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Could you be gluten sensitive?

Most of us have experienced bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea and headaches from time to time, but if these symptoms are appearing more regularly then you could benefit from a gluten-free diet. Gluten is a protein composite found in foods processed from wheat and related grain species, including barley and rye. Most of us can digest this with no trouble but those suffering with gluten sensitivity will develop the aforementioned symptoms. This newly emerging condition may affect up to six per cent of the population and can be easily confused with other gluten related disorders. As a result gluten sensitivity can be hard to detect and diagnose and so it is vital to go to your GP for a thorough medical assessment.

Don’t let cutbacks squeeze goodness from your diet Economic pressures inevitably put a strain on family finances as household budgets bear the brunt of price increases and wage freezes. New research has revealed that one in five Brits are eating less healthily due to the rising cost of living and more than half believe their health has suffered because of the recession. Eating plenty of fruit and veg doesn’t have to be expensive - there are lots of affordable ways to get your five-a-day - and save money. Buy loose fruit and vegetables rather than pre-packed as these can be as little as half the price. Look for supermarket deals on fruit

and vegetables, such as buy one get one free offers. Buy in season - fruit and vegetables are usually cheaper. Shun supermarkets for your local greengrocer or farmers’ market where fruit and veg are usually cheaper. Replace your morning or afternoon snack with a piece of fruit. A banana or apple costs around 20p - a third of the price of most chocolate bars or crisps. Don’t throw away vegetables which are about to go out of date. Use them in stews, soups and casseroles which you can freeze and eat another time.

Youngsters more savvy about saving than adults Young people have a thing or two to teach their elders about being financially savvy. Whether it’s the impact of the economic climate or seeing their parents struggle to make ends meet, the younger generation is getting the message about overspending and the necessity of saving rather than borrowing. Out of 1,000 parents and children

who participated in a savings survey, 81 per cent of youngsters say they have their own bank accounts and have deposited money over the last year. By comparison the average adult consumer has borrowed £4,221, not counting their mortgage. Even children who are too young to get summer jobs are finding ways to save, with 78 per cent saying they save some