Dietitian we work closely with other healthcare professionals to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of digestive disorders. We perform detailed individual assessments take a deep dive into the detail in our 60-minute consultation before writing up a detailed bespoke plan, supplement and lifestyle protocol. Before attending an appointment, our patients are required to log in to our online Portal to complete our background questionnaire and Food and Symptoms Diary. This part of the programme is completely free of charge and allows one of our specialist dietitians to direct you to select the correct programme. The programme includes a 30-minute review to ensure the programme has been successful and provide further nutritional advice and guidance as part of the programme requirements. Mairead AdamsGoogle Review Read More After having COVID at the end of 2022 I suddenly developed allergies to Milk products and intolerances to other foods. My Gastroenterologist recommended I see Gillian, who put me on her low Fodmap Programme at the end of September and I am now at the Reintroduction Stage. Since commencing the Programme, my bowel movements and general health have improved dramatically. I sleep better and a number of my aches and pains have gone. After having diarrhoea for 9 months, effectively, I can now go out and about without that worry of knowing if I will be close to a toilet and if I will be able to get there on time, to constantly carrying Immodium, just in case. The peace of mind this has given me is enormous, never mind that I now feel more like a ‘normal’ person. I still have to watch what I eat, especially in relation to my milk allergy, which may take a bit longer to ‘fix’, if it can be fixed. However, the change in me is amazing and I am extremely grateful to Gillian for her time, advice and patience in getting me to this point. Thank you Gillian. How a Specialist Dietitian can fix your Gut… Specialist gastrointestinal Dietitian Gillian Killiner brings her 26 years of dietetic experience to help each patient she sees. Her deep dive is extensive – here are just some of the areas covered…. Fibre Management We guide patients on appropriate fibre intake, considering the type and amount of fibre that can aid in digestion without causing discomfort. Food Allergies and Intolerances We identify and address food allergies or intolerances that may contribute to digestive issues.Recommend suitable alternatives to replace problematic foods. Hydration We emphasise the importance of adequate
Constipation Relief
5 Evidence-Based Constipation Home Remedies by a Registered Dietitian Constipation is a common issue that affects one in five people following a Western diet. If you have ever suffered with this you will know how unpleasant the feeling is. Maybe you are currently suffering with ongoing constipation and are in need of some guidance, so please read on. I’m Gillian Killiner, a registered dietitian with 26 years of experience in helping thousands of individuals with their dietary and health needs. In this blog post, I share five evidence-based tips to assist with constipation. But first, let’s define constipation. What is Constipation? Constipation occurs when you haven’t had a bowel movement for more than three times in a week. You can assess your bowel movements by using a stool chart to evaluate consistency and type. Typically, constipated stools are hard, small lumps, or pebble-like Type 1 and 2. What is a normal bowel movement frequency as defined by the NHS? “It is normal to pass a stool everyday up to every 3 days; stools should be soft and easy to pass. You should not need to strain to pass a stool. Some people pass a stool once a day and some twice these are both normal.” So what factors in a Western diet contribute to constipation? Dietary Factors 1. Hydration for Constipation is Key One of the first and most crucial tips for relieving constipation is to stay adequately hydrated. Many people underestimate the importance of drinking enough fluids. It’s easy to forget to drink when we switch off our thirst receptors. To combat this, keep a drink, such as a glass or bottle of water, with you throughout the day. Aim for 1.5 litres minimum. You can also include herbal teas and coffee, but limit them to no more than four cups a day, and avoid making them overly strong. Excessive caffeine can contribute to dehydration, which worsens constipation. 2. Load Up on Fruits and Vegetables Consuming an ample amount of fruits and vegetables is another essential strategy for relieving constipation. Begin your day with a breakfast rich in vegetables or add fruits to your cereal. Incorporate fruits and vegetables into your meals and snacks as much as possible. Variety and color in your diet are key. These foods provide essential antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and fibre, all of which promote healthy bowel movements. Don’t forget to consider the fibre content in your diet, which can come from sources like nuts, seeds, beans, pulses, and high-fiber grains. Aim for an average of 30 grams of fiber daily to keep your bowels moving smoothly. 3. Dried Fruits as a Natural Solution Dried fruits like prunes, dates, and raisins can also be valuable additions to your diet when dealing with constipation. They are rich in fiber and natural sugars, which can help stimulate bowel movements. Including these dried fruits in your diet can be a tasty and effective way to alleviate constipation, just keep to small portions. Lifestyle Factors 4. Embrace Exercise for Constipation Exercise plays a vital role in maintaining regular bowel movements. It helps reduce transit time, meaning food moves through your digestive system more quickly. This faster gut transit leads to improved bowel regularity. Additionally, exercise promotes the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, strengthening abdominal muscles, and overall gastrointestinal health. Aim for regular physical activity to reap these benefits. 5. Listen to Your Body Lastly, don’t ignore your body’s signals when it’s time to go to the toilet. Often, the morning after breakfast is the most opportune time to have a bowel movement. However, due to our busy lives and schedules, we sometimes ignore these cues. It’s essential not to hold onto stool if you feel the urge to go. Ignoring these signals can have negative long-term consequences. If you find yourself straining during bowel movements, consider changing your sitting position on the toilet. Squatting, for example, can create a more natural alignment for easier passage of stool. Constipation Conclusion Constipation is a common issue, but it can be effectively managed with evidence-based strategies. These five tips, including staying hydrated, consuming ample fruits and vegetables, incorporating dried fruits, embracing exercise, and listening to your body, can make a significant difference in your digestive health. Remember that there are numerous dietary, lifestyle, and supplement options available to alleviate constipation. The tips mentioned here provide a solid starting point. There are many more additional strategies out there so do get in touch if you are struggling. Often we see patients with alternating constipation and diarrhoea, which is so hard to live with. Not being able to predict how your day will go and fearful of your bowels not working smoothly can really impact on your quality of life. Our GUT Health programme is the best programme which can fix you in 6 weeks or less. Do check out my other blogs and my videos on my YouTube channel covering various aspects of diet and health, so don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share my content. Until next time, take care! If you want to book your programme TODAY we would love to help you. You can book a 121 Dietitian Programme today by clicking on the link below If you have enjoyed this blog we would love you to share this with your family and friends on your social media channels. Do visit our YouTube Channel for more on keeping your health optimal. If you are interested in how I overcame my Thyroid Autoimmune Condition do check out the About section below Before you go please check out our 121 Dietitian Shop created specifically for optimising your health. Gillian x
What You Need to Know About Probiotics and Their Health Benefits
What are Probiotics and What Makes them so Beneficial? As we are still in the awareness month of gut health I felt it may be helpful to focus on an area that many people want to know more about for improving their gut; Probiotics. Probiotics have been around since ancient times when cheese and fermented products were popular among the Greeks and Romans. They even encouraged each other to consume these for the potential health benefits. The word “probiotic” comes from the Greek word for “for life.” Jump to 1905, a Bulgarian physician and microbiologist Stamen Grigorov identified the first recorded probiotic, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, in Bulgarian yoghurt. This discovery was groundbreaking and has led to further research into the potential of probiotics for many years. Today, probiotics are widely used in healthcare and nutrition as a natural way to improve digestive health and overall well-being. So what are they? Probiotics are live microorganisms that have been researched and proven to provide health benefits when consumed from suitable sources in adequate amounts. They are commonly found naturally in food sources often fermented such as yoghurt, miso, tempeh, sauerkraut and cheeses. In recent years this can also be taken as a supplement and due to modern manufacturing a mass market of choice has “mushroomed” onto the probiotic shelves. Probiotics work by introducing beneficial bacteria into the gut microbiome which helps to maintain a healthy balance of microorganisms. This balance is important for proper digestion, nutrient absorption, and immune system functioning. Research has shown that probiotics can help to reduce inflammation, improve digestive health, and boost the immune system. Additionally, probiotics may also help to reduce symptoms of certain diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Exploring the Different Sources of Probiotics and How to Properly Integrate Them Into Your Diet We know probiotics are found naturally in certain foods, such as yoghurt, sauerkraut and miso. But as mentioned they can also be taken as supplements in the form of liquids, pills or powders and even research has been carried out intranasally. I can’t cover them all as you would be really bored still reading in a few hours time! Suffice to say there are so many to choose from I often wonder is this more to do with confusing the consumer and encouraging them to keep buying new ones, and thus clever marketing, more money spent from repeat purchases. I really hope it is that we are just really lucky that the manufacturers are improving therapeutic doses, strains and delivery methods for all ages and stages of life. Most common types of probiotics Lactobacillus (Lactobacillus acidophilus) – This strain helps maintain a healthy balance between good and bad bacteria in your intestines. It’s also thought to help prevent diarrhoea caused by antibiotics.Bifidobacterium (Bifidobacterium lactis) – This strain helps improve lactose intolerance, boost immunity, reduce inflammation throughout the body (including in joints), help regulate blood sugar levels after eating carbohydrates like bread and pastas–and even reduce symptoms associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Just because they are common and frequently recommended in health food stores they are not always the best choice for many. Probiotics for Specific Conditions Probiotics are a good choice for anyone who wants to improve their health. They can help with digestion, immune function and even weight loss. But there are some specific conditions where probiotics are useful: Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). This condition affects the colon or large intestine. It causes abdominal pain and bloating that may be accompanied by diarrhoea or constipation. Many people with IBS also experience gas and other symptoms like nausea or vomiting after eating certain foods. Studies have shown that taking certain probiotics while addressing the diet can help relieve these symptoms because they help balance out the bacteria in your gut–a process called “gut dysbiosis.” Our gut health programmes are uniquely designed for each individual to ensure probiotics are selected based on your specific requirements. Diabetes Type 2 prevention/treatment: Research has shown that taking certain strains of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) over time can reduce blood sugar levels in people who have prediabetes or type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2). In one study published in Diabetes Care journal found that supplementing with LGG lowered fasting blood glucose levels by almost 10 percent compared to those taking placebo pills over six weeks period. Weight loss: Another study published in Obesity Reviews journal found supplementing with Bifidobacterium longum subspecies infantis helped reduce body fat percentage while increasing lean muscle mass. A snapshot of thousands of probiotics available. What Are Some Potential Side Effects or Risks Associated With Taking Probiotics? While the potential benefits of probiotics are well-known, there are also potential risks associated with taking them. These risks could include allergic reactions, interactions with medications, and changes in the balance of good and bad bacteria in your gut. Certain people may be at higher risk for adverse events due to various conditions. These include people with immunodeficiency, short bowel syndrome, central venous catheters, cardiac valve disease, and premature infants. These individuals may be more vulnerable to certain infections or other medical issues that can result from their medical condition. It is important to understand these risks before taking probiotics so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not to take them and discuss any potential risks with your healthcare provider. I think it is important to point out here that if your gut is doing as it should you have no unpleasant GI or health issues then leave it to get on doing what it does best and don’t interfere! Prebiotics and Synbiotics You may have heard of Prebiotics and synbiotics. These are dietary supplements that help to promote the growth of beneficial bacteria by providing food for the probiotic organisms, thus encouraging them to multiply.Prebiotics are non-digestible fibres that pass through your digestive system unchanged, but they act as fertilizer for probiotic bacteria in your intestines. They’re found naturally in foods like bananas, onions and
Waist Hip Ratio Measurement are you familiar with this?
Waist Hip Ratio. I released a recent blog highlighting the positives and negatives of the BMI calculation and wanted to follow up on this with another measurement that you may find useful. Just to recap, BMI (Body Mass Index) is a well-known measurement that checks weight against height to select a number that you then can plot in a range for health. You can check yours here on our BMI calculator. This unfortunately in some circumstances can be misleading, and my BMI blog covers this in more detail. One example is if you have a high muscle mass, you may see your BMI number to be ‘overweight’.. What to use instead of BMI? The measurement that is now recommended as standard by the British Diabetes Association is the Waist : Hip Ratio This is a simple and quick-to-do measurement that just requires a tape measure. The tape measure below is designed to assist you to be more accurate as it holds the tape in place as required so you can record your numbers.. How to take your own Waist-Hip Ratio Start with the tape around your tummy, this should be the smallest part of the waist. Record this number. Next, drop the tape down around the hips, you need to measure the widest point across your bottom. Take down this number. Next, you need to divide the waist measurement by the hip measurement this will give you another number called the ratio. You use this number to check against the guidelines below. Waist Hip Ratio Guidelines The following are the recommended parameters: What does the Waist Hip Ratio number show? In simple terms the nearer this ratio you have recorded is to 1, the more likely you are to be insulin resistant and at risk of developing Type-2-Diabetes. If you have a high waist-hip ratio you may notice you have more of an ‘apple’ body shape. This body shape means you are carrying excess abdominal fat. Why does this matter? Health risks rise significantly with increased abdominal fat as many of our vital organs like your liver and pancreas are located here, if these organs are restricted by excess fat they are put under extra pressure. What can you do to lower your Waist Hip Ratio? Thankfully you can assist your waist-hip ratio by taking action in several ways. What to do next about your Waist Hip Ratio or anything else.. If you are unsure of how to increase or decrease your weight, change your eating habits or need help optimising the foods you eat and are not sure what programme to select please do contact us. We would love to help you or your family and friends with any nutrition-related queries big or small. If you want to book your programme TODAY we would love to help you. You can book a 121 Dietitian Programme today by clicking on the link below If you have enjoyed this blog we would love you to share this with your family and friends on your social media channels. Do visit our YouTube Channel for more on keeping your health optimal. If you are interested in how I overcame my Thyroid Autoimmune Condition do check out the About section below Before you go please check out our 121 Dietitian Shop created specifically for optimising your health. Gillian x
Pistachio nut- interesting facts
Pistachio nut day is on 26th February 2022 We love pistachio nuts here at 121 Dietitian. So when we spotted there was a special world pistachio nut day we felt we had to give them a big shout out! Pistachios are good for you! Pistachio nut facts: • Pistachio are nuts native to Western Asia and Asia Minor, archaeology suggests that pistachios were eaten as a common food as early as 6750 BC. Wow!• They are one of the more expensive of the nuts out there because of the trees on which they grow. It only reaches production 15-20 years after being planted. Isn’t that crazy!• Pistachio trees can only produce about 22kg of nuts each year. Furthermore, pistachios are sorted by hand and not by machine.• Pistachio trees can only grow in cool winters and hot summers, meaning that there’s only a few locations in the world where the trees can grow.• Iran is the biggest producer of pistachio nuts ahead of USA and then Turkey. How to eat Pistachio nuts: When eating pistachios from the shell, split the shell and eat the small kernel inside. The kernel may have a thin skin on it that do eat this for upping polyphenols. If you find a nut in a shell that doesn’t pry apart easily, simply use a nutcracker to open it up. As a snack. Eating pistachios raw or roasted. Both in-shell and shelled pistachios are available in grocery stores. Over salads. Shelled pistachios (either whole or chopped) are often sprinkled over salads. Pistachios can also be puréed and mixed with oil and herbs to make a creamy salad dressing. Ground into sauces. Ground pistachios are popular as a base for sauces and dips, like pistachio-yogurt sauce. Added to bread dough. Ground pistachios can be added to bread dough to give it a thicker texture with extra protein. In desserts. Chopped pistachios are commonly mixed into or sprinkled atop desserts like ice cream, cake, truffles, and pastries. Pistachio nuts are also a common ingredient in dishes from an array of cultures: • In Turkish dishes. Pistachios are most well-known in Turkish recipes for being minced and layered in the traditional baklava.• In Italian dishes. Pistachios are a common addition to Italian pastas, either chopped and mixed in to the noodles or ground and made into a spiced pistachio sauce.• In Indian dishes. Indian food makes ample use of pistachios, and they’re a staple ingredient in many Indian rice puddings, pilafs, cookies, and a spiced pistachio fudge called pista barfi.• In Iranian dishes. Pistachios are a common ingredient mixed into Iranian chicken and rice dishes, and also served as a traditional Persian snack, roasted with lemon juice and saffron and tossed with sea salt. What are the health benefits of Pistachio nuts? – Nutrition Pistachios are high in fibre: Eating pistachios can improve your gut health if you have no ongoing dysbiosis issues. Rich fibre foods help move food through the gut and prevent constipation and may help reduce the risk of colon cancer. Pistachios are high in antioxidants: Pistachios are known to contain antioxidants that have strong cancer-fighting properties and cardiovascular disease prevention. Furthermore, pistachios also contain lutein and zeaxanthin, two carotenoids that will help you maintain eye health and overall immunity. Pistachios are great for vegans and vegetarians: With protein accounting for almost 21% of the total weight of the nut, pistachios contribute almost 6% to a person’s daily protein needs. For plant-based diets, pistachios provide that much-needed protein. Relative to other tree nuts, pistachios have a lower amount of fat and calories but higher amounts of potassium, vitamin K, γ-tocopherol, and certain phytochemicals such as carotenoids, and phytosterols. A handful of pistachios (45) contain 156 calories, 3 grams of fibre, and are one of the most vitamin B6-rich foods around. Do you enjoy eating pistachio’s? They are so tasty if you haven’t tried them. Don’t continue to miss out, try them as part of a bigger plan to increase variety in your diet. If you are unsure of how to change your eating habits, or need help optimising the foods you eat please do contact us. We would love to help you or your family and friends with any nutrition related queries big or small. In the meantime do please check out our 121Dietitian Shop If you have enjoyed this blog we would love you to share this with your family and friends on your social media channels. Why not visit our YouTube Channel for more on keeping your health optimal. How can a Dietitian help Book a consultation via our Online Portal About Gillian Killiner Check out our tailored dietary programmes Gillian x [instagram-feed]
