WHAT YOUR DIET IS REALLY DOING

Feeling out of sorts? It might be down to what you're putting on your plate

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Annoying headache that won't budge? Or maybe you're struggling with indigestion. You might think this is just midlife territory - but ageing isn't always entirely to blame. It could actually be down to what you're eating, says nutritionist Pauline Cox. 'Even if you think you eat a balanced diet, what you're consuming - or the way you're consuming it - could be causing the problem.' Whatever your health niggle, here's how to sort it.

You're...

constipated

Going for a daily number two is really important. If we don't get rid of those waste products and bacteria in our stools, they can be reabsorbed, leading to bowel inflammation, pressure on the intestines and could even increase your risk of cancer. Struggling to 'go' could be down to dehydration, or not eating enough roughage. 'Staying hydrated and eating the right amount of fibre (around 30g a day) is a good starting place for constipation,' says Pauline. Look at how much dairy you're eating, too. When dairy ferments in the gut, it causes methane gas, which slows down food as it's passing through the body.

You have...