Dr Nina Bailey

The general population is increasingly being exposed to a variety of “toxic” substances and, as a result, our environmentally polluted world is causing a myriad of health problems.   Whilst we generally understand the concept of toxins that come from external sources- for example, car fumes, tobacco smoke, drugs, dental fillings, environmental pollution, etc., we are [...]

Last week saw a rather unusual story in the headlines in which a jack Russell took it upon itself to remove an infected toe from his sleeping owner. Jerry Douthett, a 48-year-old musician from Rockford, USA, had been out drinking, and on returning home had fallen into a deeper than usual sleep. He awoke, some [...]

For many sufferers, depression brings on many kinds of emotions and feelings including anxiety, guilt and shame, so it’s not surprising that many people fail to seek help. Often, many of the feelings that are associated with depression are, in part, caused by a general lack of understanding of the condition, not only by the [...]

There is growing evidence for the role of omega3 fish oil, not only in the etiology of major depression, but also as a treatment method. Given the numerous and undesirable side effects associated with conventional pharmaceutical treatments it is no wonder that many individuals actively seek natural alternatives, and the pure EPA fish oil (eicosapentaenoic [...]

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is becoming an increasingly common gut disorder in which the sufferer typically experiences: abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, excess wind, diarrhoea, and/or constipation, or an alternating combination of the two. Whilst the severities of these symptoms vary considerably between individuals, IBS has a profound effect on the sufferer’s quality of life. Many of the day to day activities that the majority of us take for granted can pose much more of challenge when you have IBS. You no longer simple take your body for granted, with careful forward planning essential in order to cope with the unpleasant, and often, embarrassing symptoms. Understanding IBS and what triggers the variety of symptoms is paramount to developing coping strategies.

I was invited out to a dinner party a few weeks ago, joining a group of friends that I had known for many years but some of whom I had not seen for some time. By the time we had finished desert and were sipping our coffees the conversation turned from general catch up to [...]

Each year on 10th October, the Mental Health Foundation marks the day by raising awareness about mental health and well-being. Whilst we would probably all consider ourselves as reasonably tolerant and open minded, there is still quite a significant stigma about depression. If we haven’t experienced depression directly, it’s highly probable that we know someone, [...]

I seem to have witnessed recently several identical conversations regarding coffee drinking. Is it good or bad for you? It’s not the coffee debate per say that intrigues me but this need for something to be so black or white, good or bad. I think it depends in part on where or from whom we [...]

Increase your fish intake and adopt a more Eskimo-like diet! For those who don’t like fish, you can opt for a high-EPA supplement. Purified fish oils actually are a useful alternative to oily fish consumption and, unlike most oily fish, are contamination-free.

You might already be aware that of the many deteriorative conditions related to diabetes; ‘peripheral neuropathy’ is perhaps the most common, with an estimated 60-70% of diabetics reportedly experiencing symptoms. ‘Neuropathy’ describes damage, whether moderate or severe, to the peripheral nervous system (the ‘external’ portion of the nervous system, situated beyond the brain and spinal [...]