Helping you optimise on your digestive health
Our vision is focussed on supporting you achieve a swift, accurate diagnosis when you experience digestive problems and assist you effectively manage your symptoms.
World Microbiome Day
World Microbiome Day celebrates all things microbe, all around the world.
Microorganisms (e.g. bacteria, fungi, viruses, archaea, etc) can be found everywhere in and on plants, animals, water, soil, food and humans.
Within each of those habitats, microorganisms live together in communities called microbiomes. Microbiomes have an effect on (amongst others) human health; therefore, scientists are exploring how these communities of organisms co-exist with each other, with us and our environment.
The theme for World Microbiome Day 2021 which took place on 27th June is Sustainability with a focus on how microbes can contribute to a sustainable future. Despite their ubiquity and diversity, the importance of microbes for maintaining healthy global ecosystems is often overlooked. Microbes already have a tremendous effect on the health and balance of the environments we live in.
Do enjoy the their video and please visit their website for a lot more information on this subject.
Use of the video has been kindly permitted by the Microbiome Support Project who produced it.
During 2021 Sian has been working a Healthcare Ambassador in association with Symprove a high dose water based Probiotic supplement and has recently had a second article on Probiotics and Eczema published on their health professional website. An extract from the article is published below with kind permission of the company. Please visit Symprove website to access the full text:
‘Eczema is an umbrella term used to describe a group of conditions which causes our skin to become inflamed and intensely itchy, impairing quality of life. The aetiology and pathogenesis of eczema are not yet fully understood, nor is there an effective treatment currently available.
A recent systematic review, including 21 studies, showed that probiotic administration to a combination of pregnant mothers, breastfeeding mothers and children had the most influence at reducing the risk of those infants developing eczema. This included results of finding it most effective in high-risk populations, but also effective in non-high-risk groups too. Mixtures of probiotic strains were shown to have a greater effect than single strains. While an earlier systematic review disagrees with this finding no evidence of a protective effect of perinatal probiotic use and allergies, it is consistent with the findings of other more recent systematic reviews, suggesting as the body of research grows, that there is a potential indication for probiotic supplementation during pregnancy to prevent infantile eczema…’
An article on The Gut Microbiome and Healthy Ageing published on Symprove for Professionals, earlier this year, can be accessed directly via the above hyperlink.
INTRODUCTION
Welcome to Be good to your gut !
Meet Sian and Andrew !
Our partnership of a leading gastroenterologist and hepatologist, with a specialist dietician will help to ensure that you are provided with the best holistic information on your condition. We recognise that food can have a very positive, but equally a negative impact on our health and particularly your digestive well being.
Sian is a Specialist Gastroenterology Dietitian who has combined 25 years experience within the NHS with 15 years within the private sector. She has worked at The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, Kings College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and most recently The Whittington Hospital and The Royal Free NHS Foundation Trust based currently at Barnet and Chase Farm Hospitals.
A consultation will involve a careful history and examination and then a discussion about the need for investigations, which if needed, will be carried out promptly. Andrew will undertake a careful diagnostic assessment using the latest technologies, incorporating endoscopic procedures such as gastroscopy, colonoscopy, video capsule endoscopy, in association with evidence based treatments for a wide range of gastrointestinal conditions. In addition other tests such as breath testing, physiological analysis and stool tests are available. Andrew works closely with expert radiologists to carry out ultrasound, MRI and CT scanning if needed.
Patient comfort during endoscopic procedures is of utmost importance. Most endoscopic procedures can be carried out with light or even no sedation. Sedation is very much the patients choice and when there is a request to be completely asleep Andrew will ask an expert anaesthetist to provide deep sedation or a general anaesthetic as needed.
Common gastroenterology problems managed:
Abdominal pain, diarrhoea and constipation
Indigestion and acid reflux
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Food intolerance and allergy
Liver abnormalities
Suspected gallstones
Pancreas disorders
Our core Values
Use scientific evidence
To use current robust scientific evidence when carrying out assessments and making recommendations.
Give guidance
To signpost you towards helpful websites and access other resources such as recipes and constructive media blogs.
To support you
To support you to enjoy your food, optimise on your digestion and use 'Food as Medicine' wherever possible.
Our Vision
What will we Do?
We are focussed on supporting you to achieve a swift and accurate diagnosis of your digestive symptoms and help you to receive the right treatment and to manage your symptoms more effectively.
We do not provide medical care directly through this site but the information included will help to advise where you can receive the best and most appropriate management for your condition. If you would like a consultation with Sian Shepherd or Dr Andrew Millar we will provide the contact numbers to help you make an appointment.
You can be confident that we base our guidance on robust scientific evidence and a complimentary blend of medicine, food and nutrition aimed at keeping you and your gut healthy.
Being very much ‘foodies’ ourselves we will help to enhance your lifestyle with advice on trying great new recipes for food and drinks. These will include some alcoholic beverages as in small quantities we believe in the life enhancing qualities of great wines, in particular.
Over time Sian will share with you some of her own delicious recipes and culinary recommendations, through the ‘begoodtoyourgut’ Instagram and Twitter accounts.
Andrew will provide a caring patient-orientated service delivering evidence-based care, working closely with colleagues, including Sian, who will provide specialist dietetic management together with other experts in radiology, physiology and surgery.
Our Thoughts
Latest from our blog
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The Gut-Brain Axis
Mar, 25, 2022 adminThe link between our brain and gut has long been recognised, with classic sayings such as “gut-feeling” and “butterflies in my tummy” being well known.…
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Management Of Diverticular Disease
Nov, 04, 2021 adminDiverticular disease and diverticulosis are digestive conditions that affects our large intestine. It is characterised by diverticula; which are small bulges that develop in the…
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Movement and Gut Health
Sep, 07, 2021 adminEXERCISE, PHYSICAL ACTIVITY, CARDIOVASCULAR FITNESS, AND MOVEMENT With the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics in full flow and the exceptional athletes competing against one another – we…
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Anosmia & Covid-19
Apr, 13, 2021 adminAnosmia is a loss or change in sense of smell. It is estimated to affect 3-20% of the population and can be unpleasant as it…
Testimonials
What our clients have to say
I was initially referred to Mrs Shepherd following a diagnosis of IBS in 2012. At that time she introduced me to a low fermentable carbohydrate (FODMAP) diet which was a complete revelation. Within a three month period, I noticed a significant improvement in all of my symptoms and, with Mrs Shepherd’s professional expertise and guidance, […]DC
Teacher
Sian was my saviour through my treatment. She instilled so much confidence in me that I followed her advice on foods I could and could not eat. She is a professional and knowledgeable in her trade, her service was impeccable. I had regular consultations with Sian who also worked closely with Dr Karp, my oncologist. We were overwhelmed that my bloods were good, including my iron levels and blood cells. This was due to changes in my diet.SM
Higher Education Tutor
It was lovely to meet you today. I was so excited for your information that I instantly installed the ap. You have given me great hope and I feel it will work. You have such a wonderful way of doing your job and sympathising with what I am going through. Having met many doctors with my symptoms, I feel there is finally light at the end of the tunnel. I am just grateful Dr Miller recommended you.JS
Company Director
I visited Sian after being recommended by a gastroenterology consultant I have a non alcohol fatty liver. After my first session with Sian she introduced the idea that the cause may be that I binge eat. Having the open, honest and calming conversation with Sian really opened my eyes to my eating habits. She recommended a programme for me to improve my liver health and I now feel so much better. Thank you Sian for your coaching.CP
Local Government IT Consultant