Website for the over 60s  September 2010
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Symprove Gains Top Marks

Symprove

For irritable bowel syndrome, bloating and constipation

Symprove – a live activated probiotic food supplement – has quietly gathered momentum since its launch in autumn 2009. As part of its commitment to quality and ongoing improvement, Symprove recently carried out a customer satisfaction survey and is extremely encouraged by the results.

Customer service scored close to 100% and comments highlighting the team’s friendliness and sensitivity, as well as being informative, were made.

Product leaflets and web information also gained a high score of 92%. The short website video describing how live activated probiotics work was mentioned as being extremely useful to many customers.

Keen to support the environment, Symprove took great care at the design stage to ensure that packaging can be recycled and that the product is clean-looking without any gimmicks. Customers gave Symprove packaging a score of 95%.

92% would recommend Symprove to family and friends. This result is reflected in customer take-up as sales have increased exponentially over the last few months. As a long term sufferer of IBS, war veteran James Brockenhurst has been using Symprove for some time.

"I’ve had many medical interventions over the years as well as tried numerous over-the-counter remedies without result. I’ve recommended Symprove to all I know as it’s an excellent product and helps to diminish IBS symptoms and improve digestion."

Soon after the launch of Symprove it became apparent that people with digestive problems such as IBS and IBD were adopting the product. But over the last few months, there are strong indications, that people are using Symprove for other health and lifestyle issues. This is also evident in the feedback received from the customer survey.

Mrs Fielding, a 52-year old from the Lake District leads a busy life. "I’m always on the go, work hard and look after my grandchildren on a regular basis. I’m in reasonable health generally, take at least 20 minutes exercise a day and watch what I eat. But over the last couple of years, I’ve noticed that I’m getting tired easily, am often bloated and my digestive system has become very sluggish. I’ve tried adjusting my diet - cutting out food such as porridge and bread - as I think these have had an effect, and I also tried Yakult. None of it made much difference, until I discovered Symprove.

I’ve been taking Symprove for 5 weeks and now I have loads more energy. I feel much more like the person I used to be 2 years or so ago. As Symprove is quite expensive, I plan to keep a few bottles on standby, and if my symptoms return, will take another month’s supply. I really don’t want to go back to the lethargy and discomfort I’ve felt over the last couple of years."

Mrs Fielding discovered Symprove whilst reading a weekly magazine. When asked what made her take the trouble to find out more and then buy Symprove she said, "I could empathise with the lady in the article. She wasn’t diagnosed with a particular digestive problem but had similar symptoms. It worked for her so perhaps it could work for me."

The digestive system is the root of all health and good bacteria play a big part in supporting the immune system. If the gut is irritated or inflamed, it cannot do its job properly. Whilst antibiotics play an important part in helping to cure illness, if taken on a regular basis, weaken the undefended lining of the gut considerably. In turn, this can create new health problems and some customers have mentioned they have used Symprove following a course of antibiotics.

Founder, Barry Smith comments, "By self-managing the gut and taking a live activated probiotic food supplement, people can immediately gain control of the situation and replenish the gut. Whilst antibiotics can tackle infection, they are not selective and in general also wipe out and damage the natural bacterial flora. Symprove provides the opportunity to manage this problem by re-inoculating with good bacteria."

A holiday is something that most people look forward to but this is not always the case for some. A number of customers have mentioned they take a bottle of Symprove on holiday as standby in case they end up getting a tummy bug or are affected by unusual or different foods. For 4 customers with IBS or IBD, Symprove has given them the confidence to take a holiday for the first time in years.

Whilst a few customers commented that they find the flavour takes a bit of time to get used to, others mentioned that whilst this is the case, "they know it is doing them good". A small percentage feel Symprove is a "little expensive" but continue to use Symprove on a regular basis as the "benefits far outweigh the price." Customer retention rates approaching 50% reflect this.

CEO, Michael Le Brocq comments, "The feedback we’ve received from this customer survey as well as the comments that come in from other customers on a regular basis, are extremely important to Symprove. We listen and are constantly looking at, and reviewing ways to improve our customer care programme, as well as product quality and price going forward.

As we grow, economies of scale will quickly kick-in and allow us greater flexibility on distribution and price. In the meantime we’re absolutely delighted that we’re pleasing our customers to this extent. Our ambition is to retain this quality of relationship with our clients in the long-term."

For more information on Symprove visit the website at www.symprove.com or contact Symprove on 01252 413600.
 

Healthy Autumn Recipe


Roasted Peppers With Spiced Beans and Goat's Cheese

Roasted Peppers With Spiced Beans and Goat's Cheese

Make this healthy Autumn recipe with a wonderful spicy taste.
This mouthwatering meal has  been created by Canned Food UK

Ingredients

· 2 large red peppers
· 3 tablespoons (45 ml) extra virgin olive oil
· 1 onion, chopped
· 1 garlic clove, crushed
· 85g canned button mushrooms
· ½ small butternut squash, peeled and diced
· 200g can curry sauce
· 1 x 400g can red kidney beans, drained
· A little low-sodium salt and freshly ground black pepper
· 125g (4 oz) Goat’s cheese, roughly sliced
· 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of chopped fresh coriander

Method

1. Heat the oven to 190°C, 375°F or Gas 5.

2. Cut the peppers in half lengthways, keeping the stalk attached, and remove the seeds. Brush the outsides with a little of the extra virgin olive oil then place them, skin-side down, in a roasting tin, packing quite tightly so they don’t roll over.

3. Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a large pan and add the onions and garlic. Cook over a moderate heat for 3 minutes until the onions have softened.

4. Add the mushrooms and squash and continue cooking for a further 5 minutes.

5. Add the curry sauce and red kidney beans. Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 – 15 minutes until the vegetables are tender. Season with the low-sodium salt and pepper. Stir in the Goat’s cheese and fresh coriander

6. Spoon the bean mixture into the pepper halves. Drizzle over the remaining olive oil.

7. Cover the roasting tin tightly with foil and bake for 1 hour until the peppers are tender.

Serves 4

Nutritional Value per serving:

· Calories: 307
· Protein: 13g
· Carbohydrate: 21g
· Fat: 19g
· Saturated fat: 6.9g
· Fibre: 5.6g

For further information about Canned Food UK click on  www.cannedfood.co.uk
 

Worried About
Your Memory?

Worried about your memory? Get help as soon as possible

Alzheimer’s Society is launching a campaign to encourage people who are worried about their memory to get help as soon as possible.

The campaign stresses the importance of seeking help if they are worried about their own memory or that of someone close to them. Currently only a third of people with dementia ever receive a formal diagnosis.

Research shows that many people concerned about memory problems put off going to see their GP. The campaign will involve leaflets and posters being sent to 10,000 GP surgeries across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Ruth Sutherland, Acting Chief Executive of Alzheimer’s Society says, "We want people to know that everyone gets a little forgetful from time to time, but when memory loss starts to interfere with daily life it is important to get it checked out as soon as possible. Memory loss can be a symptom of dementia, along with confusion and mood changes. The sooner people seek help the sooner they can start living their lives to the full.’

The initiative, called Worried about your memory? follows a successful campaign in 2009 which reached 80,000 people after leaflets were delivered to GPs across the country. Of the people who requested further information, one in five went on to get a diagnosis.

The new materials have been re-designed and encourage people to seek help without delay if they have concerns. To support the leaflet campaign in GP surgeries, Alzheimer’s Society will be targeting those most at risk of dementia, such as people with high blood pressure, cholesterol or who have had a stroke.

Care Services Minister Paul Burstow MP says, "There are 750,000 people living with dementia in the UK and it is one of the most significant health challenges facing society. Many people wait a long time before reporting symptoms of dementia to their doctor, and too often people don't receive a formal diagnosis.

"Without a diagnosis, people cannot receive appropriate support and information. The new Coalition Government has already demonstrated its commitment to improving the quality of dementia care.  We are also convinced of the benefits of receiving an early diagnosis. 

"I am confident that Alzheimer's Society's "Worried about your memory?" campaign will help to raise public awareness of the symptoms of dementia and encourage people who are concerned about their memory or that of a loved one to go to see their GP."

Ruth Sutherland adds, "This campaign is designed to improve the shockingly low diagnosis rates of dementia in the UK. Alzheimer’s Society is on hand to support anyone going through this worrying time and can offer support through our services across the country, which include a national helpline."

Further Information

For more information about the campaign click on www.alzheimers.org.uk/memoryworry

If you would like to download a 'Worried About Your Memory?' booklet
click here

And for the National Dementia Helpline call Telephone: 0845 300 0336.
 

Personal Health


MS Sufferer

Marches Back to Independence


Sally Sullivan

 

Until recently, Sally Sullivan was unable to walk more than 500 metres from her house without worrying that she might trip or lose balance and fall.

 

The 57 year old was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis 25 years ago and her independence has gradually diminished over the years until she discovered Bioness, a Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) technique that sends electrical signals via electrode patches through the body and stimulates the movement of muscles affected by paralysis.

Sally’s MS triggered a condition in her right leg known as drop foot which affects close to 200,000 individuals in the UK. Sally says, “Walking with drop foot is exhausting. I can’t lift my foot or toes off the ground which means I have to drag it along behind me. As well as embarrassing, it has made me feel really insecure as it is easy for me to fall over which is really painful and embarrassing.

“On windy days I wouldn’t even dare to leave the house as the wind destabilises me even more. Even having people walk too close to me affects my balance and I wobble.”

Seven years after her diagnosis, Sally and her husband moved semi-permanently to Bangkok. Whilst living in Thailand they learnt about Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES).

“I had never heard of FES and the idea that it could retrain the muscles in my leg and enable me to walk properly just seemed incredible,” Sally says. The initial device she tried was linked to a foot sensor by a wire. “It was very difficult to put the device on and take it off as the electrodes had to be put in a very specific place.”

Further research revealed the NESS L300™ by Bioness, a wireless device and Sally’s husband found a distributor in Cardiff. In pursuit of mobility they ordered one and flew back from Thailand to try it on.

This time, Sally found it easy to use; not only were there no wires, but the electrodes were fitted in a small lightweight leg cuff fitted just below the knee, not dissimilar to an athletic knee support, making it much easier to find the correct position.

Sally Sullivan
 

“When I turn on the device, all I can feel is a painless vibration in my leg, and I’m good to go! The device also has a wireless gait sensor that adjusts to “real-time” changes in my walking pattern so that I can walk more easily on uneven surfaces, walk backwards, or even walk on slopes.

“I feel completely liberated! Recently I walked one and a half miles across town and back. I would never have dreamed of doing that before. It has given me back my independence.” Sally has now moved back permanently to UK and lives in Kent. She wears her NESS L300™ daily.

Bioness offers innovative Neuromodulation products designed to help certain individuals with central nervous system disorders and diseases such as Stroke, Multiple Sclerosis, Traumatic Brain Injury, Cerebral Palsy and Spinal Cord Injury. The products use electrical stimulation to help people regain mobility, physical independence and productivity.

 

For more information visit www.bioness.com or consult a qualified physician to find out if these products are right for you.

 

Boost Your Energy With a
Cup Full of Lift

 

Lift Instant Red Berries Flavour Tea

 

We are all familiar with the daily 3pm slump when only a quick boost of energy will see you through the afternoon’s challenges. It’s times like these when Lift can really revitalise your senses!

Each cup of Lift is bursting with Vitamin C and suitable for vegetarians. What’s more, it will help to wake up your taste buds keeping you alert and invigorated until home time.  


Now you can enjoy a tasty Lift throughout the day with the bursting refreshment of brand new Instant Red Berries flavoured tea. Lift is a sweet treat which can be enjoyed either hot or cold - a fruity alternative to your daily cuppa!

Alternatively, why not try Lift Red Berries with iced water for a quick, thirst-quenching alternative to fizzy cocktails. And when the winter months shortly come rolling in, let a hot and fruity cup of Lift to see you through those bleak mornings and gloomy evenings.

Red Berries joins Lift’s already delicious collection of fruit teas including Original Lemon, Lemon Reduced Sweetness, Apple and Peach.

All perfectly convenient and wonderfully tasty – all you need to do is add water!

Recommended retail price is £1.45 for 150g. Lift is available exclusively from Tesco stores. 

For more information visit the website at www.liftdrinks.com

Don't Miss Naidex South at ExCeL
in London

 

Naidex South takes place in ExCeL, London
 

As the nation’s capital, and home to an estimated 1.4 million people living with a disability, London is a hub of information, organisations and charities all designed to aid independent living. However, aside from the internet, there is no single place where healthcare professionals, carers, those with a disability and their families can access all the information they need. That is until now when the first Naidex South takes place at ExCeL London on the 29th - 30th September 2010.

 

A sister show to Naidex, the UK’s largest disability, rehabilitation and homecare exhibition, Naidex South is a positive step in helping to bring more awareness, advice and support to those within the disabled community. 

As Event Director Liz Virgo explains, it is not just about products which can be purchased. “We are very excited about Naidex South. The reputation of Naidex has grown over recent years, and education as well as innovation is now key on our agenda. We hope that with the introduction of features such as Naidex Heart we are offering people a day out that will open their eyes to much more than they would expect from any other disability exhibition.”

 

Located right at the heart of Naidex South, Naidex Heart provides a central support, advice and engagement hub.  Promoting relaxation and wellbeing, here visitors will be able to access help and information on charities in the dedicated Charity Zone, enjoy a massage, discover new alternative therapies and visit the Media Zone, home to all the leading magazines. 

Another centrally-located resource is The Disabled Living Foundation (DLF) where visitors can pick up information on exhibiting companies and discover which products will best suit individual needs.

 

Have a day out at Naidex South

 

Naidex South is also home to a range of features designed to suit the needs of its visitors.  For healthcare professionals there is a comprehensive CPD-accredited seminar programme supported by The College of Occupational Therapists and the Healthcare Professional Council and offering all attendees a CPD certificate for their training records.

The Naidex South entry badge also provides free access to Primary Care Live, a co-located exhibition where professionals will be able to further enhance their knowledge through attendance at an additional twenty free CPD-accredited conferences.  Topics here include Wound Care, Speech and Language Therapy, Physiotherapy and Nutrition. For further information visit www.primarycarelive.com

 

One not-to-be missed feature of Naidex South is the Lifestyle Seminar Theatre where visitors can see the incredible guide dogs from Canine Partners in action as well as be inspired by speakers who share their experiences in a live and interactive format.  Other sessions include the chance to see comedians and, for the general public and carers who wish to hear more about industry advancements free from all the jargon, individual slots where industry experts share their practical advice in informative sessions.

 

KideQuip, the unmissable zone dedicated to children with special needs, features an interactive area where visitors will be able to meet and discuss individual needs with exhibitors including Chunc posture & Mobility for Young People, Tomcat and Safespaces who offer products aimed specifically at children.

 

For those who are looking for the latest in innovation, Naidex South has a wide range of highly respected exhibitors all showcasing the latest in living aids, mobility, furniture, clothing, communication and adaptation. 

New product innovations are launched and showcased and visitors will have the chance to touch, test and compare the latest products in the industry to ensure that their final choice is perfectly suited to their individual needs. The Communication Village is designed to house nothing but the latest technological advancements from companies such as BSKYB, and BT.

There is also the Car Zone, supported by Mobilise, where many of the UK’s leading vehicle converters, including Brotherwood, Lewis Reed and Sirus, will be exhibiting the latest developments aimed at helping people with disabilities get out on the open road and further increase their independence.  Mobilise will also be on hand to provide invaluable advice on accessible parking and vehicle adaptation.

 

Educating people on the latest industry developments as well as the newest products has a positive effect on everyone. It is about ensuring that people who live with disability are as confident and comfortable as possible.

 

Shannon Murray at Naidex South
 

After opening Naidex 2010 Shannon Murray, the UK’s first disabled model and now a recognised TV personality (pictured above) says, “There are many benefits of Naidex. It is the only place where you get to see such a wide range of products and can be introduced to more resources than you ever knew existed. Investing in these products is an incredibly important decision, not only can they be costly, but with so much competition it is fundamental that you chose the right product for you. 

"It is fantastic that you can test and compare products therefore allowing you to make an informed choice. Naidex was a heartening event, and a must on the disabled calendar and the launch of Naidex South is tremendous news for disabled people in the South. I encourage all who can to attend.”

 

About Naidex South


Dates: 29th – 30th September

Venue: ExCeL London

Opening Times: 29th September: 10.00am – 5.00pm, 30th September: 10.00am – 4.00pm

 


Entry is free to all visitors providing they have registered in advance.  FREE registration is available at www.naidexsouth.com 

Priority Booking Code

Please
include the priority code EW14 when you register for your tickets.

 

Eat Well to Protect Your Eyes

Dr. Ian Murray

By Dr. Ian Murray

Dr. Ian Murray is a Senior Lecturer for the Faculty of Life Sciences at the University of Manchester. His areas of expertise include Visual Optics and Instrumentation, Visual Psychophysics and Visual Neuroscience.


He contributed to the invention of the M-Pod, a device which measures Macular Pigment levels, one of the risk factors in Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) the biggest cause in older eye vision loss in the UK, Europe and USA. Here Dr. Murray discusses the steps we should all take to help prevent the onset of the condition.

“Many of us suffer from eye sight problems as we get older, but did you know that reducing the risk of the biggest cause of blindness in people over 70, Age Related Macula Degeneration (AMD), could be as simple as eating the right kinds of foods, keeping fit and wearing sunglasses?


What   is    Age    Related    Macula
Degeneration?


Age Related Macula Degeneration (AMD) is the deterioration of the macula at the back of the eye. The macula is protected by macular pigment, which helps safeguard it from harmful ultra violet (blue) light - it is basically your eyes natural sunscreen. The density of this pigment is linked to diet and is usually found to be reduced in smokers.

 



There are two types of AMD: Dry and wet. Most people have the dry form, and once AMD presents itself it is very difficult, if not impossible to cure. As low macular pigment is a major risk factor of AMD, if steps are taken to improve levels before AMD takes hold, the condition may be prevented or slowed. The wet form, which only effects 15% of patients, is more severe. In some cases, wet AMD can be treated with lasers, but this does not guarantee improved vision.

Exposure to UV, plus other factors, such as inheritance and poor diet are all contributors to the condition. Sufferers experience difficulty seeing people’s faces, driving, reading and straight lines can appear wavy - in its most aggressive form, central vision is totally destroyed. For more information about AMD visit www.amd.org

Find out your macular pigment levels

Getting screened to find out your macular pigment levels is a simple process which is offered at some opticians throughout the country. The only portable, and most simple macular pigment screening device is the M|POD, which is non-invasive – users just press a button - and low-cost, at approximately £15 - £30 for the test.

Am I at risk from AMD?


Most Sixtyplusurfers visitors should get screened, as AMD usually presents itself from 50 onwards – however deterioration can start earlier. Certain groups are more likely to suffer than others, evidence suggests that more women than men have the condition and if there’s a family history of AMD, then you should definitely seek the advice of your optician.
 

Other risk factors include:

· Having a fair complexion and blue or pale eyes

· Being overweight

· Smoking

· Poor diet

Improve your macular pigment levels

While most cases of AMD cannot be cured, some can be improved and it may be prevented or slowed if macular pigment levels are increased. A diet rich in antioxidant vitamins and minerals may help reduce the risk of developing the condition.

Eating plenty of fruit and vegetables, in particular leafy green ones, such as spinach, kale and broccoli, can improve macular pigment levels. Making sure your fit and not smoking will also help. There are ocular supplements on the market that contain Lutein and Zeaxanthin, which have been proven to increase macular pigment.

Broccoli

Everyone should eat a diet high in fruit and vegetables and do some form of exercise – it’s good for your whole body, not just your eyes. For individuals who show low levels of macular pigment following screening, your optician may suggest taking supplements as a quicker way to prevent the risk of AMD.

If you are concerned about AMD, visit your optician and find out about getting screened for macular pigment levels. By keeping your eyes’ natural sunscreen healthy, the on-set of impaired vision in later life could be prevented.

The M|POD uses state of the art technology and was developed in conjunction with the Faculty of Life Sciences at Manchester University.

To find out more visit www.macular-disease.org

 

EastEnders Villain Goes on the Run to Raise Money for Alzheimer's Society

John Altman who played Nick Cotton in EastEnders

Actor John Altman, best known for his role of ‘Nasty’ Nick Cotton in top TV soap EastEnders, is heading to Sheffield to take part in the Bupa Great Yorkshire Run on 5 September for Alzheimer’s Society.


Alzheimer’s Society is the nominated charity for the Bupa Great Run series for the second year and John, an experienced runner who has completed several full and half marathons for charity, is giving his support by running the 10K race.

John says, "My father had dementia in his latter years and I also have a very close friend who is only in his fifties, but has dementia with Lewy bodies, so I know what a cruel disease it is and the devastating impact it has on families.  That is why I’m running for Alzheimer’s Society.   The Society relies on voluntary income to support people with dementia and their carers and undertake vital dementia research.  Raising just £20 could support a researcher for a day with the equipment and chemicals needed to develop better treatments in the fight against dementia, so everything counts."

As well as appearing in films such as Quadraphenia and American Werewolf in London, John is an accomplished musician and has played lead roles in West End musicals such Chicago and Oliver!  However, John is more widely known for his portrayal of EastEnders villain ‘Nasty’ Nick Cotton, whose storylines have seen him twice commit murder, accidentally kill his own son, succumb to heroin addiction and attempt to poison his own mother twice,
since his first appearance in the programme in 1985.

However, unlike his smoking, drinking and formerly drug-addicted character in the popular BBC soap, John is a fitness devotee.  He adds, "
It’s important to me to live well and I love running, so it’s a great way to support Alzheimer’s Society.  The funds raised from the Bupa Great Yorkshire Run will help people with dementia live well today and help to find a cure tomorrow."

Dr Graham Stokes, Bupa’s director of dementia care explains why Alzheimer’s Society was a natural choice to be the nominated charity, "Alzheimer’s Society and Bupa are working together across a range of projects to support people with dementia and their carers and to find a cure for the future, whilst improving their quality of life and care.


"Both organisations share a commitment to fighting dementia and a belief in the health benefits of exercise. Signing up to support Alzheimer’s Society in a Bupa Great Run means you can get fit, helping reduce your risk of dementia whilst raising money for a very worthwhile cause."

For more information about Alzheimer's Society click on www.alzheimers.org.uk

 

 Do You Go Up a Dress Size in a Day?
It Might be Candida

 

 Cherry Smith, Registered Homeopath

 Cherry Smith, Registered Homeopath
 

Going up a dress size in a day may seem extreme, but for many women its a reality. Excessive bloating can actually mean that clothes that fit in the morning are far too tight by the evening.

The good news is this isn’t actually fat or “weight” that is being put on. It’s usually a result of yeasts in the gut getting out of control. And it can be treated, and most in cases, eliminated.

A common yeast causing gut problems and bloating is Candida. Although it’s naturally present in our gut it can get out of hand and cause a variety of symptoms - bloating is just one of them.

Other symptoms could include:

·  Sugar cravings.
·  Diarrhoea and/or constipation.
· Allergies to certain foods, pollens, house dust mites or animals.
· A strong reaction to beer - either positive or negative. Either people don’t like it but they don’t know why. Or they are “addicted” to it. A beer can also make sufferers sleepy
·  Repeated bouts of thrush
· Depression and anxiety without any obvious cause
·  Fatigue
·  Lack of concentration
·  Migraines

So how can Candida be treated?

Cherry Smith is a registered homeopath, qualified EAV practitioner and expert in Candida treatment. She says, “Most people recommend a traditional Candida diet - but it is very restrictive and in my experience most people can’t maintain it for long enough to make any real difference. Candida mainly feeds on sugars and simple carbohydrates, but it can switch to proteins if necessary. So in many ways fighting Candida through your diet can be an impossible task.”

"In addition, because Candida is a fungi, when its food source is lacking it will become dormant in a cyst form clinging to the gut walls. In this form it can survive for years. So when you change back to a normal diet it just starts up again. It may sound counter-intuitive but it’s actually better to keep the Candida in an active state so that anti-fungal therapies can work better and kill if off."

So what does Cherry recommend? Here are her 10 tips to help combat Candida for good:

1. Eliminate sugar as much as possible - Candida thrives on it, so the amount of Candida cells will generally reduce if sugar is excluded from your food. It’s not a cure-all but it’s a good start and makes treatment easier.

2. Use a good probiotic daily.

3. If you are experiencing food allergies and your energy levels are falling then a homeopath could help with remedies to boost your constitution which in turn will help boost your energy, helping your immune system to combat the fungus and the allergies.


4. Drink 1 to 2 litres of water a day to flush out the toxins produced by Candida.

5. An EAV machine can also be useful as it charts the energy flows through the body and can highlight areas that need attention and where the Candida has really taken hold. Candida may originate in the gut - but it doesn’t necessarily stay there.

6. Use natural anti-fungals like citricidal, tea tree oil (can also be used as a douche, mouthwash and in bath water,) garlic, grapefruit seed extract, caprylic acid, aloe vera juice, Pau D’arco tea, Oleic acid (found in first pressing virgin olive oil), oregano complex, vitamin C with bioflavonoids.

7. Eat apples, grapefruit, pomegranates, pears, cherries, lemons, nectarines, oranges and any berries - these foods are good at fighting Candida.

8. Take a general mineral supplement with zinc and magnesium/calcium as Candida can interfere with mineral uptake in the gut.

9. A homeopathic preparation of Candida in a 6c potency, one daily taken for several weeks.

10. Eat proteins with carbohydrates to balance sugar levels and choose foods rich in Omega 3.

It’s important to get professional help if you have a Candida problem - and if you want stop that bloating that leads to a change in dress size!

There are a variety of professionals that can help:

1. Your GP. S/he is likely to prescribe an anti fungal like Nystatin, which is unpleasant and has to be taken for many months

2. Various alternative practitioners usually have lots of people coming to them for Candida help. Applied kinesiologists, homeopaths and naturopaths can all help. Many of these practitioners use bio testing machines for allergies which will pick up Candida and yeast problems

"The key is get help because Candida rarely goes by itself and just changing your diet is not enough,” says Cherry.

For details click on www.candida-treatments.org

or www.cherrysmith.co.uk