A. There are many things you can do to ensure you enjoy yourself while minimising the repercussions! Starting the day on the right foot can help your blood sugars to be balanced througout the day so you may only feel the need to nibble. A high fibre, protein & good fat breakfast can help set you up.  A good choice is: oats with sprinkled nuts, seeds & almond milk (a smoothie would be perfect!)  Also pay attention to chewing your food well and enjoy every mouthful. For extra support have digestive enzymes on hand activated charcoal for any gas and gastrointestinal discomfort that may occur – and most importantly, everything in moderation!

Recommended products: Digest Ezyme and Activated Charcoal

Scientists now acknowledge that there are numerous physiological and molecular mechanisms which make it difficult for some people to manage their weight, despite good intentions. Many weight management products don’t take this into consideration, and that is precisely why they are often ineffective. A lot of diet pills and supplements are thermogenics that work by attempting to support the optimal rate at which our body burns fat (thermogenesis). These products can be problematic as they can cause anxiety, heart palpitations and sleeplessness. Fibrous bulking agents, a common alternative to thermogenics, can help to give a feeling of fullness, but on their own are rarely a successful weight management solution and can cause gastrointestinal upset. A 2009 scientific study into a novel patented African Mango extract Irvingia gabonensis extract named IGOB131 versus placebo showed significant support for weight management, body composition, lipid levels, and heart health. This wowed researchers as these are all far too common risk factors to be addressed for the maintenance of a healthy heart After investigating these groundbreaking results, researchers ascertained that unlike most weight management products, this novel African mango extract (IGOB131) produced these amazing outcomes via not one, but multiple different biological mechanisms. It is thought that IGOB131:

• May support a balancing effect on the enzyme which converts ingested starches to sugars in the digestive tract, thereby supporting balanced blood sugar levels.

• May support a balancing effect on another enzyme named glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, the pesky enzyme that turns blood sugar into the lipids that bloat fat cells, thus supporting balanced fat levels.

• Helps manage appetite by supporting the healthy activity of leptin, an appetite and weight managing hormone.

• May support the healthy action of apidonectin. This hormone is intrinsically involved in maintaining balanced blood sugar levels, supporting healthy heart function, and may even support healthy fat balance.

A. Irritable Bowel Syndrome is an uncomfortable condition that affects many people worldwide. Whilst currently the causes of IBS are not completely understood, there are certainly things you can do to improve your symptoms.

It is known that those with IBS seem to have more sensitive enteric nervous systems – this is the part of the nervous system that lives in the lining of the intestines. These people are more sensitive to certain foods. It has recently come to light that a group of foods collectively called FODMAPS may be primary triggers for IBS. By avoiding foods that contains FODMAPS (short for Fermentable, Oligo, Di and Monosaccharides and Polyols – but you don’t need to memorise that!) you may find relief from many of your symptoms. Learn more about FODMAPS here.

As well as dietary changes, certain supplements can assist with IBS.

Peppermint oil is a traditional herbal medicine that has been used for thousands of years for intestinal discomfort due to it’s to quell spasms in the gut. Radiance® DigestEze combines peppermint oil with ginger and fennel in an easy to swallow softgel, to ease digestive discomfort.

Probiotics are another essential supplement for those with IBS. These ‘friendly’ bacteria have many regulating jobs in our digestive system. Many clinical trials have shown probiotic supplements can help improve symptoms of abdominal pain and discomfort, bloating, reduce pain and help to normalise stool frequency and consistency. Choose a trusted brand such as Nature’s Way® Primadophilus who guarantee the numbers in their products are live and viable ‘Colony Forming Unit’s’ because it is important the probiotics are alive, to confer their health benefits to you.