Gut Health FAQs
How much dietary fibre is recommended?
UK guidelines recommend ~30 g/day of fibre for adults. Average intake is closer to 18–20 g, so most people fall short (NHS).
Do fermented foods improve the gut microbiome?
A 10-week RCT (Cell 2021) found higher microbial diversity and lower inflammatory markers with a fermented-food diet (doi:10.1016/j.cell.2021.06.019).
Are probiotics effective in IBS?
Meta-analyses suggest modest benefit for global IBS symptoms, though strain-specific effects vary (Gut 2021). Guidelines advise trialling one product for 4 weeks.
Does L-glutamine help IBS-D?
An RCT in post-infectious IBS-D showed improved stool frequency and gut permeability vs placebo (PubMed 23613993).
Is a low-FODMAP diet effective?
Low-FODMAP diets reduce bloating and abdominal pain in IBS, but should be done with reintroduction to avoid over-restriction (PubMed 24994882).
Vaginal Health FAQs
What daily habits support vaginal health?
Use mild, unscented cleansers, avoid douching, change out of wet clothing quickly, and avoid smoking. These help maintain a Lactobacillus-dominant microbiome (NHS).
How do you lower the risk of BV coming back?
Complete antibiotics as prescribed, avoid perfumed washes, and consider condoms more often (semen is alkaline and can shift vaginal pH). Recurrence is common even with treatment (NICE CKS).
Do probiotics help bacterial vaginosis?
Evidence is mixed. A vaginal Lactobacillus crispatus product (Lactin-V) reduced BV recurrence after antibiotics in an RCT (NEJM 2020), but most oral OTC probiotics differ in strain.
Is boric acid effective for recurrent thrush or BV?
Guidelines support vaginal boric acid (600 mg) for resistant Candida and recurrent BV. It should not be used in pregnancy (BASHH).
Can vaginal oestrogen reduce UTIs after menopause?
Yes. RCTs show fewer UTIs with local oestrogen (creams, rings, tablets) in post-menopausal women. This is different from systemic HRT (NCBI).
K-Beauty FAQs
Do I need a 10-step routine?
No. A simple routine of cleanser, moisturiser, daily SPF 30+ with UVA 4–5★, plus one proven active (e.g. retinoid or niacinamide) is sufficient (British Association of Dermatologists).
Is double cleansing necessary?
Double cleansing helps if you use heavy makeup or water-resistant sunscreen. Oil cleansers remove residues more effectively than water-based cleansers alone (PubMed).
Which K-Beauty actives have strong evidence?
Retinoids improve photo-aging in RCTs; niacinamide supports pigmentation and sebum control; hyaluronic acid improves hydration and elasticity (PubMed).
What SPF should I use in the UK?
Choose SPF 30+ with the UVA circle logo and 4–5★ rating. Reapply if outdoors for prolonged periods (NHS).
Is snail mucin evidence-based?
Small RCTs with Cryptomphalus aspersa extracts show modest wrinkle and texture improvements, especially post-laser, but effects are smaller than retinoids or sunscreen (PubMed).
Skincare FAQs
Do retinoids really reduce wrinkles?
Yes. Prescription tretinoin and cosmetic retinoids improve fine lines and collagen in RCTs (PubMed).
Is vitamin C effective for skin brightening?
Topical L-ascorbic acid at 10–20% can reduce pigmentation and improve tone in small trials (PubMed).
Does hyaluronic acid actually hydrate skin?
Yes. Clinical studies show topical HA improves skin hydration and elasticity (PubMed).
Which sunscreen should I use daily?
Use SPF 30+ with UVA circle and 4–5★ protection year-round (NHS).
Supplements FAQs
Do multivitamins improve health?
Evidence shows limited benefit in well-nourished adults, but they may help in people with dietary gaps (PubMed).
Is vitamin D necessary in the UK?
Yes. NHS recommends a 10 µg daily supplement in autumn/winter due to low sun exposure (NHS).
Can omega-3 supplements reduce heart risk?
High-dose EPA showed reduced CV events in trials, but general fish oil results are mixed (NEJM REDUCE-IT).
Does magnesium help sleep?
Small RCTs suggest magnesium may improve sleep quality, but evidence remains modest (PubMed).
Women’s Health FAQs
Does evening primrose oil help PMS?
Trials show modest benefit for breast pain but mixed results for PMS symptoms (PubMed).
Are phytoestrogens safe in menopause?
Soy isoflavones may reduce hot flashes, but effect size is smaller than HRT (PubMed).
Do myo-inositol supplements improve PCOS outcomes?
Meta-analyses show improved ovulation and metabolic markers in PCOS (PubMed).
Does vitamin B6 help PMS mood symptoms?
Some evidence suggests B6 at 50–100 mg/day reduces premenstrual mood changes (PubMed).
Stress & Sleep FAQs
Does ashwagandha reduce stress?
Several RCTs show ashwagandha extract lowers cortisol and self-reported stress (PubMed).
Can magnesium supplements improve sleep?
Small trials suggest magnesium may support sleep quality, though evidence is modest (PubMed).
Does L-theanine help with relaxation?
Studies show 200 mg L-theanine can promote calmness and reduce stress without sedation (PubMed).
Can melatonin help with jet lag?
Yes. Meta-analyses support melatonin for reducing jet lag symptoms when crossing time zones (Cochrane).
Sports Nutrition FAQs
Does creatine improve performance?
Yes. Strong evidence shows creatine increases strength, lean mass, and high-intensity performance (PubMed).
Do BCAAs help muscle recovery?
BCAAs may reduce muscle soreness, but whole protein sources are more effective overall (PubMed).
Is whey protein superior to plant protein?
Whey is absorbed faster, but studies show soy and pea protein can match muscle gains with adequate doses (PubMed).
Does beta-alanine improve endurance?
Supplementation raises muscle carnosine and can improve performance in 1–4 minute high-intensity efforts (PubMed).
Vegan Supplements FAQs
Which nutrients are hardest to get on a vegan diet?
B12, iron, iodine, omega-3 (EPA/DHA), vitamin D, and zinc are most at risk (PubMed).
Do vegans need a B12 supplement?
Yes. NHS advises B12 supplementation or fortified foods for all vegans (NHS).
Are plant omega-3s the same as fish oils?
ALA (from flax/chia) partly converts to EPA/DHA, but algae oil provides direct EPA/DHA like fish oil (PubMed).
Do vegans need higher iron intake?
Plant iron (non-heme) is less bioavailable. Vitamin C improves absorption (PubMed).
Nootropics FAQs
Does caffeine improve focus?
Yes. Strong evidence shows caffeine improves alertness and concentration in most adults (PubMed).
Is L-theanine synergistic with caffeine?
Studies show the combination improves focus and reduces jitteriness compared to caffeine alone (PubMed).
Does creatine help brain function?
Trials suggest creatine may improve short-term memory and mental fatigue, especially under stress (PubMed).
Are herbal nootropics evidence-based?
Ginkgo shows modest effects on cognition; Bacopa may improve memory over 8–12 weeks, though results vary (PubMed).
Gut–Skin Connection FAQs
Can gut health influence acne?
Studies suggest links between gut microbiota and skin inflammation, though evidence is still emerging (PubMed).
Do probiotics improve eczema?
Meta-analyses show modest reductions in eczema severity, especially in children, but results are variable (Cochrane).
Does diet affect psoriasis?
Weight loss and Mediterranean-style diets may improve psoriasis outcomes; gluten-free diets help only if intolerant (PubMed).
Can prebiotics support skin health?
Prebiotics like inulin and FOS feed beneficial gut bacteria and may indirectly support skin barrier function (PubMed).
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