Digestion and gardening

It is becoming increasingly popular to grow your own vegetables and herbs, as well as try new types of food grown locally or even keep your own chickens. What you eat can have a direct affect on your stomach and digestive system and can worsen digestive conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) affects

up to 1 in 5

people at some point in their lives.

Do you suspect you could have irritable bowel syndrome? 

IBS is a common condition that affects the digestive system. It causes symptoms like stomach cramps, bloating, diarrhoea and constipation. These tend to come and go over time, and can last for days, weeks or months at a time. 

 

It can be a frustrating problem to live with and can hugely impact your everyday life. Whilst the exact cause is not known and there’s no cure, there are some do’s and don’ts which can help to control the symptoms.

 

Do's

  • Cook homemade meals using fresh ingredients from your garden where possible
  • Keep a food diary of what you eat and any symptoms you get
  • Try to find ways to relax
  • Get plenty of exercise
  • Try probiotics for a month to see if they help

Don'ts

  • Delay or skip meals
  • Eat too quickly
  • Eat lots of fatty, spicy or processed foods
  • Eat more than three portions of fresh fruit a day 
  • Drink more than three cups of tea or coffee a day
  • Drink lots of alcohol or fizzy drinks

Gastroenterology services at The Lister Hospital


Gastroenterology is the discipline for diagnosing and treating conditions of the stomach and intestines, and at The Lister Hospital, we offer local clinics and a range of diagnostics to help diagnose and treat a range of symptoms.

 

Stomach pain and problems can be hard to define, and if you have persistent symptoms like bloating, diarrhoea, stomach cramps, and constipation, it might be worth consulting an experienced gastroenterologist to diagnose and treat your condition. 

Contact The Lister Hospital

We hope you enjoyed our garden, if you would like a printed copy of the Health in Full Bloom brochure or would like to make appointment to see a specialist please contact us.

020 3993 5961
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