Good nutrition is much easier than many folk think – yet it’s an issue that seems to cause much confusion and, sometimes, anxiety.

In this age of information overload, “Am I eating right?” is a question I am frequently asked.

If you are suffering from any digestive-related health problems – such as acid reflux, gastritis, recurring stomach pain, constipation, ibs – assuming you have no serious underlying illness, the answer is probably a resounding: No

So, where do you start when it comes to improving your diet? It’s not rocket science. Just cut out the C-R-A-P.

C = Cigarettes, carbonated drinks, caffeine (in excess)

R = Refined Sugars & Flours

A = Aspirin, Artificial Sweeteners, Alcohol (in excess)

P = Processed Foods

I’m not asking you to remove all these from your diet in one hit (and I’m not suggesting that this will necessarily cure all your problems), but a gradual reduction will bring rapid health improvements and strengthen both your digestive system and your immune system.

If you are suffering from acid reflux or gastritis, minor nutritional changes can have a major (and, in some cases, almost immediate) impact on the healing of these disorders.

Processed foods are more difficult for the body to digest, triggering the stomach to produce more acid. Excess acid irritates the lining of the stomach, producing an inflammatory response.

If you already have inflammation of the stomach, this is the last thing you need.