Jermaine puts the pro into protein

AS a super-fit striker, footballer Jermaine Beckford regularly knocked in goals for clubs like Leeds and Everton during a 16-year career.

- by JAMES MOORE

But while he was performing on the pitch, he was battling secret health problems off it.

The star was suffering with regular upset stomachs, bloating, fatigue and the runs - and he had no idea why.

He recalls: "As a kid it was always my dream to be a professional footballer and now I'm living my dream. But it came to a point where something was wrong."

Now 41, he's opened up to the Daily Star about his wellness journey.

From his earliest days playing as a professional soccer star, Jermaine began having an upset tummy with a sudden need to go to the loo.

He'd often have to rush to the bathroom at the ground.

He says: "I'd be in the bathroom with my stomachs bubbling up and feeling lethargic.

"There's an element of that that's quite embarrassing. No one wants to be known as the guy all of a sudden disappears to the bathroom."

Jermaine says the issue caused him a lot of anxiety, especially in the macho world of football.

He explains: "You don't want to be the odd one out.

"You don't want to be seen as the guy who is complaining about his stomach ache and then everybody starts teasing you.