DISEASES of the digestive system have reached an all time high in the United States. And Britain is not far behind.

Experts put the blame on our lifestyle and diets. Refined, processed, low fibre foods, animal fats, a lack of exercise and an ever increasing level of stress, all contribute to our current gastro-intestinal health crisis.

It is worth considering that a sluggish bowel can retain pounds of old toxic and poisonous faecal matter (10 to 20 pounds is not unusual). And many in the health field feel that the real cause behind a lot of sickness and disease is this retention and reabsorption of built up toxic waste.

Catherine Ramsden has been a colonic hydrotherapist for the past 18 years and says she has never seen as many people with the yeast infection candida. Catherine, a former nurse, says more and more doctors are now recognising candida as an illness and she is getting a lot of referrals from GPs.

Candida is an overgrowth of a yeast that normally lives in the digestive tract and vagina. We all have it in our bodies but many of us will not experience problems as our immune system controls it. But if your immune system is weakened (by diet, stress, illness and antibiotics) the amount of candida can rise. It mostly affects women, but men can get it too. Symptoms include fatigue, headache and mood swings, poor memory and concentration, depression, recurrent fungal infections such as athlete's foot, stomach cramps, food cravings, particularly sugar or bread and lightheadedness or drunkenness after minimal wine or beer.

Catherine treats the infection with colonics (which detoxify the body) and a diet and says her clients usually see a difference within three to four weeks. Many of them are very grateful because they have been struggling with symptoms for more than 12 months.

Colonic therapists use warm, filtered water to flush out toxins from the colon. Throughout the treatment the stomach can be lightly massaged, loosening and stimulating the release of accumulated matter. Colon hydrotherapy allows the bowel to hydrate, cleanse, detoxify and tone internally.

This can strengthen your immune system as well as sculpt your stomach area by reducing bloatedness, provide a natural high and leave you refreshed, invigorated and clear-headed.

As well as candida it can be beneficial to anyone suffering from IBS, constipation, bad breath, rheumatism, menstrual and prostate problems, anxiety, depression and skin problems.

Foods to be avoided when you have candida include all types of sugar, most fruits, foods containing yeast such as bread and crackers, mushrooms, cheese (especially blue), peanuts, smoked meat and fish, fermented products such as vinegar, dairy products and alcoholic drinks.

Catherine has worked as a colonic hydrotherapist in Sheffield, London, Ripponden and Sowerby Bridge.

For the last five years she has worked at the Integrated Health Practice in Halifax Road, Egerton, which is owned by holistic dentist Dr John Roberts of Hebden Bridge.

The practice has just refurbished its colonic suite and Catherine works alongside Sonja Macura who as well as offering colonics is also a nutritionist and iridologist.

For more details ring 01484 514441.