Liane Reeves - Registered Dietitian

02/03/2026

🩸 What is Pernicious Anaemia?

Pernicious Anaemia (PA) is an autoimmune disease that prevents the body from absorbing vitamin B12—a vital nutrient needed for healthy red blood cells, nerve function, and brain health.

For over a century, doctors and scientists struggled to understand why patients were dying from what was once a fatal condition. It wasn’t until the 1920s that replacement B12 therapy was discovered, eventually leading to the availability of effective treatment.

🔬 How does PA affect the body?

✅ The stomach normally produces Intrinsic Factor, a protein essential for absorbing vitamin B12.
❌ In PA, the immune system attacks Intrinsic Factor and the stomach lining, making B12 absorption impossible.
⚠️ Without enough B12, red blood cells become misshapen and enlarged, leading to severe fatigue, brain fog, nerve damage, and long-term complications.
🚨 Why is early diagnosis crucial?
🔹 Many cases of PA go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed because symptoms mimic other conditions.
🔹 Some doctors only check B12 levels if anaemia is present, but PA can cause neurological symptoms long before anaemia develops.
🔹 Testing limitations mean that even those with PA might not test positive for the standard Intrinsic Factor Antibody test.

💉 The Lifesaving Treatment
PA can’t be cured, but it can be managed with lifelong B12 replacement therapy (usually injections). However, many patients still struggle to get the right diagnosis and proper treatment.

💡 Want to learn more?
Our webinars cover everything from symptoms to diagnosis and ongoing care—perfect for patients, carers, and professionals.

Explore our webinar recordings and resources in the PAS shop: https://shop.pernicious-anaemia-society.org/

Support our charity by becoming a member or donating, and follow our page for more insights and useful information about PA!

02/03/2026

IBS is recognised as a disorder of gut–brain interaction.

Gut-directed hypnotherapy targets the gut–brain axis, reducing both symptoms and associated anxiety in adults with IBS.

Our online courses run in small groups (up to 6 people) and use the North Carolina Protocol (a validated scripted protocol).

To find out more: thecontentedgut.com

26/01/2026

Dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) is a skin condition linked to coeliac disease. It’s thought to affect 1 in 3,300 people with coeliac disease. It usually shows up as red, raised patches that can itch, sting, or burn, sometimes forming blisters that may burst if scratched. DH most commonly appears on the elbows, forearms, knees, and buttocks, but it can occur anywhere on the body.

The only treatment is a strict gluten free diet for life.

For more information, visit: https://f.mtr.cool/drgbybroji

26/01/2026

Did you know your gut and brain are directly connected?
This connection — called the gut–brain axis — helps explain why stress, worry, or fear of symptoms can make IBS feel worse.

Gut-directed hypnotherapy works by helping the nervous system respond differently, so symptoms don’t spiral in the same way.
It’s not about control — it’s about calm and safety.

Curious to learn more?
Email us: hello@thecontentedgut.com

04/01/2026

Could Gut-Directed Hypnotherapy Help Your IBS?
If your only experience of hypnosis is seeing it on stage, trying it for physical symptoms might feel a little daunting. But here’s the thing: hypnotherapy isn’t magic. It’s a natural state of focused attention that we all experience — like when you get completely absorbed in a book or film and feel like you’re living the story alongside the characters. Your attention narrows, your surroundings fade, and you’re fully immersed.
The difference with gut-directed hypnotherapy is that it’s structured, guided, and focused on calming the gut-brain axis, helping your brain respond less sensitively to gut signals. And the best part? You’re in control the whole time.
How It Can Help:
• Reduce bloating, abdominal pain, and bowel symptoms
• Calm the gut-brain axis
• Build confidence and control over your gut health
• Safe and side-effect free
Many people combine this approach with dietary support. As dietitians, we focus on minimising unnecessary restrictions, because overly strict diets can increase anxiety and gut hypervigilance.
Guidelines Support It:
Gut-directed hypnotherapy is endorsed by major professional guidelines:
• UK NICE IBS Guidelines (2017)
• British Society of Gastroenterology IBS Guidelines (2021)
• American Gastroenterological Association IBS Quality Indicators (2025)
All recommend gut-brain therapies including hypnotherapy for managing IBS and other disorders of gut-brain interaction.
Why it works:
With regular practice, the brain develops new pathways, retraining how it responds to gut signals. In IBS, the brain often becomes hypervigilant, noticing sensations at much lower thresholds — hypnotherapy helps calm this response.
Want to Learn More?
Our 8-week group course, The Contented Gut, provides a validated course of gut-directed hypnotherapy in small online groups. It’s structured, evidence-based, and supportive — helping participants feel calmer, more in control, and less disrupted by gut symptoms.
Learn more:

Gut directed hypnotherapy can improve the communication between your brain and gut to provide long-term relief from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). It can be used alongside or instead of dietary and medical management. Find out more.. Introduction to the role of gut directed hypnotherapy for IBS If....

03/01/2026

So important to be aware of these points and also that you can have PA despite normal looking tests. Further information here: https://pernicious-anaemia-society.org/articles/testing-for-pernicious-anaemia/

There are several common misconceptions about Pernicious Anaemia (PA) so it is important to be aware of the facts.

1️⃣ Pernicious Anaemia only affects older people. This is not true. People of all ages, and this includes young children, have been diagnosed with PA.

2️⃣ You can get enough B12 from your diet. PA is an auto-immune disease. If you have PA, no matter what you eat, you cannot absorb sufficient B12 from your food. You will require lifelong vitamin B12 therapy usually through regular injections.

3️⃣ Pernicious Anaemia is not a serious condition. PA is a serious condition and, without the correct treatment it is debilitating and can be life-threatening. If you have been B12 deficient for a long time recovery may also take some time., Neurological symptoms resulting from B12 deficiency may take several months or even years to resolve completely

4️⃣ Once you've had your injection you will be fine. This 'one size fits all' regime is not true. Whilst some people manage perfectly well on 3 monthly injections, others find their symptoms returning long before their next injection is due. The clinical picture is the most important factor in assessing the frequency of treatment and serum blood tests and further testing of B12 levels are not required once Vitamin B12 treatment has commenced.

Support our charity by becoming a member or donating, and follow our page for more insights and useful information about PA!

06/08/2025

06/08/2025

30/07/2025

✈️ Flying with food allergies: What does the latest review say?

A recent review looked into the risk of serious allergic reactions on flights — and the findings may offer some reassurance. It concluded that, while risks do exist, serious reactions such as anaphylaxis on planes are very rare.

💬 We know this topic raises real concerns. Flying with a food allergy can feel stressful and uncertain, especially when policies differ between airlines. This review offers a step toward better awareness, more consistent practices, and ultimately, safer skies for everyone with allergies.

✅ Key points from the review:
👉Serious allergic reactions on flights are uncommon.
👉The greatest risk is from touching traces of allergens left on seats, tray tables, menus, and handles.
👉Carrying two adrenaline auto-injectors with you and informing the airline remains essential.

🔗 We've broken down what this review means on our website: www.anaphylaxis.org.uk/flying-with-food-allergies

Your lived experience matters. We’ll continue pushing for safer, more informed airline policies and clear communication for everyone managing food allergies.

22/07/2025

18/07/2025

When Benedict died, his allergy pen was given too late to save his life. Had it been given even a minute earlier he may have lived.

We heard that one of the reasons was that there was a misunderstanding about when to use the pen - that all symptoms of anaphylaxis had to be present to use it.

The message from clinicians though is clear, if you suspect it COULD be an allergic reaction, don't delay - use the allergy pen as soon as possible.

We were reassured that no harm would have come to him, or to other children, if the pen was given when it wasn't an allergic reaction - but the consequences of delaying can be harmful, or fatal.

This is the message we want to get out there - if in doubt, don't delay. It may just save someone's life.

13/06/2025

🚨Calling all adults with ulcerative colitis!

We want to hear from you! Help shape future research by sharing your thoughts on protein supplements. Your experiences matter, whether or not you use supplements.

It’s a quick, anonymous survey that could make a big difference in dietary research for ulcerative colitis. Your responses will help us better understand your views and experiences.

👉 Click here to take part: https://ow.ly/CRqi50W5rlh