Health news
with pain, bloating and wind. It is not known exactly why IBS occurs, but it is thought that overactivity of the messages sent from the brain to the gut are involved, as symptoms are often linked to stress and anxiety.
Food intolerance appears only to be involved in a small number of cases, although eating a lot of indigestible fibre can make it worse.
The only way to be sure if a particular food does make symptoms worse is to eat it for at least a week, then exclude it from your diet.
Only one food at a time should be excluded, to identify an exact culprit. You have given such a long list of foods you think upset your stomach it must be very difficult for you to eat a healthy balanced diet.
I do wonder whether some of your symptoms are being caused by worry your tummy is going to misbehave.
I think you would benefit from attending an NHS specialist IBS clinic where psychologists and dieticians are available to give guidance on managing the condition, so you are able to continue working.
Your GP should be able to arrange a referral.
QI RECENTLY had a “well man” check up, including a liver function blood test. It showed I had a slightly raised bilirubin level.
The doctor said I probably had Gilbert’s syndrome, and not to worry. But do I need to do anything about it?
ABILIRUBIN is a breakdown product of haemoglobin, the pigment in red blood cells. It is made constantly in the body, and is taken via the blood to the liver, where it is processed by a special enzyme and excreted into bile.
People with Gilbert’s syndrome have less of this enzyme, leading to slightly raised levels of bilirubin in the bloodstream. It is an inherited condition, affecting about one in 20.
It usually does not cause any symptoms and is only picked up by a random blood test. However, at certain times, the level of bilirubin may rise and cause slight yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes.
This is most likely to occur if you are ill with another problem such as a nasty stomach upset, a severe infection or if you are dehydrated.
It can also sometimes occur during times of exertion or stress, or following surgery, but any colour change is mild and temporary, and Gilbert’s syndrome does not cause sudden severe jaundice.
● If you have a health question for Dr Leonard, write to her in confidence at the Daily Express, One Canada Square, CanaryWharf, London E14 5AP or email yourhealth@express.co.uk. She regrets she cannot enter into personal correspondence or reply to everyone. ● MUMS have been encouraged to check pollution levels before they move house after scientists detected dangerous soot particles in placentas.
Research found poisonous black carbon breathed in by pregnant women travels to the part of the organ which nourishes babies in the womb.
Scientists say it could explain why mothers in polluted areas see higher infant mortality as well as birth defects and asthma cases.
Hasselt University in Belgium, carried out detailed analysis of placentas from 28 mothers.The toxic particles were found in the foetal, rather than the maternal, part of the organ, meaning they may be entering the developing child.
A website has been launched allowing people to check levels outside London homes and estate agents have been urged to disclose this information.
Mark Hayward, chief executive of industry trade body NAEA Propertymark, said: “Air quality is now public information.
“I don’t think it will be long before it’s compulsory to display pollution information on listings.”
Kings College London have already developed an online database to give the level of nitrogen dioxide at postcodes. Visit addresspollution.org to check an address in the capital.
● CHILDREN who use play with traditional toys such as skipping ropes are likelier to be healthier, research shows.
Those with access to swings, roundabouts and trampolines rather than electrical gadgets were more likely to meet the activity guidelines to get 60 minutes of exercise.
Dr Katrina Moss, of University of Queensland in Australia, said: “We found the type of play equipment children have at home is directly related to the amount of physical activity they do.”