Latest news with #BhaviniShah
Daily Mirror
29-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Doctor explains colour poo should be - and the one that means you're ill
Your toilet habits can reveal a lot about your diet, gut, fluid intake, and even stress levels You may not believe it, but the colour of your poo can reveal a lot about your diet, gut health, hydration levels and even stress levels, according to a GP. While there is no such thing as the perfect poo, there are certain things to keep an eye out for. For instance, it is normal to have a bowel movement anywhere from once a day to once every three days, but it should be soft and easy to pass. You should not need to strain or experience any discomfort. Dr Bhavini Shah, a GP at LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor, has shed light on what the colour of your stools might mean. Brown A brown stool is a sign that your bowel movements are normal and healthy, and there's no need to worry as long as you are not experiencing any other symptoms. Green A green stool could be the result of eating leafy green vegetables, consuming products with green food dye, or taking antibiotics. However, green faeces could also be a sign of illnesses like gastroenteritis. Yellow Yellow stools could be a sign of an infection in the bowel. Problems with the pancreas could also lead to yellow stools, possibly due to a decrease in the production or secretion of pancreatic enzymes into the digestive system. Grey/Pale Stools that are pale, clay-coloured, or putty-like could indicate problems in the biliary system, which is the drainage system of the gallbladder, liver, and pancreas. A grey stool could be the result of medications used to treat diarrhoea, or it could signal issues with the liver or pancreas due to blocked ducts - it can also be caused by cancer or non-cancerous (benign) tumours of the liver, biliary system, or pancreas. Red It is crucial to get a red stool checked out, as it could be a sign of rectal bleeding, which might indicate bowel cancer. Other symptoms of bowel cancer can include unexplained fatigue and unintentional weight loss. Any blood in the stool should always be investigated. Black Black stool can occur if certain medications are taken. However, it can also suggest a health issue, such as bleeding in the stomach or haemorrhoids. If you notice any changes to the colour of your stools and are worried, you should always seek advice from a medical professional. Get experts' health advice straight to your WhatsApp! As experts react to the latest health threats and changing advice, the Mirror has launched its very own Health & Wellbeing WhatsApp community where you'll get health updates and news straight to your phone. We'll send you the latest breaking updates and exclusives all directly to your phone. Users must download or already have WhatsApp on their phones to join in. All you have to do to join is click on this link, select 'Join Chat' and you're in! We may also send you stories from other titles across the Reach group. We will also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose Exit group. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. What is the shape and texture of my stool telling me? A healthy bowel movement should resemble a sausage-like shape, either smooth in texture or with cracks on the surface. According to the NHS website, constipation is present if a patient is experiencing poo that is unusually large or small, and is dry, hard or lumpy. Straining or in pain when having a poo If you're plagued by constipation, it's recommended to gradually up your fibre intake to at least 30g a day. Foods rich in fibre include porridge oats, whole wheat pasta, beans, lentils, wheat bran, and linseed. Not only does a high-fibre diet lower the risk of bowel cancer, but it also reduces the likelihood of other health issues such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and stroke. The NHS also advises maintaining a healthy, balanced diet (including sorbitol-rich fruits like apples, apricots, grapes and raisins, raspberries, and strawberries), staying well-hydrated, and steering clear of alcohol. A stool that's more liquid than solid is a tell-tale sign of diarrhoea. While this usually resolves itself, it's crucial to keep an eye on each trip to the loo. Loose stools could be a symptom of a virus, bacteria (often from contaminated food), or a parasite, which can be spread through contaminated water. Staying hydrated is vital when dealing with diarrhoea, so make sure you're replenishing the fluids, sugars, salts and minerals lost with each bowel movement. However, if you are worried or regularly experiencing constipation or loose stools, it's time to have a chat with your GP. When should I see a GP? You should always consult a GP if you notice blood in your stool, experience sudden weight loss or unusual fatigue, or develop abnormal stomach cramps. Essentially, if you notice any change in bowel habits, stool or colour, it's probably nothing to worry about, but getting any discomfort checked is very important.
Daily Record
28-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
GP's top 10 tips to quit vaping ahead of disposables ban
It will be illegal to sell disposable vapes in the UK from Sunday, June 1- here's how to quit. The UK-wide ban on disposable vapes will come into force from this Sunday, June 1, when it will become outlawed to sell the colourful throwaway nicotine sticks. But although reusable vaping products will remain on our shelves, the ban is expected to spark incentive for many vapers to quit, especially given the recently discovered health consequences of vaping. The first study into the health effects of vaping, released in February, found that prolonged use can lead to heart disease, organ failure and even dementia. So, along with the ban, which aims to protect the environment and deter kids from vaping, it's no surprise that many who have a habit of puffing on the nicotine products will be looking to quit. GP Dr Bhavini Shah of LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor has shared some expert tips on how to quit vaping, just in time for the UK ban. She also shares why it's so hard to kick the nasty habit. Here's her expert medical advice on how to stop vaping for good. Why is it so hard to quit vaping? 'Most vapes contain nicotine, the same addictive substance as tobacco", shared the GP. "Nicotine can temporarily make you feel good, which is why you may often reach for your vape. The more you vape the more your body and brain get used to having nicotine. When you stop you may experience uncomfortable symptoms.' Nicotine withdrawal symptoms When you stop using nicotine, you may experience withdrawal symptoms, such as: Irritability Anxiety Difficulty concentrating Increased appetite Strong cravings 'These symptoms may be uncomfortable and unpleasant, but nicotine withdrawal can't hurt you", added the expert. How long does it take to stop vaping? The doctor explained: 'How long it takes to stop vaping depends on how much nicotine you vape, as this will influence the intensity of withdrawal symptoms. 'You could go 'cold turkey' and stop vaping suddenly, although this method often doesn't work. The NHS recommends stopping vaping gradually and when you're sure you won't go back to smoking cigarettes.' So how long it takes to stop vaping is up to you, however you can expect to experience: Withdrawal symptoms around 8 hours after your last vape After 24 hours withdrawal and cravings will start to peak At 72 hours (about 3 days) your withdrawals will be peaking, expect to feel irritable and have intense cravings to vape 'After 2-4 weeks your withdrawal symptoms should pass. This is where you'll need to focus on lifestyle changes and new habits to replace the time you spent vaping", continued the medical expert. Top 10 tips to quit vaping Reduce the strength of nicotine in your vape over time Create vaping rules - only vape on your breaks at work or outside your home Write down the reasons you want to quit Set a quit date Avoid your triggers (what makes you reach for the vape) Use Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) - You could use nicotine patches, gum, lozenges, or inhalers Get help –Join a support group or find your local Stop Smoking Service Stay active - Exercise can help reduce cravings Manage stress – Meditation, yoga, or deep breathing can help manage stress Keep your hands and mouth busy - Use sugar-free lollipops, straws, or stress balls Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
Daily Mirror
28-04-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Doctor-approved sleep tricks all Brits can follow for an optimum night's rest
If you're struggling to fall asleep and then stay in the land of nod, we might have found the simple tweaks to your lifestyle and routine that could change all of that Struggling to drift off at night? You're far from alone - one in seven Brits reportedly get less than 5 hours of sleep per night. But the answer to better rest might be simple, it could be as easy as changing the time you shower, doing a bit of stretching, or both - and this is backed by science. With just a few tweaks to your routine, you could be sleeping like a baby. Showering later in the evening might be your best bet. Dr, Bhavini Shah from LloydsPharmacy teamed up with Mira Showers to explain the science behind it. 'As bedtime approaches, the body's core temperature naturally drops while the skin temperature of the hands and feet rises.' She says 'Scientists suggest that warm water immersion supports this natural thermoregulation process, leading to improved sleep. She also shared how a warm shower can help to relax your muscles and calm your mind - reducing physical tension and the mental stress which may keep you awake at night. To get the most out of it, aim for a 10-15 minute warm shower about an hour before bed. But showers aside, there are a few more simple steps which could help and Emily Robertson from Mira Showers shared a go-to bedtime routine that's worth trying. Shower at the perfect time 'Shower about 60-90 minutes before you plan to sleep. This gives your body the perfect amount of time to cool down naturally, which signals to your brain that it's bedtime. Think of it as setting your internal sleep timer.' Keep the water warm, not boiling 'Aim for warm water around 40°C - that's like the temperature of a nice cup of tea. When water is too hot, it can actually energise you and make falling asleep harder. But be sure to end with around 30 seconds of cool water. This gentle temperature drop helps kickstart your body's natural cooling. Make a sleep signal 'Have your shower at the same time each night as part of your wind-down routine. Your body loves patterns - when you shower consistently before bed, your brain starts to recognise this as a cue that sleep time is approaching, making it easier to drift off when your head hits the pillow. Gentle stretches 'A few simple stretches can release physical tension. Focus on your neck, shoulders, and back - areas where we tend to hold stress. Just 5 minutes can make a big difference.' Disconnect to reconnect 'Put away phones, tablets, and laptops at least 30 minutes before bedtime. The blue light from screens tricks your brain into thinking it's still daytime. Instead, try reading a physical book or magazine under soft lighting.' While there are many sleep myths, you can be sure this one will transform your sleep making you feel more energised throughout the day.
