The ultimate hypochondriac’s health guide
Look for any changes in moles – in colour, number, size or shape. They don’t happen overnight – they can occur over weeks or months. Julia says: “If you catch it early, while cancer is in the mole, there’s a
97% survival rate.” While we’ve all suffered from nervousness, irritable bowel syndrome is a different matter altogether. About one in five people in suffers from stomachcrunching IBS at some stage in their life, with young adults and women hardest hit. And while few of us would book in to see our doc with a case of butterflies, it could well be a warning sign. “There’s a strong link between IBS and stress,” explains Professor Robin Spiller, a gastroenterologist from the University of Nottingham. “Keep a diary to see if it’s a particular event or situation causing the discomfort,” he says.
The biggest trigger for IBS is food intolerance, most notably wheat, milk, cheese, citrus fruits and coffee.
“Ease the strain on your digestive system with non-wheat fibre such as oats, pulses, fruit and veg – and do some light exercise such as walking every day,” says Prof Spiller.
Or try peppermint oil capsules which in tests helped almost 60% of sufferers.
If you’re experiencing regular stomach cramps, bloating, bouts of heartburn, flatulence, constipation and diarrhoea.
“Even if it’s not IBS, if you suffer from any of these for more than 24 hours, your doctor should know about it,” Robin says.
Three-quarters of us will get the fungal infection candida (known as thrush) at some point in our lives, so don’t rule it out.
In fact, it’s always present in small quantities – it’s only when “overgrowth” occurs that you have to take action.
GP Dr Dreena Kelly says: “If it only lasts for a day or two, and there’s no thick, white discharge, it’s more likely to be an irritation caused by a new washing powder or soap.”
So ditch any smellies in favour of nonperfumed soaps, and switch to a non-bio powder. “
Thrush comes on because of hot or moist conditions, antibiotics or having sex with a partner who’s suffering,” says Dr Kelly. The good news?
There are no long-term health risks and an over-the-counter anti-fungal cream such as Canesten can clear it up in five or six days.
While you’re at it, use anti-fungal Canesfresh Feminine Wipes, swap those poly-mix pants for breathable cotton ,and sort your itchy man out at the same time.
If it doesn’t clear up with the cream, see your GP.
“It could be another STI with similar symptoms but real health risks, such as scabies, eczema or a different tion,” warns Dr Kelly. More than people suffer from indigestio