Tum troubles eased
SHARON Marsh, aged 38, has experienced upper gastrointestinal problems for six years.
The self- employed web designer, from Sheffield, explains: ‘The discomfort first started around six months after my second son was born and changed from day to day.
‘Sometimes I couldn’t leave the house, but instead had to curl up on the sofa with a hot water bottle.’
Travelling has been a huge trigger for her. ‘Until recently, I’ve felt stressed beforehand and have had to really limit my food and drink intake so that it is very bland and less likely to cause problems.
‘Even thinking about going somewhere could set off anxiety, so I tended to stay at home wherever possible.’
Sharon adds: ‘At one stage, I was so worried about the effect that certain foods had on me that I only ate boiled rice and chicken for a year.’
Taking ginger, peppermint and probiotics failed to bring her significant benefits.
Then, two years ago, she saw an advertisement in a newspaper for a silicic acid gel and has been using it ever since. ‘The gel has been a life saver when travelling and my discomfort is better controlled.
‘I can now eat foods I used to avoid and don’t get the same symptoms any more.
‘When my gastrointestinal problems were at their worst, I avoided going anywhere at all because they really affected my emotional state.
‘But I now live a relatively normal life and socialise without the worry of experiencing discomfort. I’ve already got my supplies ready to take on my next holiday.
‘ Going away would have caused me huge anxiety in the past — but now I pack the silicic acid gel in my bag and know it will help me through.’
Silicic acid gel is available from Tesco, Holland & Barrett and Superdrug.