Matt Tallis

Author's Posts

Hiatus Hernia

The esophagus is the muscular tube which carries food from the mouth to the stomach. On its route to the stomach, the esophagus travels through a small hole in the diaphragm known as the hiatus. A hiatus hernia occurs when part of the upper stomach is squeezed upwards, and protrudes (herniates) through the diaphragm. There are two types of hiatus hernia: the sliding hiatus hernia, and the para-esophageal hiatus hernia. Symptoms Most people with hiatus hernias do not experience any symptoms due to the small size of the protrusion. In more serious cases, shortness of breath, dull chest pains and heart palpitations are present. As hiatus...

Gout

Gout, the most common kind of inflammatory arthritis, is a condition characterised by attacks of swelling and severe pain in the joints. Almost half of all gout cases are in the big toe joint. It is estimated to affect one to two per cent of the western population and is thought to be becoming more prevalent. Symptoms Gout has many symptoms that can vary between people, but the defining symptom is an abrupt bout of severe pain in a joint or multiple joints. Usually, this is seen in the metatarsal-phalangeal joint in the big toe. The inflamed joint may also feel hot and too tender to touch. There may also be swelling, itchy and flaky...

Gastroparesis Diet

Gastroparesis, also known as delayed gastric emptying, is a chronic digestive condition which stops the stomach from emptying in its usual fashion. Instead of digested food moving from the stomach through the duodenum and into the small intestines, food remains in the stomach for an unusually long time. Symptoms Symptoms of gastroparesis may come in bouts and can differ in severity from mild to agonising pain. Symptoms of gastroparesis include: Abdominal pain Bloated stomach Getting full very quickly Loss of appetite Nausea and vomiting Causes of gastroparesis Gastroparesis is thought to be the result of a problem...

The Complete Guide to Gastritis

Are you experiencing discomfort in your stomach? Are you constantly plagued by indigestion, bloating, or a burning sensation? If so, you may be suffering from gastritis. But fret not! In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the world of gastritis – exploring its causes, symptoms, and most importantly, how to effectively treat it. So grab a cup of soothing herbal tea and let's embark on a journey to understanding and conquering gastritis together! What is Gastritis? Gastritis is a condition that occurs when the lining of the stomach becomes inflamed. The stomach lining plays a crucial role in protecting the organ from gastric...

Diet for Gallstone Prevention

Gallstones are solid lumps that form in the gallbladder. They can grow over the space of years, and can fill the whole of the gallbladder. Gallstones can be made either of cholesterol (a type of fat), or of bilirubin (a waste product of red blood cells). According to the NHS, more than one in 10 adults have gallstones, yet the majority of them cause no discomfort or health complications. Symptoms The majority of people with gallstones do not experience any symptoms, so you wouldn’t know about them unless you get a scan for something else that is unrelated. When symptoms do appear, it is due to the stones moving into the duct of your...

Diet for Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia, also known as Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS), is a chronic condition characterised by muscular and skeletal pain all over the entire body. According to Arthritis Research UK, one in 25 people have fibromyalgia. Symptoms The symptoms of fibromyalgia vary between different people, although the defining symptoms are widespread pain, fatigue, and extreme sensitivity. Other symptoms include: Poor sleep Irritable Bowel Syndrome Headaches Stiffness Temporary loss of cognitive function Causes The cause of fibromyalgia is currently unknown, but there are thought to be a number of factors involved. Researchers are...

Pre-Operation Bariatric Surgery Liquid Diet

Bariatric surgery refers to weight loss procedures performed on people with obesity, in which the size of the stomach is reduced, either with a gastric band, or through the removal of a portion of the stomach. Before surgery, it is crucial that a strict, calorie-controlled diet is followed. This is important to reduce the size of the liver, reducing the risk of complications related to surgery. It is also helpful as decreasing the liver’s size increases the likelihood of the surgery being performed laparoscopically (by keyhole), as opposed to open surgery, which can be more painful. It can increase hospital stay, recovery time, and the...

Pre-Operation Bariatric Surgery Diet

Bariatric surgery refers to weight loss procedures performed on people with obesity, in which the size of the stomach is reduced, either with a gastric band, or through the removal of a portion of the stomach. Before surgery, it is crucial that a strict, calorie-controlled diet is followed. This is important to reduce the size of the liver, reducing the risk of complications related to surgery. It is also helpful as decreasing the liver’s size increases the likelihood of the surgery being performed laparoscopically (by keyhole), as opposed to open surgery, which can be more painful. It can increase hospital stay, increase recovery time,...

Post-Operation Bariatric Surgery Diet

Once the gastric surgery has been completed, it is very important that you follow a strict diet, as this ensures your stomach can heal correctly. Eating solid foods too soon can put too much stress on the stomach wound, causing leakages. The post-surgery diet is comprised of three stages: Weeks 1 to 4 Weeks 4 to 6 Weeks 6+ Weeks 1 to 4 During this time, no solid food should be consumed, as it can damage the stomach. Food must be puréed, and you can do this with a blender or food processor. Eat four or five 100g portions of puréed food per day. Take small mouthfuls and eat food slowly, ensuring to stop as soon as you...

Lactose Intolerance

Lactose intolerance is the inability to digest lactose, the natural sugar found in milk and other dairy products. Lactose is a combination of the sugars glucose and galactose. Lactose intolerance occurs when not enough of the enzyme lactase is produced in the lining of the small intestines. Despite common misunderstanding, lactose intolerance is not an allergy. Symptoms The symptoms of lactose intolerance are usually prevalent a few hours after consuming lactose in food or drink. The primary symptoms include: Bloating Diarrhoea Flatulence Stomach cramps Stomach noises These symptoms are very individualistic, because...

Iron Deficiency Anemia

Anemia refers to a level of red blood cells, or hemoglobin, that is lower than the expected healthy range. When this happens, less oxygen is able to be carried to the organs and tissues in the body. Iron deficiency anemia is a form of anemia caused by a lack of iron in the body. Iron deficiency anemia is the most common type of anemia, according to the NHS, but there are other types. It is estimated that 3 per cent of men and 8 per cent of women have iron deficiency anemia in the UK. Symptoms The symptoms of iron deficiency anemia can occur very slowly. Most people in the early stages of iron deficiency anemia do not know they have it...

Diverticulitis Diet

Diverticulitis is a disease of the digestive system, and is the result of diverticula inflammation. Diverticula are small sacs that develop at weak points in the lining of the large intestine (colon). Symptoms Symptoms of diverticulitis are usually constant and severe. These include: Agonising lower abdomen pain Episodes of diarrhoea and constipation Bloating Fever Nausea Causes The cause of diverticulitis is not currently known. Risk factors include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), a low fibre intake, obesity, smoking and genetic factors. It is thought to be 40 per cent attributable to inherited...

Diet for Crohn’s Disease

Crohn’s disease is a disorder of the digestive system that causes inflammation and ulcers. Although the inflammation can affect any portion of the digestive system from the mouth to the anus, it is most commonly seen at the end of the small intestine (ileum) and in the large intestine. Around 115,000 people in the UK have Crohn’s disease. Symptoms Symptoms of Crohn’s disease can be very mild for a long periods of time, and flare up randomly. Common symptoms include: Diarrhoea (which may contain blood) Stomach pain Fever Weight loss Fatigue Various other problems can arise outside of the gastrointestinal (GI)...

The Connection Between Food and Disease

It is well known that a certain amount of food is needed per day for energy. Energy is the dynamic force needed for biological processes ranging from growth and repair, to metabolism and reproduction. Although food is becoming more accessible and calorie consumption is at an all-time high, general wellbeing and health is declining. One in four British adults are obese (24.8 per cent) 61 per cent are either overweight or obese The UK is ranked 20th in life expectancy 15 million people in England have chronic diseases These chronic diseases are the result of a poor diet, and the risk of developing them can be greatly...

Cirrhosis Treatment

Cirrhosis is a condition in which the liver is repeatedly scarred and no longer functions properly. It is a condition that may get progressively worse for years without a person even knowing. This type of chronic liver injury leads to end-stage liver disease, and can be fatal. Every year 4,000 people die of cirrhosis in the UK. Symptoms It is unlikely that you will feel any symptoms of cirrhosis in the early stages. Once the liver starts to fail, a loss of appetite, fatigue, nausea and itchy skin are common. In the later stages when the liver is barely functioning, more serious symptoms are jaundice, vomiting blood, hair loss, shaking...

Cholecystitis

Cholecystitis is a potentially dangerous health condition attributed to inflammation of the gallbladder. The gallbladder is a small pear-shaped organ found under the liver, and stores bile to be secreted into the intestines. Symptoms There are a range of symptoms of cholecystitis, but its defining symptom is a sharp, excruciating pain in the upper right side of the abdomen, and up the right arm. The pain can be aggravated by deep breathing, and is persistent. Other symptoms include: Bulging abdomen Fever Jaundice Nausea Sweating Causes Cholecystitis occurs due to a blockage in the cystic duct, the duct joining the...

Diet for Celiac Disease

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease and digestive condition that affects the small intestine. Although commonly mistaken for gluten sensitivity, celiac disease is a separate condition that is the result of the immune system mistakenly attacking healthy intestinal tissue, when gluten is ingested. Around 1 in 100 people (1 per cent) suffer from celiac disease. Symptoms The symptoms associate with celiac disease can vary from mild to debilitating, and are known for coming on sporadically. Chronic diarrhoea is the most common symptom, and can lead to a host of problems such as dehydration and malnutrition. Other symptoms include: ...

Cardiac Diet for Hypertension

The cardiac diet is frequently prescribed for those who have the common risk factors associated with heart attacks. The cardiac diet is a healthy balanced diet plan which anyone can follow, but also acts as both a preventative and treatment diet for hypertension. What is hypertension? When blood pressure is too high it is known as hypertension. Blood pressure refers to the amount of force that is created by blood pushing against the walls of arteries when the heart pumps. Hypertension is therefore often known as high blood pressure. The serious medical condition is thought to account for 12.8 per cent of all deaths globally, and costs...

Bowel Cancer

Bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is a general term referring to the development of abnormal cell growth in parts of the large intestine. It can occur either in the colon or the rectum. According to NHS figures, one in 20 people will develop bowel cancer in their lifetime, with around 40,000 people being diagnosed per year in the UK. This makes bowel cancer one of the most common forms of cancer. Symptoms The symptoms of bowel cancer may vary depending on the tumour’s location, and whether it has spread to other parts of the body or not. The main symptoms are blood in your stool, abdominal pain, weight loss and...
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