Gerry Gajadharsingh writes: Gastroesophageal reflux disease, GORD (or GERD if you are American) involves the backup (reflux) of stomach contents, especially acid, into the oesophagus, causing symptoms or mucosal lesions. Alongside proton pump inhibitors (PPI’s such as Omeprazole), hygienic-dietary rules are crucial for managing GORD. PPI’s do need to be used with caution in [...]

Gerry Gajadharsingh writes: “Another interesting research article in relation to low levels of magnesium and clinical problems, this time regarding Metabolic Syndrome. This syndrome encompasses a number of different risk factors including hypertension, hypercholesteraemia, high blood sugar, and obesity (abdominal/visceral fat deposition). Low magnesium levels are very common and I have previously published a [...]

Gerry Gajadharsingh writes: “The adrenal glands sit above each kidney and are also known as suprarenal glands. Their size on average is around 5 cm x 2 cm and their function is to produce a variety of hormones, involved in blood pressure control and electrolyte balance (aldosterone), stress (adrenaline and noradrenaline), metabolism, immune, stress [...]

Gerry Gajadharsingh writes: “Whilst I don’t particularly like the term mindfulness, it’s often misused, I do believe in helping patients optimise their breathing patterns, especially in chronic conditions, such as headache and migraine.  Migraine often occurs as a consequence of sensory overload, whether that’s bright, light, smell, hormonal changes, high levels of anxiety, etc. [...]

Gerry Gajadharsingh writes: "This research, which focuses on a vegan diet (soya beans), suggests that significant changes in the gut Microbiome can lead to significant reductions in vasomotor symptoms in postmenopausal women, such as hot flushes. I think the key is that dietary change (vegan or otherwise and other factors that can manipulate and [...]

Gerry Gajadharsingh writes: “Hot on the heels of my recent blog regarding the mental health crisis in the younger generation here is some great evidence focusing on exercise.  The study, published in the British Medical Journal, sought to establish what types of exercise are best at helping with depression, reviewing data from clinical trials [...]

Gerry Gajadharsingh writes: “Assuming the data is correct, an astounding number of young people are taking time away from work with mental health problems. Among 16 to 24-year-olds questioned for a survey, 56 per cent said that they needed time off because of stress, anxiety and depression. Among staff aged 45-54 the figure was [...]

Gerry Gajadharsingh writes: “With thanks from my colleague, Antony Haynes for the article below, it’s good to be reminded how simple interventions such as magnesium supplementation can be very supportive to general health and some specific health issues. The primary source for dietary intake of Magnesium (Mg) is derived from fruits and vegetables, but [...]

Gerry Gajadharsingh writes: “The excellent article below, recently published on Medscape by Dr Toni Hazell, is a must read for all clinicians practising in primary care, including Osteopaths and I’m sure patients will find it interesting as well. Patients are increasingly falling through the gaps in NHS healthcare. Due to time constraints, it’s increasingly [...]

 Gerry Gajadharsingh writes: Research into cold water therapy continues, focusing on the positive impact on health. There are various mechanisms involved, including stimulation of the Vagus nerve which supports better balance within the autonomic nervous system. Using cold stimulation of the neck, Jungmann et al demonstrated an increase in HRV (heart rate variability) and [...]