gut and digestion – Hello Doctor

5 Teas you can drink for an upset tummy

October 21st, 2019 by Content Editor

Ah. Nothing beats a soothing cup of tea after a long day. The herbs in teas have a calming effect and some can even help ease pain and nausea.

Choosing the right tea for your symptoms is important, though. These herbal teas could help.

If you have indigestion and nausea:

Ginger tea

If you’ve had too much to eat and are suffering from indigestion, sipping on ginger tea could help. Ginger is also known for decreasing symptoms of abdominal gas and motion sickness, including nausea, vomiting, headache and dizziness. It especially helps with nausea, but if your nausea is severe see your doctor immediately.

Brew it: Make ginger tea with freshly grated ginger and boiled water or ginger teabags.

If it is that time of the month:

Peppermint tea

Suffering from period cramps or nausea? Try refreshing peppermint tea. Peppermint works by soothing the stomach muscles and increasing bile (fluid that helps with digestion) flow. This helps your body digest fat with ease and your food to pass through the stomach faster. When your stomach muscles are relaxed, abdominal gas also moves out the body more quickly.

Brew it: Use fresh, crushed peppermint leaves, steeped in hot water for five minutes, or peppermint teabags.

If you’re constipated:

Fennel tea

Your first thought probably wouldn’t be tea when it comes to fennel, but it makes for a soothing drink. Fennel is a herb that comes from a plant called Foeniculum vulgare. It tastes like liquorice and can be eaten raw or uncooked. Studies have shown that fennel can help ease stomach ulcers and constipation.

Brew it: Make fennel tea by pouring a cup of boiled water over one teaspoon of fennel seeds. Steep for five to 10 minutes, sieve the seeds and enjoy. You can also use fennel teabags or freshly grated fennel root.

If you need to relieve gas:

Chamomile tea

Known for promoting relaxation, chamomile tea contains ingredients that eases pain too. Sipping on this tea soothes the intestinal wall which relieves gas and any discomfort. It could also help you to doze off at night and ease anxiety and stress. However, talk to your doctor before drinking chamomile tea as it may cause an allergic reaction such as a rash, throat swelling or cramps in some people.

Brew it: Place a handful of fresh chamomile flowers in an infuser. Steep them in a kettle or pot for five minutes. Remove the flowers and enjoy. You can also use chamomile teabags.

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Do you struggle with heartburn? Avoid these foods

August 7th, 2019 by Content Editor

Heartburn is a painful burning sensation in the top section of your stomach, which spreads up into your throat. This happens when acid rises into your oesophagus, the tube that connects your stomach to your mouth.

Also known as acid reflux, it can come from spicy foods, overeating in general, or from stress. There are also some medications that can cause heartburn.
Heartburn symptoms can range from burning in the chest to a sour acidic taste in the back of your throat.

To keep acid reflux at bay, avoid the following triggers:

Spicy foods

Spicy foods are often a popular choice, but can be a big problem if you suffer from heartburn. While it may be best to avoid spicy foods, you don’t have to settle for bland meals. There are always tasty alternatives to give you the flavourful taste you’re after, minus the burn.

Replacement: Try swapping the spices in your food with herbs like oregano, thyme, basil, and ginger. These spices add both flavour and nutrition to your meal, without the heartburn afterwards.

Citrus fruit, juices and fizzy drinks

Citrus fruit and fruit juices are common culprits for heartburn. Many soft drinks contain citric acid to help give them that tart flavour.

Replacement: Oranges, lemons, and tomatoes are highly acidic fruits. Swap out the acidic drinks for good old water. You can also add pieces of fruit to your water for taste Fruit like berries, apples, pears and bananas are less acidic than citrus fruit and can be good and healthy alternatives.

Garlic and onion

For many, the usual base of any meal starts with garlic and onions, however these are regular heartburn triggers.

Replacement: Dehydrated versions of garlic and onion are just as flavourful, but less acidic than their fresh counterparts.

Fried foods

Sometimes even looking at fried food can cause heartburn! Not really, but this is another common cause. Fat slows down the speed at which food leaves your stomach. That helps to keep you fuller for longer, but also means there is a greater chance of reflux

Replacement: Go with healthier cooking methods that include baking, grilling, poaching or roasting.

Heartburn medication

Antacids may be taken after meals, at bedtime, or when needed, to bind excess acid in the stomach and to coat the oesophagus. If you’re about to eat a meal that you know will cause heartburn, take one of these at least 30 minutes beforehand. You can get this over-the-counter medication from your local pharmacy or doctor.

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What do wholegrains do for your body?

June 17th, 2019 by Content Editor

Grains are the seeds of grass-like plants called cereals. Common grains include rice, corn and wheat. Others are oatmeal, millet, popcorn, quinoa, buckwheat, whole rye and barley.

Wholegrains have three parts: the brain (the nutritious outer layer), the germ (the seed’s nutrient-rich embryo) and the endosperm (the germ’s food supply which is packed with starchy carbs).

Wholegrains have a range of health benefits, so unless you have celiac disease or another health reason to avoid them, you might not want to miss out.

Get to know grain

  It packs a lot of fibre 

Adults need at least 25 to 35 grams of fibre daily for their body to function at its best. Wholegrains contain both soluble and insoluble fibre. Fibre offers many health benefits and is known to help keep you fuller for longer.. Not all grains are high in fibre though, so stick to ones like oats, barley and bulgur which can help you reach your daily quota.

It keeps you regular 

If you’re struggling to stay regular, wholegrains could help. The fibre found in wholegrain contains a lactic acid which promotes the growth of good bacteria in the large intestine. This bacteria helps with digestion, ups your body’s immune system and promotes nutrition absorption. The fibre also helps prevent constipation, diarrhoea and the pain that comes with it.

It keeps the kilos away 

Keeping your weight in check is easier if you include wholegrains in your diet. Wholegrains make you feel fuller for longer because they take longer to digest. This creates a satiating effect which means you’re less likely to reach for more food after a meal containing wholegrains. You’re also more likely to have smaller portions at every meal. To reach maximum fullness, include rye or quinoa in your meals.

It boosts your immune system 

Wholegrains boast a range of vitamins and minerals that keep you healthy and lower your risk for certain chronic conditions. These include iron, which helps move oxygen throughout your body, and zinc, which ensures your immune systems stays in good condition. Grains are also rich in magnesium which helps to build strong bone, and immune-boosting B vitamins like thiamine, riboflavin, folate and niacin.

It lowers your blood pressure 

Besides being packed with a range of vitamins, wholegrains have heart benefits too. A study found a 19% lower risk of high blood pressure among men who regularly ate wholegrains. The researchers concluded that wholegrains helped with weight control, which in turn lowered the stress placed on blood vessels.

Go gluten-free 

If you have a gluten sensitivity, it may seem difficult to include grains in your diet, but it’s easier than you think. Here are some healthy, gluten-free wholegrain swaps.

Brown rice. Promotes a healthy heart
Non-GMO corn meal. Contains fibre and antioxidants.
Buckwheat. Filled with nutrients and antioxidants.
Oats. Helps to keep you full.
Quinoa. Packed with protein, vitamins and minerals.
Sorghum. Has B vitamins, iron and dietary fibre.

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The seeds you should include in your diet

June 17th, 2019 by Content Editor

Adding seeds to your everyday meals can help boost your intake of protein, fibre and heart-healthy fats. Here are some specifics on good seeds to include into your diet to enhance your overall wellbeing.

Flaxseeds 

Flaxseeds are a great source of protein, fibre and key micronutrients like manganese, thiamine and magnesium. These seeds are also packed with different polyphenols which act as important antioxidants in the body.

They have shown to assist in reducing blood pressure and even the risk of cancer.

Add flaxseeds to super shakes, wholegrain cereals, salads, salad dressing or sprinkle on cooked vegetables.

Chia seeds

These seeds contain a good amount of manganese, phosphorus and calcium, as well as protein and heart-healthy fats. Chia seeds may also play a role in lowering blood glucose levels and reducing appetite.

Add chia seeds whole or ground to smoothies and juices, into yoghurt or oatmeal, or sprinkled on top of a salad.

Quinoa

Quinoa is prepared and consumed as a grain but is considered a type of edible seed. One cup of cooked quinoa is rich in iron, can promote muscle and nerve function and can keep you regular. Bonus!

This superfood is a plant-based protein and a good source of B vitamins.

Add quinoa to vegetable or chicken broth, salads and wraps. Try sweetening up your quinoa by cooking it like oatmeal.

Pumpkin seeds

Pumpkin seeds are a quick and convenient snack option. They’re rich in nutrients and provide many health benefits including regulating blood sugar, , promoting digestion and even preventing insomnia. These helpers are a good source of polyunsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants and may also help to prevent iron-deficiency anaemia.

Add pumpkin seeds to salads, veggies or simply roast them for a snack.

Hemp seeds

These are an excellent source of vegetarian protein. Hemp seeds are loaded with vital nutrients. They supply a good amount of protein and healthy fats, manganese, Vitamin E and magnesium.

Hemp seed oil may have a beneficial effect on heart health by increasing the amount of Omega-3 fatty acids in the blood. The anti-inflammatory action of the Omega-3 fatty acids may also help improve symptoms of eczema.

Sprinkle hemp seeds whole or ground in your cereal or yoghurt. You can add them to smoothies and salads too. Challenge yourself by making your own hemp milk at home using whole seeds.

References

Pregnancy piles? Here’s how to treat them

June 17th, 2019 by Content Editor

Piles, or haemorrhoids, are described as varicose veins in your bottom, and they can be painful. When these vessels are swollen, they’re likely to cause aggravation and may hang out of the anus after passing a stool. The sizes of piles vary too.

The good news is that there’s treatment for your piles which has no risk to your baby.

Piles are usually caused by strain on the area due to:

Constipation or diarrhoea.
Pregnancy.
Difficult bowel movements causing straining.
Sitting on the toilet for long periods.
Obesity.
Anal intercourse.
A low-fibre diet that can cause difficult bowel movements.

Why are piles during pregnancy so common? 

Piles is a very common condition for women during pregnancy or labour. You’re more likely to be effected by the condition when you’re pregnant due to the change of hormones, particularly progesterone. This hormone relaxes the walls of your blood vessels and makes piles more likely to develop. Fortunately, they often clear up in days or weeks after giving birth.

Another cause for the condition is the weight of your baby as it grows. Your baby puts more pressure on your veins and along with constipation; it increases the likelihood of developing piles. If you’re concerned about the length of time you’ve had piles, speak to your doctor or midwife.

Symptoms include:

A hard and painful lump around the anus.
After passing a stool, you may experience the feeling that the bowels are still full.
Visible bright red blood after a bowel movement.
Itchy, sore and red area around the anus.
Pain during passing a stool.

Piles can worsen into more severe conditions like:

An infection.
An inability to control bowel movements.
Anal fistula (an infected tunnel that forms between the skin and anus).
Excessive anal bleeding which could possibly lead to anaemia.

Avoid getting piles in pregnancy

Be sure to drink enough fluids to avoid dehydration and constipation.
Eat a diet that’s high in fibre which includes fruit, veggies and wholewheat bread.
Exercise regularly to improve circulation.
While on the loo, don’t strain, take your time or try again later after drinking some water.

How to treat piles in pregnancy

Place a towel that’s been dipped in ice-cold water on the piles to relieve the pain and irritation around your bottom.
Carefully clean the area around your bottom after going to the loo. It might be easier to use moist toilet wipes rather than toilet tissue. It’ll also help to pat rather than wipe.
You may try and gently push the piles back into the rectum using a lubricating gel when in the bath or shower.
Speak to your doctor or midwife who can prescribe ointments or medication to help soothe the symptoms.

References:

Could you be suffering from SIBO?

March 20th, 2019 by The Hello Doctor Team

SIBO refers to “small intestine bacterial overgrowth”. It is normal for bacteria to grow in certain parts of your gut and intestinal tract, but when these bacteria develop in the small intestine, symptoms appear.

Common symptoms include:

pain in the stomach after eating
cramps
diarrhoea
constipation
bloating
indigestion
gas
constantly feeling full.

Although SIBO isn’t very well understood, it may be caused when:

Your immune system malfunctions.
Your small bowel is abnormal.
When bacteria and food aren’t removed from the small intestine; usually when the muscular activity of the small intestine malfunctions.

Is SIBO serious?

In most cases, SIBO is not a life-threatening condition. In serious cases, however, symptoms can become so severe that you could start to suffer from malnutrition. In these cases, symptoms may include fatigue, trouble breathing, unusual food cravings, constipation, weakness and pale skin.

Do you have SIBO?

If you have symptoms of SIBO, see your doctor immediately. To make a proper diagnosis, he will ask about your symptoms and medical history. You’ll also have a physical where your abdomen will be checked, and you may have to get your blood tested.

One of the most common tests for diagnosing SIBO is a breath test. During this test, while you are in a fasted state, you’ll be asked to breathe into a device before and after having a special drink. Excess bacteria in your small intestine create hydrogen and methane; gasses that can be analysed in your breath.

Treatment

The usual treatment for SIBO is a combination of lifestyle changes, specifically to your diet, and antibiotics. Antibiotics help your body reduce the bacteria in the small intestine This helps, but it’s also important to treat the underlying issue that created the bacteria in the first place.

If SIBO comes from certain foods, a change in your diet may be the solution. Don’t make any changes without your doctor’s advice, though.

Take action:

Eat smaller meals rather than heavy portions to avoid having too much food in your stomach.
Eat a balanced diet with enough fruit and vegetables.
Avoid certain foods if you have an intolerance or allergy. For example, if you have celiac disease, don’t eat gluten products.
Eliminate sugars to ease your symptoms. These include fructose (simple sugars found in fruits, some vegetables and honey), lactose (found in dairy) and fructans (found in gluten products, some fruit and vegetables).

Good to know

After treatment, it’s possible to get SIBO again, so be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions and stick to your dietary changes.

References

What to do if your farts smell bad

March 20th, 2019 by The Hello Doctor Team

Although we’d like to deny it; everyone farts, and most are smelly! But if your farts are so foul that it makes everyone want to leave the room, you may need to find the cause and fix it.

Also known as flatulence, passing gas or wind, farting happens when body releases gas formed during the digesting process. Farts are usually smelly because of the foods that are digested. Farts with foul odours are sometimes caused by disorders, an unbalanced diet, problems with digestion or even an infection. Here are some stinky gas culprits.

High-fibre foods

Foods high in fibre take longer to break down in your digestive system. This means they ferment over time and can cause rotten-smelling farts. Also, high-fibre foods are often ones that are smelly to begin with. For example, broccoli, asparagus and cabbage have odours and usually cause gas to smell. These kinds of food can make gas that smells like rotten eggs because of sulphur. Sulphur is a natural compound that smells like rotten eggs.

Fix it

Go easy on the high-fibre foods to prevent foul-smelling gas.

Constipation

When you’re constipated, your stool is stuck in your colon for a long time. This build-up causes bacteria and an odour to develop. As a result, your farts become extremely foul and sometimes even painful when you pass them.

Fix it
Eat regular, smaller meals, drink enough water and eat enough fiber. You could

Food intolerance
If your body struggles to break down certain foods or you have a bad reaction, your gas could smell terrible. For example, if you’re lactose-intolerant, it means your body can’t break down the carbohydrate lactose which is found in dairy. It becomes fermented by bacteria which causes a foul odour. Often, food intolerances also cause other uncomfortable symptoms like bloating, diarrhoea, weight loss and fatigue.

Fix it
If you think you have a sensitivity to any food, see your doctor. Tests will done to check if an intolerance is causing your foul flatulence.

Medication
Antibiotics help your body get rid of harmful substances that make you sick. But they also kill good bacteria in your stomach that help with digestion. If these medications destroy too much of your good bacteria interferes with digestion, your farts may smell, and your stomach will bloat. Constipation is also possible.

Fix it
Talk to your doctor about changing your medication.

An infection
During digestion, your body sends nutrients to your bloodstream and waste products to the colon. If this process goes wrong, an overgrowth of bacteria can occur. Too much bacteria can cause an infection in the intestines which makes you pass more gas than normal. The flatulence is also usually strong-smelling. An infection like this also comes with pain in the stomach and often, diarrhoea.

Treatment
See your doctor if you think you have a bacterial infection. You might be prescribed antibiotics to get rid of it.

Good to know
To avoid passing too much gas and smelly gas:

Eat smaller portions of food.
Drink lots of water.
Eat foods with probiotics, like yoghurt.
Avoid carbonated fizzy drinks.

References

Can you treat seasonal allergies with your diet?

March 19th, 2019 by The Hello Doctor Team

Your allergies are acting up again and the usual remedies aren’t helping. Maybe it’s time to change your approach and start at the root of the problem? First stop: your gut health.

Your body contains trillions of bacterial cells, called microbes, which live inside your gut. Although the idea of having bugs inside you sounds a bit gross, researchers have discovered that certain microbes are able to boost your health and can be particularly effective in warding off allergies.

A healthy gut digests everything you eat and is responsible for sending essential vitamins and minerals where your body needs them and getting rid of waste products.

If this system doesn’t work properly, a condition referred to as “leaky gut” develops. Leaky gut is caused by protein particles from digested food entering your bloodstream and confusing the immune system. The immune system sets off warning bells that there are intruders in your body, and the immune cells attack to protect you. They do this by triggering inflammation in your body.

This inflammation creates common allergy symptoms like sinusitis, postnasal drip and chronic airway congestion. The reaction can also appear as a food allergy symptom, such as itching, a skin rash, shortness of breath and closing of the windpipe.

Start with your gut

Kick your allergies to the curb by powering up your gut health.

Eat an anti-inflammatory diet
Reducing the inflammation in your gut means you’ll also lower the chance of allergic reactions. Eat plenty of walnuts, non-starchy vegetables, flaxseed, chia seeds and wild-caught fish. Antioxidants, including vitamin C, Vitamin D and zinc are also important anti-inflammatory vitamins and minerals Besides lowering inflammation in your gut, these foods help diminish the amount of histamine (a compound that causes inflammation) released into your body.

Nourish your gut

Up the good bugs in your gut with probiotics, fibre and prebiotics. Probiotics like kimchi, sauerkraut, kombucha and yoghurt are yummy options. To get your fibre fill, go for nuts, seeds, berries, whole wheat bread and oats, legumes, broccoli and carrots. To increase your prebiotics, eat gut-healthy chicory root, garlic, onions, leeks and bananas.

Move more

Exercising may ease allergy symptoms (like congestion) by helping to clear out blocked sinuses. If you suffer from seasonal allergies, avoid exercising after rain or midday, as these are when pollen counts are highest. Aim for early mornings instead. Swimming is an ideal anti-allergy option. It’s not only a good cardio workout, the pool environment also provides humid air that helps to clear sinuses, and is gentle on your lungs. Yoga and Pilates are good options too as these help you to focus on breathing and strengthen your lungs.

Good to know

Don’t use any remedy before talking to your doctor. For example, raw honey (also known as local honey) has been said to help with allergies. This hasn’t been scientifically or medically proven. The idea is that when you eat honey, you’re exposed to pollen. And over time, exposure to the pollen will ease or minimise your allergy symptoms. This isn’t a trusted treatment option as there’s no way to measure how much pollen you’ll be exposed to in any amount of honey. Also, don’t forget that raw honey isn’t suitable for young children!

References

What is Crohn’s disease?

January 23rd, 2019 by The Hello Doctor Team

Along with ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease is one of two forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). With both diseases, the immune system attacks the cells in the gastrointestinal tract, causing inflammation, sores, bleeding, cramps and diarrhoea.

Crohn’s disease differs from ulcerative colitis in that it can affect almost any part of the digestive system, while ulcerative colitis almost always affects the large intestine. Crohn’s disease can also penetrate the entire bowel wall. Ulcerative colitis only involves the innermost lining of the colon.

Both conditions are chronic diseases: they persist over time and, to date, there isn’t a cure for either of them. The good news is that it’s possible to lead a full, happy, productive life if you have Crohn’s disease.

Am I at risk?

IBD was long believed to mainly affect younger people, often starting between the ages of 13 and 30. But researchers now know that 10-30% of people living with IBD are over the age of 60, and many are only diagnosed after 60.

Historically, IBD occurred mostly in white populations, particularly in people who lived in North America and Europe, and much lower rates were seen in black and Asian populations. Recent reports, however, show that the incidence of IBD is on the rise among African and Asian populations as these societies increasingly adopt a western lifestyle.

Crohn’s disease affects about 0.3% of the population in developed countries (like Germany and Canada). Men and women are equally likely to be affected.

Crohn’s disease symptoms

Crohn’s disease shares the following symptoms with ulcerative colitis:

Diarrhoea
Fever
Weight loss
Anaemia
Food intolerances
Malnutrition

In both Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, symptoms occur outside of the gastrointestinal tract (affecting the skin, joints, eyes, liver and other organs). Even though symptoms vary widely among people affected by Crohn’s disease, the most common symptoms are:

Diarrhoea
Cramping/pain in the abdominal area
Weight loss

Bleeding from the rectum is also a possibility.

What causes Crohn’s disease?

The causes are still not clearly understood, but researchers know that it involves an interplay between genetics, your immune system and the environment.

The following factors may trigger the disease if you’re genetically susceptible:

Smoking
Regularly using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and aspirin
Using the contraceptive pill
A high-fat diet
Certain viruses and bacteria
Stress

If you’re over the age of 60, certain physical and lifestyle changes can put you at risk for Crohn’s disease. These include decreased bowel movements, nutritional changes linked to a decreased sense of smell and taste, dental decay, increased use of medication and difficulty swallowing.

How Crohn’s disease is diagnosed

Your doctor will diagnose Crohn’s disease after taking your medical history, doing a physical examination, and conducting lab and imaging tests (X-rays or scans to look at the upper intestine).

Your doctor may also want to do a colonoscopy, which examines the lower intestine.

Treatment for Chron’s disease

If left untreated, Crohn’s disease may lead to intestinal blockages, diseases of the anus and rectum, and colon cancer. So, it’s important to work closely with your doctor to manage your condition.

Your treatment plan may include:

Medication (e.g. corticosteroids, anti-inflammatory medicines, immune-suppressants, antibiotics).
Changes to your diet (e.g. only eating foods that are well tolerated and taking vitamin and mineral supplements).
Surgery to remove affected parts of the bowel or to open parts that have become blocked.

Your doctor will also advise you to quit smoking (if applicable) and to avoid NSAIDs.

Taking care of your condition depends on which part of the gastrointestinal tract is infected, how sick you are, and whether your doctor is aiming to induce or maintain remission.

Some people go through long periods of remission when they don’t experience any noticeable symptoms. This will be your treatment goal, too.

Speak to your doctor about the treatments and lifestyle changes that are best suited to you and remember to take your medication exactly as prescribed.

References:

Home remedies for an upset stomach

October 22nd, 2018 by The Hello Doctor Team

Was it something you ate, or do you have a tummy bug? You can’t eat or move comfortably without feeling a jolt of pain, so you stay home, curled up in a ball.

There’s nothing like an upset stomach to ruin your day, but before you reach for another painkiller, try these remedies to ease those cramps.

Ginger

This spicy root vegetable adds a kick to hot drinks and meals, but did you know it can ease cramps too? Ginger contains chemicals (called gingerols and shogaols) that can help speed up digestion. It does this by making your stomach contract faster which helps those indigestion-causing foods to move on (and out!) more quickly. Ginger can also help with symptoms like nausea, diarrhoea and vomiting.

Add ginger to hot water and drink it as is. Otherwise, add it to your tea.

Cinnamon

Sprinkle this aromatic spice on nearly anything and you’ll be in for a treat – and health benefits too! Cinnamon contains different antioxidants that may help ease digestion and reduce the risk of irritation in your digestive tract. These antioxidants include cinnamaldehyde, eugenol and camphor.

To reap the benefits of cinnamon, add one teaspoon of cinnamon powder or a cinnamon stick to your meals, or to boiling water with tea, two to three times daily.

Mint

Besides helping to freshen up your breath, mint contains menthol which can help relieve pain, ease indigestion and spasms and stop vomiting and diarrhoea.

Fresh mint leaves can be boiled with cardamom to make a soothing tea. You can also grate it finely to cold drinks and add it into your meals. Sugar-free mint sweets or gum can also be used to reduce the pain from heartburn.

Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is an acquired taste for many, but it does pack a healthy punch with every sip. It helps regulate the amount of acid in your stomach which makes digestion easier. It also helps keep your gut bacteria healthy. This means you’re less likely to have an upset stomach in the first place!

If you can handle the taste, try a tablespoon every day to help with cramps or indigestion. If that’s too strong, mix it with a cup of water and a teaspoon of honey.

Cumin

Cumin is a staple ingredient in dishes like curry or spiced meat. It contains active ingredients that reduce indigestion, stomach acids and inflammation.

For an upset stomach, mix one to two tablespoons of ground or powdered cumin into your meals. You could also try adding a few teaspoons of cumin seeds or powdered cumin to boiling water to make a soothing tea.

Good to know

Sometimes an upset stomach can be a symptom of a more serious problem. If you experience pain in your stomach or nausea for more than 48 hours, visit your doctor.
Keep track of all the foods you eat every day to help rule out allergy-related cramps and always drink enough water to prevent dehydration.

References:

Do you have food poisoning or gastro?

September 18th, 2018 by The Hello Doctor Team

You feel a sharp pain in your stomach and nausea washes over you. Did the burger you just ate give you food poisoning, or do you have a stomach bug?

Two of the most common causes of stomach discomfort is food poisoning and gastro. Let’s take a look at the differences between them.

What is ‘gastro’?

Commonly known as the stomach flu, gastroenteritis (also called ‘gastro’), is caused by a viral infection that attacks your digestive system. Different types of stomach flu are caused by different things. Stomach viruses are very contagious.

You can get gastro by:

Eating food or drinking liquids contaminated with a virus.
Having direct or indirect mouth contact with a person who has a virus.
Coming into contact with vomit or the stool of infected people.

Symptoms can last up to three days and includes diarrhoea, nausea or vomiting, stomach cramps, muscle aches, weakness, a fever, headache and dizziness.

What is food poisoning?

Food poisoning happens when you’ve eaten contaminated, toxic or spoiled food. It usually happens when the food has been infected with infectious bacteria, parasites or viruses. This can happen anytime and anywhere when food is cooked or handled incorrectly.

Common symptoms may include stomach cramps, diarrhoea, vomiting, nausea, a fever, thirst, fatigue and weakness. These symptoms can last up to 10 days depending on the cause. The symptoms of food poisoning are usually more severe than gastro.

How to prevent food poisoning

Always follow the cooking instructions on packaged food correctly.
Make sure beef, chicken, seafood and pork is fully cooked before eating.
Keep utensils, surfaces and your hands clean at all times.
Refrigerate your food within two hours after cooking and if the food looks off, throw it out.

To ease symptoms of food poisoning and the stomach flu:

Suck on ice blocks, or sip on water. This will help keep you hydrated.
Avoid juices and other drinks which may make your diarrhoea worse.
Avoid eating solid foods for a few hours to help your stomach settle.
If you feel you’re ready to eat, try bland foods first like toast, crackers and rice. Stop eating if you feel nauseous.
Avoid dairy, caffeine, sugar and fatty foods until you feel better, as these can make you feel worse.

The bottom line

Treatment for both food poisoning and gastro usually includes drinking lots of water to avoid dehydration. Your doctor may replace lost fluids in your body if you’re severely dehydrated.
Antibiotics are not used to treat viral and bacterial causes of food poisoning, but may be used under certain circumstances.
Your doctor may prescribe medication to stop vomiting and diarrhoea for both gastro and food poisoning.
Talk to your doctor if your symptoms last longer than 10 days (food poisoning) and three if you have gastro.
If you experience severe symptoms like blood in your stool, a fever, vomiting or diarrhoea that lasts more than 72 hours, see your doctor immediately.

References:

Is milk bad for you?

September 18th, 2018 by The Hello Doctor Team

We have bee told “Milk is good for you!” since we were children. Our mothers, and advertising ingrained this nugget into our minds for years. But should milk really be part of your diet?

Milk is a whole food which provides 18 out of 22 essential nutrients, including calcium, magnesium, potassium, zinc and protein. Unfortunately, though, about 75% of the world’s population isn’t able to break down lactose; a core ingredient in milk.

Despite its benefits, milk may put you at risk for some conditions. For example, research shows that countries with the lowest rates of dairy and calcium intake also have the lowest rates of osteoporosis.

Besides this, there are other reasons why you should reconsider having milk and other forms of dairy in your diet.

Why milk could be bad for you

It may contribute to acne

A study in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology shows that teenagers with acne are those who drink large amounts of low-fat or skim milk. A group of 225 teens aged 14 to 19 with both acne and no acne were used. The amount of milk they included in their diet was monitored and after three 24-hour recall interviews, it was found that those with acne had a significantly higher amount of milk in their diet.

It may increase the risk of cancer

Studies have found that excess calcium from milk and other foods may increase the risk of certain cancers and specifically, prostate cancer by 30-50% in men. It was also found that sugars found naturally in milk may be linked to a higher risk of ovarian cancer in women. More research is needed, but current research finds that the growth hormones given to cows often contain high levels of chemicals that may increase the risk of developing these cancers.

It may trigger allergic reactions

Milk allergies are common in both adults and children. Including milk in your diet may trigger allergic reactions if you are sensitive to milk and milk products. Symptoms may include wheezing, difficulty breathing, blood in stool, constipation, diarrhoea, and worsening skin conditions like eczema. Sensitivity to casein, a protein in milk, can cause other reactions, which include sinus congestion, skin rashes and migraines.

It can raise bad cholesterol

There are two types of cholesterol; good and bad. If your body has an excess of bad cholesterol, your arteries could get blocked, increasing your risk of heart disease. Milk contains saturated and trans fats, both of which can increase levels of bad cholesterol in your body.

Drink this instead

If you can’t bear to swap to black coffee or weak tea, don’t worry. There are healthy milk alternatives you can try.

Soy milk

Soy milk has a creamy, mild taste and similar nutritional values to cow’s milk. It’s made from whole soybeans or soy protein isolate. It’s a good source of protein, and vitamins B, D, and E. It should be used in moderation though, as it may cause digestive issues like bloating and gas.

Almond milk

With its sweet, nutty flavour, almond milk is a great alternative to cow’s milk. It’s low in calories, fat and carbohydrates, so it’s a great option if you’re watching your weight. The only downside is that it’s low in protein and contains a substance called phytic acid which may limit the absorption of zinc, calcium and iron in your body.

Coconut milk

Coconut milk is made from the flesh of coconuts and water. It has a creamy, milk-like consistency and tastes sweet. It contains no protein and little to no carbohydrates. It does have lauric acid, which helps lower high blood pressure, and cholesterol, which improves heart health. Sip in moderation though, as it’s packed with medium-chain triglycerides, a type of saturated fat.