Reid's Pharmacy Five Oaks

09/12/2016

Visit our treasure trove of a shop for friendly service, and lots of bargains!

21/11/2016

Found! Please help us reunite this cute fluffy dog with its owner. It was left a little while ago but the owner hasn't returned for it yet! The key pictured was left in the bakery next door to us.

30/01/2016

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that comes and goes in a seasonal pattern.

SAD is sometimes known as "winter depression" because the symptoms are more apparent and tend to be more severe during the winter.

The symptoms often begin in the autumn as the days start getting shorter. They're typically most severe during December, January and February.

SAD often improves and disappears in the spring and summer, although it may return each autumn and winter in a repetitive pattern.

Symptoms of SAD can include:
•a persistent low mood
•a loss of pleasure or interest in normal everyday activities
•irritability
•feelings of despair, guilt and worthlessness
•feeling lethargic (lacking in energy) and sleepy during the day
•sleeping for longer than normal and finding it hard to get up in the morning
•craving carbohydrates and gaining weight

For some people, these symptoms can be severe and have a significant impact on their day-to-day activities.

You should consider seeing your GP if you think you might have SAD and you're struggling to cope.

Your GP can carry out an assessment to check your mental health. They may ask you about your mood, lifestyle, eating habits and sleeping patterns, plus any seasonal changes in your thoughts and behaviour.

The exact cause of SAD isn't fully understood, but it's often linked to reduced exposure to sunlight during the shorter autumn and winter days.

The main theory is that a lack of sunlight might stop a part of the brain called the hypothalamus working properly, which may affect the:

•production of melatonin – melatonin is a hormone that makes you feel sleepy; in people with SAD, the body may produce it in higher than normal levels

•production of serotonin – serotonin is a hormone that affects your mood, appetite and sleep; a lack of sunlight may lead to lower serotonin levels, which is linked to feelings of depression

•body's internal clock (circadian rhythm) –your body uses sunlight to time various important functions, such as when you wake up, so lower light levels during the winter may disrupt your body clock and lead to symptoms of SAD

It's also possible that some people are more vulnerable to SAD as a result of their genes, as some cases appear to run in families.

The main treatments are:

•lifestyle measures, including getting as much natural sunlight as possible, exercising regularly and managing your stress levels

•light therapy – where a special lamp called a light box is used to simulate exposure to sunlight

•talking therapies, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or counselling

•antidepressant medication, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

Please feel free to pop in to see us for help and advice!

22/01/2016

Want to know more about Irritable Bowel Syndrome...?

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common, long-term condition of the digestive system. It can cause bouts of stomach cramps, bloating, diarrhoea and/or constipation.

The symptoms vary between individuals and affect some people more severely than others. They tend to come and go in periods lasting a few days to a few months at a time, often during times of stress or after eating certain foods.

Tips to help manage IBS....

IBS-friendly diet...
Changing your diet will play an important part in controlling your symptoms of IBS. However, there is no "one size fits all" diet for people with the condition. The diet that works best for you will depend on your symptoms and how you react to different foods.
It may be helpful to keep a food diary and record whether certain foods make your symptoms better or worse. You can then avoid foods that trigger your symptoms.

Fibre
People with IBS are often advised to modify the amount of fibre in their diet. There are two main types of fibre: soluble fibre (which the body can digest) and insoluble fibre (which the body cannot digest).

Foods that contain soluble fibre include:
oats
barley
rye
fruit – such as bananas and apples
root vegetables – such as carrots and potatoes
golden linseeds

Foods that contain insoluble fibre include:
wholegrain bread
bran
cereals
nuts and seeds (except golden linseeds)

If you have diarrhoea, you may find it helps to cut down on the insoluble fibre you eat. It may also help to avoid the skin, pith and pips from fruit and vegetables.

If you have constipation, increasing the amount of soluble fibre in your diet and the amount of water you drink can help.

Low FODMAP diet

If you experience persistent or frequent bloating, a special diet called the low FODMAP diet can be effective.

FODMAP stands for fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols. These are types of carbohydrates that aren’t easily broken down and absorbed by the gut. This means they start to ferment in the gut relatively quickly, and the gases released during this process can lead to bloating.
A low FODMAP diet essentially involves restricting your intake of various foods that are high in FODMAPs, such as some fruits and vegetables, animal milk, wheat products and beans.

Your IBS symptoms may also improve by:

having regular meals and taking your time when eating

not missing meals or leaving long gaps between eating

drinking at least eight cups of fluid a day – particularly water and other non-caffeinated drinks, such as herbal tea

restricting your tea and coffee intake to a maximum of three cups a day

reducing the amount of alcohol and fizzy drinks you drink

reducing your intake of resistant starch (starch that resists digestion in the small intestine and reaches the large intestine intact), which is often found in processed or re-cooked foods

limiting fresh fruit to three portions a day – a suitable portion would be half a grapefruit or an apple

if you have diarrhoea, avoiding sorbitol, an artificial sweetener found in sugar-free sweets, including chewing gum and drinks, and in some diabetic and slimming products

if you have wind (flatulence) and bloating, it may help to eat oats (such as oat-based breakfast cereal or porridge) and linseeds (up to one tablespoon a day)

Exercise
Many people find that exercise helps to relieve the symptoms of IBS.
Aim to do a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, such as cycling or fast walking, every week.
The exercise should be strenuous enough to increase your heart and breathing rates.

Reducing stress
Reducing your stress levels may also reduce the frequency and severity of your IBS symptoms. Some ways to help relieve stress include:
relaxation techniques – such as meditation or breathing exercises
physical activities – such as yoga, pilates or tai chi
regular exercise – such as walking, running or swimming

Probiotics
Probiotics are dietary supplements that product manufacturers claim can help improve digestive health. They contain so-called "friendly bacteria" that can supposedly restore the natural balance of your gut bacteria when it has been disrupted.
Some people find taking probiotics regularly helps to relieve the symptoms of IBS. However, there is a little evidence to support this, and it is unclear exactly how much of a benefit probiotics offer and which types are most effective.
If you want to try a probiotic product, you should take it for at least four weeks to see if your symptoms improve.

Medication
A number of different medications can be used to help treat IBS, including:

Antispasmodics
Antispasmodics work by helping to relax the muscles in your digestive system. Examples of antispasmodic medicines include mebeverine and therapeutic peppermint oil.
Side effects associated with antispasmodics are rare. However, people taking peppermint oil may have occasional heartburn and irritation on the skin around their bottom.

Laxatives
Bulk-forming laxatives are usually recommended for people with IBS-related constipation. They make your stools softer, which means they are easier to pass.
It's important to drink plenty of fluids while using a bulk-forming laxative. This will help prevent the laxative from causing an obstruction in your digestive system.
Start on a low dose and then, if necessary, increase it every few days until one or two soft stools are produced every one or two days. Do not take a bulk-forming laxative just before you go to bed.
Side effects associated with taking laxatives can include bloating and wind. However, if you increase your dose gradually, you should have few, if any, side effects.

Antimotility medicines
The antimotility medicine loperamide is usually recommended for IBS-related diarrhoea.
Loperamide works by slowing contractions of muscles in the bowel, which slows down the speed at which food passes through your digestive system. This allows more time for your stools to harden and solidify.
Side effects of loperamide can include stomach cramps and bloating, dizziness, drowsiness and rashes.

Antidepressants
Two types of antidepressants are used to treat IBS – tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

TCAs, such as amitriptyline, are usually recommended when antispasmodic medicines have not been able to control the symptoms of pain and cramping. They work by preventing signals being sent to and from the nerves in your digestive system.
However, TCAs will only start to provide relief after three to four weeks, as your body gets used to the medication.
Side effects of TCAs can include a dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision and drowsiness. These side effects should improve within a few days of starting the medication. Tell your GP if the side effects become a problem – they may prescribe another type of antidepressant.

SSRIs are an alternative type of antidepressant. Examples of SSRIs that are used to treat IBS include citalopram, fluoxetine and paroxetine.
Common side effects of SSRIs include blurred vision, dizziness and diarrhoea or constipation.

Psychological treatments

If your IBS symptoms are still causing problems after 12 months of treatment, your GP may refer you for a type of therapy known as a psychological intervention.
There are several different types of psychological therapy. They all involve teaching you techniques to help you control your condition better, and there is good evidence to suggest they may help some people with IBS.

Psychological treatments that may be offered to people with IBS include:

psychotherapy – a type of therapy that involves talking to a trained therapist to help you to look deeper into your problems and worries

cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) – a type of psychotherapy that involves examining how beliefs and thoughts are linked to behaviour and feelings, and teaches ways to alter your behaviour and way of thinking to help you cope with your situation

hypnotherapy – where hypnosis is used to change your unconscious mind's attitude towards your symptoms

Access to public toilets
Being able to easily access public toilets is important if you have sudden, urgent bouts of diarrhoea. Two schemes that can help are:
the IBS Network – which provides members with a Can't Wait Card to help them gain immediate access to toilet facilities in offices, stores and other UK businesses
the National Key Scheme (NKS) by Disability Rights UK – which provides access to the thousands of locked disabled toilets around the country

For help and advice, pop in to see us at Reid's Pharmacy!

18/01/2016

Elgydium Anti-Plaque Toothpaste now back in stock at Reid's Pharmacies!

Everybody has dental plaque. However, plaque build-up can be reduced through regular and thorough toothbrushing. Elgydium Anti-Plaque Toothpaste contains the well-known and clinically proven antibacterial, chlorhexidine.

Chlorhexidine

Chlorhexidine is an antibacterial ingredient which is proven to inhibit the harmful bacteria that cause and worsen gum disease.

The main benefits of using a toothpaste containing Chlorhexidine are:
•Chlorhexidine has a broad spectrum of activity and destroys both bacteria and fungi.
•Chlorhexidine offers both anti-plaque and anti-inflammatory properties and acts at a pH level close to neutrality.
•Chlorhexidine coats all areas of the mouth including tooth surfaces, gums, cheeks and other mouth tissue to ensure a long-lasting anti-plaque and antiseptic effect.
•Chlorhexidine has been shown to work for up to 8 hours.

16/01/2016

Do you find it harder to roll out of bed every morning when the temperature drops and the mornings are darker? If so, you’re not alone. Many people feel tired and sluggish during winter....


What is winter tiredness?

If you find yourself longing for your warm, cozy bed more than usual during winter, blame the lack of sunlight.

As the days become shorter, your sleep and waking cycles become disrupted, leading to fatigue. Less sunlight means that your brain produces more of a hormone called melatonin, which makes you sleepy.

Because the release of this sleep hormone is linked to light and dark, when the sun sets earlier your body also wants to go to bed earlier – hence you may feel sleepy in the early evening.

While it’s normal for all of us to slow down generally over winter, sometimes lethargy can be a sign of more serious winter depression. This health condition, known medically as seasonal affective disorder, affects around one in 15 of us but can be treated. If your tiredness is severe and year-round, you could have chronic fatigue syndrome.

We at Reid's use these tactics to boost vitality during the winter months....

Sunlight is good for winter tiredness

Open your blinds or curtains as soon as you get up to let more sunlight into your home. And get outdoors in natural daylight as much as possible, even a brief lunchtime walk can be beneficial. Make your work and home environment as light and airy as possible.

Fight fatigue with vitamin D

The wane in sunshine over the winter months can mean you don’t get enough vitamin D, and that can make you feel tired.

The main source of vitamin D is sunlight, but in the UK we can't make any vitamin D from winter daylight between November and March so it’s especially important to get vitamin D from your diet.

Good food sources of vitamin D are oily fish (for example salmon, mackerel and sardines), eggs and meat. Vitamin D is also added to all margarine, and to some breakfast cereals, soya products, dairy products and low-fat spreads.

Get a good night's sleep

We don’t technically need any more sleep in winter than in summer. Aim for about eight hours of shuteye a night and try to stick to a reliable sleep schedule. Go to bed and get up at the same time every day. And make sure your bedroom is conducive to sleep – clear the clutter, have comfortable and warm bedlinen and turn off the TV.

Fight winter tiredness with regular exercise

Exercise may be the last thing you feel like doing on dark winter evenings, but you’ll feel more energetic if you get involved in some kind of physical activity every day, ideally so you reach the recommended goal of 150 minutes of exercise a week. Exercise in the late afternoon may help to reduce early evening fatigue, and also improve your sleep.

If you find it hard to get motivated to exercise in the chillier, darker months, focus on the positives – you’ll not only feel more energetic but stave off winter weight gain.

Learn to relax

Feeling time-squeezed to get everything done in the shorter daylight hours? It may be contributing to your tiredness. Stress has been shown to make you feel fatigued.

There’s no quick-fire cure for stress but there are some simple things you can do to alleviate it. So, if you feel under pressure for any reason, calm down with meditation, yoga, exercise and breathing exercises.

Eat the right foods

Once the summer ends, there’s a temptation to ditch the salads and fill up on starchy foods such as pasta, potatoes and bread. You’ll have more energy, though, if you include plenty of fruit and vegetables in your comfort meals.

You may find your sweet tooth going into overdrive in the winter months, but try to avoid foods containing lots of sugar – it gives you a rush of energy but one that wears off quickly.

Hope these tips help...please call in to see us if you would like to discuss anything...and remember the days are getting longer slowly but surely!

14/01/2016

Pop in to have a look at our £1 bargains .....The perfect way to stretch your January budget !😀

09/01/2016

All of us have day-to-day fears and anxieties.....here are some tips which are worth trying to help.....

1. Take time out

It feels impossible to think clearly when you're flooded with fear or anxiety. A racing heart, sweating palms and feeling panicky and confused are the result of adrenalin. So, the first thing to do is take time out so you can physically calm down.

Distract yourself from the worry for 15 minutes by walking around the block, making a cup of tea or having a bath. When you've physically calmed down, you'll feel better able to decide on the best way to cope.

2. What's the worst that can happen?

When you're anxious about something – be it work, a relationship or an exam – it can help to think through what the worst end result could be. Even if a presentation, a call or a conversation goes horribly wrong, chances are that you and the world will survive. Sometimes the worst that can happen is a panic attack.

If you start to get a faster heartbeat or sweating palms, the best thing is not to fight it. Stay where you are and simply feel the panic without trying to distract yourself. Placing the palm of your hand on your stomach and breathing slowly and deeply (no more than 12 breaths a minute) helps soothe the body.

It may take up to an hour, but eventually the panic will go away on its own. The goal is to help the mind get used to coping with panic, which takes the fear of fear away.

3. Expose yourself to the fear

Avoiding fears only makes them scarier. If you panic one day getting into a lift, it's best to get back into a lift the next day. Stand in the lift and feel the fear until it goes away. Whatever your fear, if you face it, it should start to fade.

4. Welcome the worst

Each time fears are embraced, it makes them easier to cope with the next time they strike, until in the end they are no longer a problem. Try imagining the worst thing that can happen – perhaps it's panicking and having a heart attack. Then try to think yourself into having a heart attack. It's just not possible. The fear will run away the more you chase it.

5. Get real

Fears tend to be much worse than reality. Often, people who have been attacked can't help thinking they're going to be attacked again every time they walk down a dark alley. But the chance that an attack will happen again is actually very low.

Similarly, people sometimes tell themselves they're a failure because they blush when they feel self-conscious. This then makes them more upset. But blushing in stressful situations is normal. By remembering this, the anxiety goes away.

6. Don't expect perfection

Black-and-white perfectionist thinking such as, "If I'm not the best mum in the world, I'm a failure," or, "My DVDs aren't all facing in the same direction, so my life is a mess," are unrealistic and only set us up for anxiety.

Life is full of stresses, yet many of us feel that our lives must be perfect. Bad days and setbacks will always happen, and it's essential to remember that life is messy.

7. Visualise

Take a moment to close your eyes and imagine a place of safety and calm – it could be a picture of you walking on a beautiful beach, or snuggled up in bed with the cat next to you, or a happy memory from childhood. Let the positive feelings soothe you until you feel more relaxed.

8. Talk about it

Sharing fears takes away a lot of their scariness. If you can't talk to a partner, friend or family member, call a helpline such as the Samaritans. And if your fears aren't going away, ask your GP for help.

9. Go back to basics

A good sleep, a wholesome meal and a walk are often the best cures for anxiety. The easiest way to fall asleep when worries are spiralling through the mind can be to stop trying to nod off. Instead, try to stay awake.

Many people turn to alcohol or drugs to self-treat anxiety with the idea that it will make them feel better, but these only make nervousness worse. On the other hand, eating well will make you feel great physically and mentally.

10. Reward yourself
Finally, give yourself a treat. When you've picked up that spider or made that call you've been dreading, reinforce your success by treating yourself to a candlelit bath, a massage, a country walk, a concert, a meal out, a book, a DVD, or whatever little gift makes you happy

30/12/2015

Is It OK to Kiss If You Have a Cold?

Yes! Surprisingly, kissing is not a very easy way to become infected. Kissing studies have shown that only 8% of people kissed by infected partners got colds.

The viruses which cause colds and flu are mainly spread by respiratory droplets when coughing and sneezing, but some can also live on hands and hard surfaces for upto 24 hours, so Reid's Pharmacy has the following tips....

Keep Cleaning the Stuff You’re Using

Get into the habit of cleaning the stuff you share with others, such as computer keyboards, phones, remote controls, countertops, and more, to prevent the spread of cold and flu. At Reid's we use antibacterial wipes from our £1 section!

Trust Good Old Soap

Soap kills bacteria and germs. Feel free to use regular soap with water to wash your hands often. Keeping your hands clean and germ free can help prevent you catching cold.

Know When to Wash Your Hands

To help prevent the spread of cold and flu germs, wash your hands after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. The most infectious viruses live for about 15 minutes on a used tissue, so throw them straight in the bin!

For further help and advice pop in to see us!

21/12/2015

Just to let you know.....

We'll be open from 10am til 1pm on Christmas Day...

Please pop in if you need help, advice, or even just a chat and mince pie!

A full range of pharmacy services will be available, because, no matter how well you plan, there's always the chance of the unexpected!

Have a lovely Christmas, and thanks for your support in 2015....we look forward to welcoming you in 2016!

28/11/2015

Hangovers......Splitting headaches, sickness, dizziness, dehydration: anyone who's ever drunk too much knows the consequences of it, and with the party season starting soon, Reid's Pharmacy have the following tips to try to keep hangovers away:

•Don't drink on an empty stomach. Before you go out, have a meal that includes carbohydrates (such as pasta or rice) or fats. The food will help slow down the body’s absorption of alcohol.

•Don't drink dark-coloured alcoholic drinks if you've found that you're sensitive to them. They contain natural chemicals called congeners (impurities), which irritate blood vessels and tissue in the brain and can make a hangover worse.

•Drink water or non-fizzy soft drinks in between each alcoholic drink. Carbonated (fizzy) drinks speed up the absorption of alcohol into your system.

•Drink a pint or so of water before you go to sleep. Keep a glass of water by the bed to sip if you wake up during the night.

If you wake up the next morning feeling terrible, there are ways to ease the symptoms.

Alcohol is a diuretic (meaning it removes fluids from the body), so drinking excessively can lead to dehydration. Dehydration is what causes many of the symptoms of a hangover, so treatment involves rehydrating the body so it can deal with the painful symptoms (though the best time to rehydrate is before going to sleep). Sachets such as Dioralyte can help with this.

Over-the-counter painkillers can help with headaches and muscle cramps. Paracetamol-based remedies are usually preferable, as aspirin and ibuprofen may further irritate the stomach and increase nausea and sickness.

Sugary foods may help you feel less trembly. In some cases, an antacid may be needed to settle your stomach first.

Bouillon soup, a thin vegetable-based broth, is a good source of vitamins and minerals, which can top-up depleted resources. Its main advantage is that it's easy for a fragile stomach to digest.

You can replace lost fluids by drinking bland liquids that are easy on the digestive system, such as water, soda water and isotonic drinks.

"Hair of the dog" (drinking more alcohol) does not help. Drinking in the morning is a risky habit, and you may simply be delaying the appearance of symptoms until the alcohol wears off again.

If you've had a heavy drinking session, hangover or not, doctors advise that you wait 48 hours before drinking any more alcohol, in order to give your body tissues time to recover. Sometimes, of course, a hangover makes that advice easier to follow!!

Pop in for advice about hangovers, or anything else...we're always happy to help!

27/11/2015

14/11/2015

Temper tantrums usually start at around 18 months and are very common at that age. One in five two-year-olds has a temper tantrum every day.

One reason for this is that two-year-olds want to express themselves but find it difficult. They feel frustrated and the frustration comes out as a tantrum. Once a child can talk more they’re less likely to have tantrums. By the age of four, tantrums are far less common.

These ideas may help you to cope with tantrums when they happen.

**Find out why the tantrum is happening

Your child may be tired or hungry, in which case the solution is simple. They could be feeling frustrated or jealous, maybe of another child. They may need time, attention and love, even though they’re not being very loveable.

**Understand and accept your child’s anger

You probably feel the same way yourself at times, but you can express it in other ways.

**Find a distraction

If you think your child is starting a tantrum, find something to distract them with straight away. This could be something you can see out of the window. Say, for example, "Look! A cat". Make yourself sound as surprised and interested as you can.

**Wait for it to stop

Losing your temper or shouting back won’t end the tantrum. Ignore the looks you get from people around you and concentrate on staying calm. Giving in won’t help in the long term. If you’ve said no, don’t change your mind and say yes just to end the tantrum. Otherwise, your child will start to think that tantrums can get them what they want. For the same reason, it doesn’t help to bribe them with sweets or treats. If you’re at home, try going into another room for a while. Make sure your child can’t hurt themself first.

**Be prepared when you're out shopping

Tantrums often happen in shops. This can be embarrassing, and embarrassment makes it harder to stay calm. Keep shopping trips short. Start by going out to buy one or two things only, and build up from there. Involve your child in the shopping by talking about what you need and letting them help you.

**Try holding your child firmly until the tantrum passes

Some parents find this helpful, but it can be hard to hold a struggling child. It usually works when your child is more upset than angry and when you’re feeling calm enough to talk to them gently and reassure them.

** Keep yourself calm...Reid's sell Rescue Remedy to help you get through the toddler taming years!''

09/11/2015

For those of you were interested in yesterday's post....'Is bread making you bloated?'....here is a bit more information about FODMAP foods....those which can ferment and cause bloating. The poster shows in the red section, which foods to try to avoid, and in the blue section, which foods are 'safe' and don't cause bloating.
Dieticians are the experts in this field, but, with the party season approaching, this basic information may help us all to look our best in our LBDs!! 🙂

08/11/2015

Is eating bread giving you bloating and other digestive symptoms?

If so, you could be "sensitive" to wheat. Cutting out bread or changing the type you eat may help. Wheat sensitivity (also known as wheat intolerance) or simply trouble digesting wheat is increasingly common.

If you have bloating or other minor symptoms after eating bread, try an elimination diet. This is where you completely cut out wheat from your diet for four weeks, then bring it back in gradually to see if symptoms reappear.
When you bring wheat-based foods back in, try Weetabix or pasta first for a few days before starting on bread. It’s better to start with wheat in a more pure form, as bread has so many other ingredients.

If your symptoms return, it confirms you’re sensitive to wheat and will also show you which foods are especially troublesome. Some people may only have problems with pasta, for example, while others are fine until they eat bread.
If you are sensitive to wheat, or you have trouble digesting it, the main way to relieve your symptoms is to embark on a wheat-free or partially wheat-free diet.

Foods that contain wheat include...
Bread
Pasta
Cereals
Couscous
Cakes and pastries
Biscuits
Doughnuts
Hydrolysed vegetable protein (HVP)
Beer
Soy sauce

These foods are a great alternative to wheat-based ones:

Porridge, Rice Krispies and corn flakes
Buckwheat pasta
Quinoa

Tummy-friendly breads
The good news is that you might not need to cut out bread completely.
Some people with wheat sensitivity have no problems when they eat toast (cooked wheat tends to be easier to digest), sourdough bread, bread cooked with flour made from French wheat, or any bread from a specialist bakery, rather than a supermarket.
Bakeries in some supermarkets use the Chorleywood bread-making process, which cuts out the second rising, to speed up the baking. People seem to have more problems digesting supermarket breads, so try avoiding store-bought loaves.

The anti-bloat FODMAP diet

A specific type of wheat-free diet may help certain people with wheat sensitivity.
Designed originally for people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), the low-FODMAP diet is now being recommended by dietitians to people who have problems digesting wheat.
It’s not a catchy name, but FODMAP stands for fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols, which are types of carbohydrates that aren’t easily broken down and absorbed by the gut.
Essentially, the diet entails cutting out fermentable (FODMAP) foods that can cause bacterial growth, leading to diarrhoea and bloating. That means cutting out wheat and other fermentable foods such as onion, apple, pears, mushrooms, honey, cabbage and sometimes milk.
The FODMAP diet has been hugely successful for people with IBS. Because it excludes wheat, many people with wheat sensitivity may also find it helpful.

For friendly help and advice, pop into your local Reid's Pharmacy!