Tummy troubles

Flatulence

This is caused by bacterial fermentation in the colon - most of us pass wind about 15 times a day. Anything over 40 times is considered excessive but those with a high-fibre diet are likely to be windier.

What can you do? A high-fibre diet is healthy, but avoid the main culprits for wind - beans, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, turnips, onions, garlic and leeks, which all produce a lot of gas. Consider activated charcoal, which reduces the amount - and smell - of wind.

When to worry ‘Excess wind can be a sign of lactose intolerance or a condition that interferes with the small bowel's absorption of nutrients, such as Crohn's or coeliac diseases,' says Alastair.

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