Gel that can settle digestive troubles
FOR the past seven years, Elaine Williamson, 38, has suffered from gastrointestinal problems, particularly stomach pain and nausea. ‘I get these horrible symptoms almost every day. They can be really severe when I’m stressed out and some foods trigger it, too,’ says the busy mum-offour who lives with her partner in Greenock, Scotland, and is a full-time carer for her daughter, nine, who has cerebral palsy. ‘Stress is probably the main cause. Helping my daughter to cope with her disability is particularly challenging.’ In the past, Elaine has tried various remedies but none have been effective in the long-term. ‘Frustratingly, the symptoms have affected several areas of my life,’ she says. ‘I haven’t felt able to socialise because of concern that I might become ill, and I don’t eat out as I am always worried there won’t be toilets nearby. ‘I’ve even had to cancel plans at the last minute due to suddenly feeling ill, probably caused by anxiety or simply something I’ve eaten. ‘I heard about silicic acid gel while reading case studies on a health website. Other people were talking about it, so I thought it was worth checking it out for myself. ‘I started taking the gel form — and it has helped so much by relieving the nausea, the worst part of my condition. The gel now seems to settle my digestion.’ Since taking it, Elaine has been able to socialise, eat out and go shopping again, having seen a 60 per cent improvement in symptoms. ‘I take it twice a day in the morning and evening. It has made such a big difference. I can do everyday things now that other people take for granted, as the gel makes me feel so much better. ‘It’s the best thing ever, as it has given me back my life.’ Users of silicic acid gel typically report relief from their symptoms, feeling in control of their life again and being able to exercise, take simple trips to the shops, and accept invitations to family events that would once have been impossible. Silicic acid recently developed for daily use in a colloidal gel form can be purchased from Holland & Barrett and independent pharmacies.