Medical disclaimer

Please read this before acting on anything you read here

Last updated: 15 January 2025 5 min read

The information on HealthySouthAfrica.com is for education only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

In a medical emergency?

Call 10177 (ambulance) or go to your nearest emergency room immediately. Do not rely on this website for urgent care.

1. General information only

All content published on HealthySouthAfrica.com — including articles, guides, graphics, videos, and social media posts — is provided for general informational and educational purposes only.

Our content focuses on Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and related digestive health topics relevant to South Africans. While we strive to provide accurate, up-to-date, and locally relevant information, it is not intended to be a comprehensive resource for every individual’s medical situation.


2. Not a substitute for professional medical advice

The information on this website should never be used as a substitute for consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your doctor, gastroenterologist, dietitian, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on HealthySouthAfrica.com.

Important: IBS symptoms can overlap with more serious conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), coeliac disease, or colorectal cancer. Only a qualified healthcare professional can make an accurate diagnosis.


3. Accuracy & completeness

We make every effort to ensure that the information we publish is accurate, evidence-based, and reviewed by qualified South African healthcare professionals. However:

  • Medical knowledge evolves rapidly. Information that was accurate at the time of publication may become outdated.
  • Individual responses to treatments, diets, and remedies vary widely. What works for one person may not work for another.
  • We cannot guarantee that all information is completely free from errors or omissions.

We review our content regularly and update articles when new evidence emerges. If you spot an error, please let us know.


4. External links

HealthySouthAfrica.com may contain links to external websites, research papers, or resources. These are provided for your convenience and reference only.

We do not control, endorse, or guarantee the accuracy, relevance, or completeness of content on external sites. Visiting linked websites is at your own risk, and you should review their terms and privacy policies.


5. Limitation of liability

To the fullest extent permitted by South African law, HealthySouthAfrica.com, its owners, contributors, and medical reviewers shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages arising from:

  • Your use of, or reliance on, any information on this website.
  • Any errors or omissions in the content.
  • Any actions taken based on the information provided.

You use this website and its content at your own risk. It is your responsibility to consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet, medication, or treatment plan.


6. Emergency situations

This website is not designed for emergency medical situations. If you are experiencing a medical emergency — including severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, blood in your stool, or signs of dehydration — seek immediate medical attention.

Emergency contacts in South Africa:

  • Ambulance: 10177 (national) or 112 (from a mobile phone)
  • ER24: 084 124
  • Netcare 911: 082 911
  • Poison Information Centre: 0861 555 777

7. Governing law

This Medical Disclaimer and your use of HealthySouthAfrica.com are governed by the laws of the Republic of South Africa. Any disputes arising from the use of this website shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the South African courts.

We comply with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and applicable consumer protection legislation.


8. Contact us

If you have any questions about this Medical Disclaimer, or if you believe any content on our site is inaccurate or misleading, please contact us:

Struggling with symptoms?

Your GP is the best first step. Don’t self-diagnose — please seek proper care.

Talk to your GP