It’s eau-ll about finding balance

Oct 11 2009 by Mieka Smiles, Sunday Sun

DRINKING eight glasses of water a day is a golden rule of health, but did you realise that there is an optimum pH balance for our body fluids? MIEKA SMILES reports . . .

Best for beating bloat

TV presenter Nicki Chapman, who’s appeared on programmes including City Hospital, Escape To The Sun and Castles In The Country, has had to overcome a longstanding health problem since embarking on her screen career.

Nicki said: "I’ve suffered from bloating since my mid-twenties and it can be a complete nightmare. "When I was younger I wasn’t so bothered about it, but since working on TV I’ve definitely been more embarrassed by it.

"The camera can put on 10lbs anyway, so I’m more aware of my figure and have dreaded being photographed by the paparazzi in case the headlines say ‘bump or bloat’."

Nicki, 42, who found fame in 2001 as a judge on TV’s Popstars and Pop Idol, finds the symptom is particularly troubling just before her monthly period, during which she’s also prone to tears and cramps.

Recently, she’s found relief by taking an over-the-counter natural diuretic in capsule form. "It’s really helped reduce swelling around my stomach and ankles."

As well as being conscientious about her diet and avoiding tea, coffee or alcohol, she exercises regularly and enjoys horse riding. But she confesses: "My diet vice is sweets, chocolate and crisps."

Nicki, who’s married to Dave Shackleton, vice president of a major record label, maintains a stable wellbeing by keeping a balance between work and relaxing with family and friends, and taking time for reading, walking and gardening.

She added: "I was taught by my parents that one of the most important things in life is to have a job you enjoy."

Her favourite remedies: Nicki takes a natural diuretic for her PMS problems, Good N Natural Dandelion Root Capsules, £6.49 for 100 capsules from Holland & Barrett.