According to new findings from researchers in New Zealand, kiwi fruit can help to encourage more frequent bowel movements in those with constipation.

While constipation is a common problem, the treatments currently available are often not deemed to be as effective as they should be. So, could kiwi fruit be a better, alternative treatment? Here, we look at what the recent study found and when you may need to seek help for constipation.

Kiwi fruit more effective than Psyllium

The latest research carried out by the University of Otago in New Zealand has found that kiwi fruit is more effective at treating constipation than the traditional treatment ‘Psyllium’. The international multicentre controlled study recruited patients from New Zealand, Japan, and Italy, and included a total of 184 participants.

Most participants either had constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-C), or functional constipation. Some healthy people were also included in the study as controls. There were 136 women and 48 men included.

In the first two weeks of the study, participants were asked to record their bowel movements. They were then assigned either 7.5g of psyllium or two ripe kiwi fruits without the skins for four weeks. Treatment was then paused for four weeks, before participants switched treatments for an additional four weeks.

Those with functional constipation found that after four weeks of eating kiwi fruits, their bowel movements increased by 1.53 movements a week. Participants with IBS-C saw an increase of 1.73 movements per week. With Psyllium, only those with IBS-C saw a significant increase in bowel movements.

How does kiwi fruit help with constipation?

Kiwi fruit can help to aid constipation in numerous ways. Firstly, it has a high fibre content. On average, a kiwi fruit has 2.3g of fibre in every 100g. This is important for softening the stools and encouraging regular bowel movements.

They also contain a digestive enzyme known as actinidin, known to break down proteins and ensure food moves smoothly throughout the digestive system. Finally, kiwi fruits contain up to 80% water, providing an excellent source of hydration. This too is important as it prevents the stools from becoming hard and dry.

When to seek help for constipation

While this latest research is compelling, kiwi fruits should not be used as an alternative to traditional medication. There are many different causes of constipation, and it may point to an underlying issue.

If you experience constipation for weeks at a time, and you also experience abdominal cramping, you should seek medical advice. While increasing your consumption of kiwi fruits may help to eradicate functional constipation, you should still seek medical advice if symptoms persist.

Acid reflux is a common condition that is said to affect up to 20% of the population. In some cases, it flares up occasionally, while in others it remains a consistent, ongoing problem.
While it isn’t usually serious, the condition can cause uncomfortable and unpleasant symptoms. In some cases, symptoms may be experienced daily, impacting the patient’s quality of life.

You can experience a bout of acid reflux at any time of year. However, it does tend to be more prevalent in the winter months. So, how can you avoid acid reflux this winter? Find out everything you need to know to protect yourself below…

Increase your Vitamin D consumption

In winter, we tend to spend much less time outdoors than we do for the rest of the year. This means we get a lower natural dose of vitamin D from sunlight.

When you aren’t getting enough vitamin D, it can relax the oesophageal sphincter, making it easier for stomach acid to get back into the oesophagus. This triggers the symptoms of acid reflux.

By getting outdoors more and taking a high-quality supplement, you can increase your Vitamin D intake.

Avoid acid reflux by resisting junk food

It’s easier to follow an unhealthy diet in winter. The colder weather encourages us to turn to comfort food such as cakes, spicy food, and chocolate. While they may make you feel good temporarily, these foods are known to trigger heartburn. In turn, they can cause acid reflux to worsen.

Try and maintain a healthy diet throughout the winter months. A little indulgence is fine, but too much will lead to frequent acid reflux flare ups.

Limit your alcohol consumption

As Christmas approaches, it’s common to increase our alcohol consumption. The odd festive tipple is fine, but if you drink excessively, you are going to experience more frequent bouts of acid reflux. Alcohol itself is acidic, and it is one of the most common contributing factors to acid reflux.

If you limit your alcohol intake, you should see your acid reflux clear up.

Seeking treatment for acid reflux

While the tips above can help to avoid acid reflux this winter, they may not eradicate it completely. This is especially true if the root cause is not linked to your diet. It is important to understand the cause of the condition to treat it effectively. For example, if it is caused by a hernia or an ulcer, you will need to treat them to eliminate the acid reflux. Or, if the condition is caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), surgery may be required.

For those struggling with constant acid reflux symptoms that don’t clear up, other treatment options may be available. Book a consultation with Mr Alan Woodward today to determine the best course of treatment to eradicate the symptoms.

Long COVID is typically associated with shortness of breath and fatigue. However, did you know it can also impact your digestive system?

An increasing number of people are displaying gastrointestinal symptoms as a result of having the condition. Here, we analyse recent research into Long COVID and its effect on the digestive system.

What does the latest research say?

In April 2022, a study was carried out to determine the link between long covid and gastrointestinal symptoms. It involved 1,114 participants who took a two-part internet survey. All participants had tested positive for COVID-19.

It was discovered that gastrointestinal symptoms were a risk factor for severe COVID cases. Out of the 164 participants who completed the second phase of the study, 66% of them had at least one gastrointestinal symptom.

Additional research in March this year, discovered 16% of 147 patients who had never had a gastrointestinal problem, reported a new digestive symptom. These symptoms typically started within 100 days of developing a COVID infection.

The most prevalent symptoms reported include:

• Heartburn
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• Swallowing difficulties
• Diarrhoea
• Constipation
• Bloating

Certainly, the fact that multiple studies have shown an increase in gastrointestinal problems in Long COVID patients points to a strong link. So, what is causing it?

Why does Long COVID affect the digestive system?

The exact reason why so many Long COVID patients are developing issues of the digestive system isn’t fully known. However, there are some theories.

When the SARS-COV2 virus invades cells, it uses receptors within the body. The gut lining is home to many of these receptors. The issues could also be caused by the inflammation caused by the virus. This can upset the bacteria that live within the gut, stimulating the nerves of the gastrointestinal system.

Treating issues of the digestive system

If you are experiencing gastrointestinal issues caused by COVID, making sure you drink plenty of fluids and eating a healthy diet can help. Avoiding processed foods and following a Mediterranean diet, that is rich in fruit and vegetables, whole grains, legumes and nuts, is recommended to manage the symptoms.

Whether Long COVID is the cause of your issues or not, seeking treatment for gastrointestinal problems early is important. When left untreated, they can go on to worsen and trigger other health problems.

If you are experiencing any digestive issues, book a consultation with Mr Woodward. After assessing the symptoms, he will recommend a treatment plan to help you get them under control.

After the recent passing of Dame Deborah James to bowel cancer, her popular podcast ‘You, Me, and the Big C’, has won a top award. Focusing on living with cancer and its treatment, the podcast helped to break new ground by discussing the realities of cancer and the struggles patients go through.

Deborah highlighted her own experiences and urged others to ‘check their poo’ in a bid to catch bowel cancer early. Co-presenter Lauren Mahon accepted The Podcast Champion award and stated she would be continuing to champion the cause.

Raising awareness of bowel cancer

Dame Deborah James was diagnosed with stage 3 bowel cancer in December 2016 when she was just 35 years old. Nicknamed Bowelbabe, she went on to raise £7.4 million for charity and worked tirelessly to raise awareness of bowel cancer, becoming a patron of Bowel Cancer UK.

One of the most common types of cancer in the UK, the exact cause of bowel cancer is unknown. While it typically occurs with older age, it has become much more prevalent in younger patients in recent years. Most commonly affecting the large section of bowel, the odds of beating it rely upon early detection.

NHS see surge in symptom checker use

After the death of Dame Deborah James, the NHS saw a surge in the use of their online symptom checker. Over 23,000 visitors headed to the symptom checker website to look for the symptoms of bowel cancer. This is compared to around 2,000 the day before the podcast host passed away.

Speaking of the impact Deborah had on the nation, former health secretary, Sajid Javid, stated:

Having lost my father to bowel cancer, I know how devastating this disease can be, and we must continue to break down barriers around what she called the ‘C’ word – encouraging people to have open and honest discussions. Our upcoming 10-year cancer plan will build on this with a focus on early diagnosis to help save more lives.

There is no denying that Dame Deborah James helped to educate and raise awareness of bowel cancer. Being aware of the symptoms and breaking down the stigma helps others to spot the symptoms early and seek the treatment they need.

The importance of early treatment

Identifying bowel cancer early is key to treating it successfully. Unfortunately, tests are typically carried out on the NHS for patients aged 60 and over. This leaves younger patients more at risk of developing late-stage bowel cancer before it is detected.

By knowing what symptoms to watch out for, patients can get checked over by a doctor at any age. The main symptoms include bleeding from the bottom, changes in your poo, extreme fatigue, and abdominal pain.

For patients who are concerned about their risk, a colonoscopy can help to detect the early stages of bowel cancer. Undergoing this simple but effective test ensures patients get the diagnosis they need to provide speedy treatment.

To book a colonoscopy, get in touch with Mr Alan Woodward today.

Exercise has long been known to provide a plethora of benefits for our physical and mental health. Now, a new study has revealed that even moderate amounts of physical activity can help to prevent deadly diseases such as bowel cancer.

Published in the International Journal of Cancer, the latest study reveals exactly how exercise helps to reduce the risk of getting the disease. Here, we will look at what the study found and why becoming more active is key to staying healthy.

The latest bowel cancer study

The latest study was carried out by researchers from the York St John and Newcastle universities. A prospective, two-site, controlled, and randomised trial was carried out on 16 men. They ranged in age from 50-80, and each had lifestyle risk factors of bowel cancer.

The men were split into two groups, with one group undergoing six 5-minute indoor cycling intervals with a 60% heart rate reserve. The other group carried out no exercise and instead enjoyed 60 minutes of seated rest while the other group were exercising. Human serum was collected before and after exercise to measure any exercise-induced changes in intracellular protein expression and serum cytokines.

It was revealed that exercise increased the levels of blood IL-6 protein. When blood was taken right after exercise, it helped to slow down cancer cells while also reducing the amount of DNA damage caused.

Speaking of the findings, Exercise Physiology lecturer from the Newcastle University, Dr Sam Orange, states:

“Previous scientific evidence suggests that more exercise is better for reducing bowel cancer risk, as the more physical activity people do, the lower their chances of getting it. Our findings support this idea.”

What type of exercise is better at preventing cancer?

While all types of exercise can help to reduce the risk of cancer, cardio tends to be one of the most effective. This gets the heart rate up, and it also leads to the production of higher levels of blood IL-6 protein.

Carrying out exercise multiple times a week can provide protection against several forms of the disease, including bowel cancer. What was most interesting about the new study was that it showed exercise has benefits at reducing the risk of cancer far beyond weight loss.

Detect bowel cancer early

While this new study could lead to the development of new treatments and aid in the prevention of bowel cancer, this could take a while. It is also worth noting that not all cases of bowel cancer can be prevented. The best way to detect bowel cancer early is to be regularly screened.

There are numerous ways to screen for bowel cancer, but a colonoscopy is one of the most effective. This common and painless procedure helps to detect any changes within the large colon and rectum. Book a consultation with Mr Woodward today to arrange a colonoscopy, or you can seek a referral from your GP.