Love your Gut - Healthy Gut tips and advice

James Hickman
Swimmer James Hickman is five times world champion and has been at the top of the sport for 10 years. James became a three time Olympian in 2004 and has won over 30 international medals including 12 gold during his career and knows what it takes to become the best. Taking the Athlete's Oath at the opening ceremony 2002 Commonwealth Games was James' most prestigious moment with a huge TV audience. He is charismatic and has presented Grandstand's Olympic dreams, commentated on swimming for the BBC and has written for a number of regional newspapers.

Enthusiastic and energetic James currently heads up the PR and Communications for the FINA World Swimming Championships alongside running his own company Made in Manchester.

He now heads up Made in Manchester's PR and Corporate arm which has seen commissions and contracts for a broad range of broadcasters and commercial companies. James' recently produced critically acclaimed DVDs and vodcasts promoting Manchester World Sport 08.

Antony Worrall Thompson
Antony Worrall Thompson is a restaurateur and popular TV chef. He presents Daily Cooks Challenge. Antony runs six restaurants including Notting Grill and Kew Grill in London and The Greyhound near Henley on Thames along with the recently opened Windsor Grill. He has written a number of recipe books.

Antony offers some healthy tips:
"As a chef, I know how just important good food is to the digestive system. Your digestive system is the powerhouse of the body, processing your food to extract the nutrients and get rid of the waste. Why not support take a look at your eating habits, and see whether you could improve them?

My top tips for a healthy digestive system are to eat five portions of fruit and veg and drink two litres of water a day, and try to incorporate 'prebiotic' foods into your diet. These encourage friendly bacteria in the gut, and include bananas, asparagus, wheat and leeks."

Gaby Roslin
Gaby says: "A healthy digestive system is vital for our good health, but all too often this precious organ is overlooked, either through ignorance or embarrassment. So start getting to know and care for - your gut!"

Lady Olga Maitland
Former Lady Olga Maitland is a former Conservative MP, with an impressive 35-year career in journalism. She has worked for the Sunday Express, Daily Mail and BBC, and has two books to her credit. Lady Olga Maitland has undergone surgery for acute diverticulitis, a condition whereby an abcess perforates the stomach lining. Lady Maitland is currently CEO of the International Association of Money Transfer Networks.

Lady Olga Maitland shares her experience and advice:
Having suffered the pain and misery of acute diverticulitis, I would urge anyone experiencing unusual digestive symptoms to make an appointment with their doctor immediately. I delayed surgery for my condition and it almost cost me my life. Aim to be vigilant about your digestive health, since the earlier a digestive complaint is detected, the better the chances are of it being treated and cured."