Children with constipation are advised frequently to increase their activity levels, fluids and fibre intake. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of constipation symptoms in a group of schoolchildren while concurrently assessing their activity levels and fluid and fibre intakes. Eighty-four pre-adolescent children aged 7-10 years were recruited. All children completed a bowel function diary, an activity diary and a weighed food inventory for seven consecutive days. Of the children, 33 percent were found to experience constipation symptoms. Fluid and fibre intakes were higher in the children who did not experience constipation symptoms, but the results were not significant. Physical activity levels were found to be significantly higher in the children reporting constipation symptoms, with the most active children reporting low water intakes. This study has highlighted that constipation symptoms are a prevalent problem in children not seeking medical treatment.

The feeding of patients in hospitals is a topical issue. This review considers the development of feeding practices in British hospitals and highlights disturbing aspects which may have a bearing on recovery. The issues highlighted may also exacerbate the problem of hospital-induced malnutrition. There is little evidence that the provision of food per se is a cause for concern. It is rather the many other factors which may contribute to the patients consuming an in adequate diet.

A poor diet that fails to meet dietary recommendations as well as being overweight and obese appears to be associated with increased defaecation problems in preadolescent children.

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PurposeResearch has shown that there are important aspects of diet and lifestyle that need to be evaluated when considering the onset of symptoms of gastro‐oesophageal reflux, with specific reference to heartburn. This paper aims to review the evidence from these studies.Design/methodology/approachA literature review of studies on diet, lifestyle and gastro‐oesophageal reflux was undertaken.FindingsThe literature shows that there are a number of diet and lifestyle factors, which may trigger the onset of symptoms of gastro‐oesophageal reflux.Originality/valueThe paper shows that the diet and lifestyle factors, which have been considered to trigger gastro‐oesophageal reflux, need to be assessed further to establish their individual and combined influence in the onset of gastro‐oesophageal reflux symptoms and the progression to more serious oesophageal disorders.