Managing the Menopause with a Healthy Lifestyle

Menopause and perimenopause are crucial stages in a woman’s life that can bring with them a number of physical and emotional changes. Reduced ovarian hormone secretions during these periods can lead to hot flushes, pain, fatigue, changes in bone mass, morphology, skin and hair, as well as increased cardiovascular risks. However, although ageing brings with…

Coeliac Disease

Introduction Coeliac disease is a chronic immune-mediated enteropathy induced by gluten exposure in genetically predisposed individuals. It is currently estimated to affect approximately 1% of the population, with an increasing incidence in recent decades. Although initially described as a childhood condition, it is increasingly being diagnosed in adults, who often present with non-specific digestive symptoms…

Crohn’s Disease: A Holistic Perspective from Biology to Nutrition

Summary Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel condition characterised by periods of flares and remissions. It affects the entire gastrointestinal tract, with a predilection for the distal ileum. Triggering factors include complex interactions between environmental, genetic, immunological factors and changes in the microbiome. There are several types of the disease, each with specific manifestations.…

Confronting Menopause: A Natural Change that Impacts the Whole Body

Over the generations, certain aspects of women’s health have been considered taboo. However, it is time to address menopause as a natural process that all women will face at some point in their lives, similar to the way men go through andropause. The decline in oestrogen levels associated with menopause has significant repercussions on women’s…

Health Impacts of Ultraprocessed Foods: Scientific Evidence Revealed

Introduction The increasing prevalence of ultra-processed foods has triggered significant public health concerns worldwide. These products, categorised according to the Nova system, range from packaged snacks to ready meals, and are characterised by their altered chemical composition and low presence of whole foods. As these foods have become more accessible, their consumption has increased, especially…

29 February: World Rare Disease Day – Focus on Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE)

Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE) is gaining ground as an emerging disease, according to the President of the European Consortium for Eosinophilic Diseases of the Gastrointestinal Tract (EUREOS). Although its causes are not yet fully understood, evidence shows a steady growth in both children and adults, making it the leading cause of chronic oesophageal disease in young…

GLUTEN FREE

The Association of Coeliacs in Europe (AOECS) is the umbrella organisation representing the various national coeliac associations in Europe. Currently, the European Licensing System for gluten-free labelling is regulated by AOECS, with 38 members across Europe. European Licensing System (ELS) or “Herringbone Barred” The “Herringbone” label certifies that a product contains less than 20 parts…

4 FEBRUARY: WORLD CANCER DAY

According to the World Cancer Report 2024 from the World Health Organisation (WHO), around a third of cancer deaths are attributable to five preventable risk factors: tobacco, certain infections, alcohol consumption, physical inactivity and poor diet. Tobacco is the main risk factor, accounting for over 90% of cases of lung cancer and contributing significantly to…

Dysphagia: Swallowing difficulties and their implications

Dysphagia, a swallowing disorder, brings with it a number of challenges ranging from discomfort when swallowing to an inability to swallow. Not only can this condition be painful, but it can also signal underlying medical problems that require immediate attention. Understanding its symptoms, causes and diagnostic methods is crucial to properly addressing this condition. What…