Dr. Saliha Mahmood Ahmed, NHS doctor, award-winning chef, and the 2017 winner of BBC’s MasterChef, has joined Bowel Research UK as the charity’s first celebrity ambassador. With her deep expertise in gastroenterology, nutrition, and culinary arts, Saliha is uniquely positioned to raise awareness about gut health and the importance of addressing bowel diseases. Her new role with the charity is a continuation of her long-standing commitment to promoting healthy living, particularly through diet and lifestyle.
Previous Collaboration with Bowel Research UK
Previously, Saliha collaborated with Bowel Research UK at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, where she helped promote the charity’s gold award-winning microbiome garden. Her involvement in that project highlighted the connection between diet, gut health, and the prevention of bowel diseases, making her an ideal ambassador for the charity’s ongoing work. As part of her new role, Saliha will work alongside Bowel Research UK to advocate for cutting-edge research into bowel cancer and other bowel-related diseases, while also championing the benefits of a diverse, healthy diet to improve overall gut health.
Expertise in Gut Health and Nutrition
Saliha is a specialist registrar in gastroenterology with an MSc in nutrition, making her an authority on gut health. Additionally, she has a passion for cooking and has authored cookbooks that focus on healthy, nutritious meals. Her upcoming book, The 20-Minute Gut Health Fix, will offer simple recipes designed to improve gut microbiome health, which in turn can help prevent or manage chronic bowel conditions. Set for release in February 2025, the book is set to be a valuable resource for those looking to improve their digestive health through diet.
Bowel Research UK’s Focus on Groundbreaking Research
Bowel Research UK, the only UK charity dedicated exclusively to bowel disease research, funds scientific studies into bowel cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, and other disorders that affect the digestive system. The charity also places a strong emphasis on understanding the gut microbiome—a complex community of bacteria, fungi, and viruses that play a critical role in maintaining overall health. Research has shown that a balanced and diverse microbiome is linked to improved immune function and protection against diseases, including bowel cancer. Saliha’s focus on gut health aligns perfectly with Bowel Research UK’s mission to investigate these areas and raise awareness about the importance of a healthy microbiome.
Saliha’s Commitment to Gut Health Awareness
In her new role, Saliha will help highlight the importance of preventative measures and early intervention for bowel diseases.”As a doctor specialising in gut health, I frequently discuss ways to prevent bowel diseases and how a balanced diet can support individuals managing chronic bowel conditions and alleviate their symptoms. I’m really excited about my new role as ambassador for Bowel Research UK. I believe this will help us reach even more people with these important messages and help raise vital funds for research that can change and save lives,” she said.
CEO of Bowel Research UK, Lindsay Easton’s Support
Lindsay Easton, CEO of Bowel Research UK, expressed her gratitude for Saliha’s support. “Saliha has played a pivotal role in raising awareness of our charity and generating crucial funds for our pioneering research into bowel cancer and other bowel diseases. We are thrilled to have her officially join us as an ambassador to further this important work. We deeply appreciate Saliha’s commitment to battling bowel cancer and other conditions that impact over a million people across the UK,” she stated.
Saliha’s new role with Bowel Research UK promises to be a game-changer in the charity’s efforts to increase awareness about gut health and fund vital research for better treatments and improved outcomes for those living with bowel diseases.