News
Coeliac disease - awareness and support
26.11.08
Do you live with, or know someone with Coeliac disease? It’s amazing how many people still don’t know much about this debilitating condition.
Coeliac UK has been spreading awareness of this condition for the past 40 years!
Back in those days, diets were very restrictive, with little food choice and a real impact on quality of life. In the 50s, it was hard to be a Coeliac and eat like many people around you and this led to all kinds of problems trying to integrate in a social food setting. However, things have really moved on (as advances in food science have progressed new processing methods). Just think about all the wonderful wheat and gluten-free foods which are now available, meaning that children and adults alike can enjoy social eating, and effectively manage the symptoms of this condition, such as bloating, tiredness, headaches, skin rashes, mouth ulcers and nutritional deficiency.
There will be all kinds of promotional information out there next year, and a big push in May – so if you want to spread the word about gluten-free living, go to: www.coeliac.org.uk for more information.
Overweight, feeling stressed?
26.11.08
Does being overweight make you more stressed? Researchers at the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Connecticut wanted to find out, and whether overweight men and women experience the same level of stress.
This massive study, involving over 41,000 adults, looked at the likelihood of overweight people experiencing 12 stressful life events in the past year.
Results showed that, compared to normal weight women, overweight, obese and very obese women experienced more stressful life events. Overweight women were more likely than a slim woman to lose their job by being fired or made redundant, face the death of a loved one or feel discriminated against at work.
With men, stressful life events increased once they became obese or extremely obese.
From: Prev Med. 2008 Nov;47(5):498-503. Epub 2008 Aug 28
Allergy and intolerance - experts meet
26.11.08
Health practitioners from all disciplines are meeting together on the 1st December, in London, to discuss current scientific beliefs and practices about food allergies and intolerances.
Titled: Food Intolerance - Fact or Fiction?, it will really get to the heart of what people really believe about food-related illness. But why the discussion?
There has been a lot of negative press about food intolerance and food intolerance testing, and a number of immunologists and gastroenterologists felt that some scientists, by inference, are saying that food intolerance does not exist, and are not being taken seriously. The result is that some people find that it’s taking years to get a correct diagnosis.
This conference is calling for more investment into food intolerance research, and a call to a more scientific acknowledgement that food intolerance is a true and serious health condition.
The message in a nutshell? Let the people who are experiencing intolerance symptoms have a voice, and let it be heard.
Antioxidants and pre-eclampsia
26.11.08
Over the past ten years, research scientists have been interested in the role of antioxidants such as vitamins C and E, and whether or not low intakes influence a woman’s risk of developing pre-eclampsia during pregnancy (a potentially dangerous condition, most often characterised by abnormally high blood pressure).
A study reported this month from clinicians in India has shown that supplementation could, in fact, help to control certain factors leading to the development of pre-eclampsia, such as reducing free radical activity, and increasing antioxidant activity.
The authors say that more studies should be done to assess how vitamins C and E can be used in women who are at high risk of this condition.
From: J Clin Biochem Nutr. 2008 Nov;43(3):210-20. Epub 2008 Oct 31
Relax with a cup of tea
26.11.08
L-theanine, a natural constituent in tea, relaxes the mind without causing drowsiness, according to a recent study.
35 subjects were recruited, 16 of whom were given L-theanine (a naturally occurring amino acid, found in good amoubts in tea) 50mg in a drink and 19 were given a control solution of drinking water. To evaluate brain activity, the researchers measured electroencephalogram (EEG) activity 45 minutes after the solutions had been drunk then every 15 minutes, up to 105 minutes.
So what exactly did they find? L-theanine significantly altered brain activity. This was demonstrated by a greater increase in brain alpha activity (on the EEG) in the participants given L-theanine than in those given the control drink. They add that they have replicated these findings in participants watching television, i.e. in people who are already highly relaxed and entertained. Brain alpha activity also increased with L-theanine in these circumstances.
In summary, Dr Ann Walker said; “An increase in brain alpha activity indicates a relaxed state of mind without drowsiness. The researchers say that their results support a role for L-theanine, in amounts found in a typical cup of tea, in achieving a relaxed, but not a sleepy, state of mind.
From: Asia Pac J Clin Nutr 2008;17(S1)167-168.
Need a change for life?
19.11.08
We may be headed for lean times in an economic sense, but according to government figures the march of obesity isn't showing similar signs of
slowing down. Indeed, according to the Government Office for Science's Foresight Report, by 2050 no less than 60 percent of men and 50 percent of women in the UK could be obese.
In an attempt to reverse what it calls 'the rising tide of obesity and overweight' in this country, a new Department of Health initiative, called Change4Life, has just been launched. Initially, the initiative will focus on improving children's diets and levels of activity, its goal being to help every family in England eat well, move more and live longer.
The Department of Health claims research shows that parents acknowledge childhood obesity is a problem, they just don't think it's their problem.
Parents also underestimate the amount of food they eat while at the same time overestimating the amount of exercise their families take part in.
Families also do not make the connection between being overweight and obese and long-term health problems – yet, as the Department of Health states, there is a clear link between having too much body fat and your risk for illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer and depression.
Meditation - now there's a thought
19.11.08
Meditation has always held a fascination for scientists – especially forms such as transcendental, which is well documented to discipline the mind and create a mental environment which includes visions and spiritual enlightenment. However, on a very fundamental level, it has the ability to manage conditions such as anxiety and stress.
A before-after clinical trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of a 12-week meditation course on mental health of participants who were enrolled into the study by random sampling. To assess their health, a 28 item General Health Questionnaire was completed on two occasions. The average age was 32.4 years old, with 70% being female and 55% married.
Results showed a significant improvement in the group which received the meditation course, especially in the areas of *somatisation and anxiety – which was an effect independent of age, sex and marital status.
* Somatisation refers to the occurrence of physical symptoms, which are not accounted for by demonstrable physical illness
From: Clin Pract Epidemol Ment Health. 2008 Nov 1;4(1):25
Pregnant women and caffeine
19.11.08
The Food standards Agency has issued new advice to pregnant women following recent research carried out on its behalf by the Universities of Leeds and Leicester.
Pregnant women are being advised to reduce their daily caffeine intake from a maximum of 300mg daily – which was the Agency’s previous advice – to 200mg daily. This is roughly equivalent to two mugs of coffee a day.
Too much caffeine can cause babies to be born with a lower birth weight than they should have, which can increase the risk of some health conditions for the baby and in later life. Too much caffeine might also result in spontaneous miscarriage. The research suggests that although the risk is low, a limit of 200mg per day will help to minimise the risk further.
Researchers also point out that caffeine is found in tea (which was the largest contributor of caffeine in the trial group’s diet, at 60%), chocolate and some energy drinks.
Janet Cade, from the University of Leeds said; “Everyone wants the best for their baby. Limiting daily caffeine intake is one way in which you can ensure that your baby has the best start in life”.
From: University of Leeds and Leicester.
Jump to it with MSM
19.11.08
After exercise, our body responds by making all kinds of biochemical bi-products, including those of oxidative stress in body tissues, including muscles and joints. But what happens when MSM – methyl sulphonyl methane, and vitamin C (which both have antioxidant properties) are present in good amounts in the joints? Is there any decrease in the effects of oxidative stress in tissues?
Researchers looked at the effects of this health substance in show jumping horses. Twenty four jumping horses were given either a control (without supplements), MSM (8mg/kg body weight) on its own, or MSM with vitamin C at the equivalent of 5mg/kg body weight.
Results show that competition significantly increased the production of biochemical stress indicating free radicals; nitric oxide, carbon monoxide, lipid hydroxyperoxides.
Administering MSM significantly ‘ameliorated all these exercise-related changes, and this effect was potentiated (made better) – almost to pre-exercise levels.
In conclusion, authors say that ‘We have demonstrated that MSM could exert some protective effect on oxidative and inflammatory exercise-induced injury’.
From: Acta Vet Scand. 2008 Nov 7;50(1):45. [Epub ahead of print]
Climate change? Food poverty?
19.11.08
Think that Climate Change is all about putting on sun block? It’s much more serious than that, says the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH)
The adverse effects of climate change will hit the UK hard with increasing food prices pushing more people into food poverty, delegates will be told at a conference on climate change and health organised for the 20th November.
Jenny Morris, CIEH Principal Policy Officer, said: “Climate change will reduce the ability of the food supply system to cope with normal demands. A combination of adverse weather conditions (for example more droughts), increased demand and use of bio-fuels, a growing world population, a trend for western style diets will put intense pressure on the world’s agricultural resources and production and have an upward effect on prices. The effects will be felt inequitably, with the poorest in society suffering most. While the UK is unlikely to suffer severe food shortages, self sufficiency in food production will become more important as a large reliance on imported food products will create vulnerability and is likely to increase food poverty.”
The aim of the conference? To bring together policy makers and experts to address how we can safeguard food supply and combat the threat of pest bourne disease.
From: CIEH Press release – 19th Nov 08
Protecting your prostate
12.11.08
Many studies have suggested that nutritional factors may affect prostate cancer development.
Now, one study from the University of Quebec has shown that dietary habits are related to prostate cancer incidence. By studying 917 patients with early signs of prostate cancer (and who were having a biopsy to check for incidence), scientists could question whether their diet was in any way related to increased risk.
Prostate cancer was found in 42% (386/917) of patients. The mean patient age was 64.5.
Analysis revealed that a meat diet (e.g., red meat, ham, sausages) was associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer and a fish diet was associated with less prostate cancer. So, the authors conclude that fish diets appear to be associated with less risk of prostate cancer detection, and meat diets appear to be associated with a 3-fold increased risk of prostate cancer. These observations add to the growing body of evidence suggesting a relationship between diet and prostate cancer risk
From: Can Urol Assoc J. 2008 Oct;2(5):510-5.
Not all down to fate
12.11.08
Did you realise that only 5-10% of all cancer cases can be attributed to genetic defects, whereas the remaining 90-95% have their roots in the environment and lifestyle?
The lifestyle factors include cigarette smoking, diet (fried foods, red meat), alcohol, sun exposure, environmental pollutants, infections, stress, obesity, and physical inactivity. The evidence indicates that of all cancer-related deaths, almost 25-30% are due to tobacco, as many as 30-35% are linked to diet, about 15-20% are due to infections, and the remaining percentage are due to other factors like radiation, stress, physical activity, environmental pollutants etc. Therefore, cancer prevention requires smoking cessation, increased ingestion of fruits and vegetables, moderate use of alcohol, caloric restriction, exercise, avoidance of direct exposure to sunlight, minimal meat consumption, use of whole grains, use of vaccinations, and regular check-ups. In this review, we present evidence that inflammation is the link between the agents/factors that cause cancer and the agents that prevent it. In addition, we provide evidence that cancer is a preventable disease that requires major lifestyle changes.
From: Pharm Res. 2008 Sep;25(9):2097-116. Epub 2008 Jul 15.
Western food, weighty issues
12.11.08
In the past year Lebanon has been experiencing a nutritional transition in food choices from the typical Mediterranean diet to the fast food pattern. As a consequence, the dietary habits of young adults have been affected; thus, overweight and obesity are increasingly being observed among the young.
Analysis of 220 students showed that the prevalence of overweight and obesity was more common among male students compared to females (37.5% and 12.5 % vs. 13.6% and 3.2%, respectively). In contrast, 6.4% female students were underweight as compared to 1% males. Eating habits of the students showed that the majority (61.4%) reported taking meals regularly. Female students showed healthier eating habits compared to male students in terms of daily breakfast intake and meal frequency.
So, when it comes to the switch to a more Western, junk food diet, the men are leading the way, and paying a weighty price for it.
From: Nutr J. 2008 Oct 30;7(1):32. [Epub ahead of print]
Amazing English apples
12.11.08
Think that apples are simple olde English fruits? Well, you’d be right, and you’d be wrong. Far from there being four or five varieties out there, you could eat a different variety every day for six years and still have others to try, so says the People’s Trust for Endangered Species. And with names like Slack my Girdle, Sheeps Snout and Pea’sgood Nonesuch, using more unusual types could prove a talking point on any table. But to do this, conservation measures have to be taken, as some fear that old varieties may go into a silent demise.
Since 1950, overall orchard area in England has declined by almost 60%. This downward trend led the Government to approve the inclusion of traditional orchards on the list of habitats recognised as national priorities for conservation action within the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. Since August 2007 traditional orchards have been designated as a BAP Priority Habitat.
If you like all things old-fashioned, fun and delicious, go to www.ptes.org for more information.
Got a urinary infection? use naturals
12.11.08
Urinary tract infections are not pleasant at all. Starting with a hint of a sting, they can soon escalate into intense burning on urination, back ache, and the need to go to the toilet every few minutes. Infections of the lower urinary tract are common occurrences in young women, during pregnancy, and in peri- and postmenopausal women. Because of the chronic nature of urinary tract infections (UTIs) and the potential for antibiotic resistance, a natural approach to prevention and treatment is desirable. Clinical research suggests the best natural options for long-term prevention include cranberry, mannose, and probiotics. Botanicals that can be effective at the first sign of an infection and for short-term prophylaxis include berberine and uva ursi. Vitamins A and C have also been shown to prevent UTIs, while potassium salts can alkalinize the urine and reduce dysuria.
From: Altern Med Rev. 2008 Sep;13(3):227-44.
Sing the colds away this winter
05.11.08
Singing is a great way to keep colds at bay and can help you stay healthy. Because it gets the blood pumping around the body, singing also helps warm you up on a chilly day. So Sing Up, the national singing programme is encouraging everyone to make some vocal noise this winter.
Professor Graham Welch, a spokesperson for Sing Up and Professor of Music Education at The Institute of Education, London says: "Singing is an aerobic exercise that improves the efficiency of the body's cardiovascular system and in doing so, increases the amount of oxygen in the blood. Improving airflow in the upper respiratory tract, and keeping the airways open, reduces the opportunities for bacteria to flourish and can help prevent colds and flu."
Sing Up, which aims to put singing at the heart of every primary school, has lots of fun singing games and activities to help you get started. Just visit www.singup.org/families for more inspiration and information.
Almonds are in
05.11.08
With Christmas coming, it’s hardly surprising that those who market nuts are making the most of some seasonal health information, and for November, the focus is on almonds – so don’t be surprised if you find yourself getting almond savvy this month.
These nuts are one of the UKs favourites, and almonds have great nutritional benefits too, being high in vitamin E (a handful has similar levels of antioxidants to broccoli and green tea), its rich in calcium, helping to build strong hair and nails, and studies have shown that those who regularly eat almonds weigh less than those who don’t.
Yes, really… these nuts were found to help keep people slim. But how? By increasing ‘satiety’ - the feeling of fullness. Compared to lower fat, higher sugar snacks, almonds are rich in good, heart-helping fats which stave off hunger, and also help to better control blood sugar levels.
If you’ve got a mini-jam jar, don’t throw it out. Fill it up with almonds, as this gives around 28g – the amount which is said to be a healthy sized portion.
Fat kids' lifestyle habits
05.11.08
Research from the States has been looking into the lifestyle patterns of a cross section of children, to see what policies should be put into place to help them avoid obesity.
They looked at how often the children watched television, and how often they actively played enough to make them get out of breathe.
Results, from 2964 children, showed that 37% of all children aged 4 to 11 had low levels of active play (6or less out of breath play sessions per week). 65% had high screen times of more than 2 hours per day, and 23% of all children had both of these.
Authors urge people to get children more active to maintain health into adulthood. This includes clinicians, but also a greater understanding amongst parents of the need to stay fit and healthy.
Of course, children of this age most often follow by example.
BMC Public Health. 2008 Oct 22;8(1):366. [Epub ahead of print].
Wartime famine and reproductive health
05.11.08
Every now and then, a really interesting research piece comes up, where historical data is used to advance science in the future. By looking at women who were exposed to famine whilst they were being carried in their mother’s wombs during the second world war, researchers at the University of Amsterdam, could deduce whether there was a knock-on effect on their ability to successfully reproduce.
The results seemed somewhat surprising. Statistically, women who were exposed to famine in utero, were MORE successful at reproducing than those who had normal nutrient exposure. In particular, they had children earlier, had more children, had more twins and were less likely to remind childless.
This wasn’t seen for males exposed to famine in the womb.
Hum Reprod. 2008 Nov;23(11):2591-5. Epub 2008 Jul 25
Got a headache? try acupuncture
05.11.08
If you look around a health store you will find products which aim to treat migraine using specific acupressure points, but what about using acupuncture on different meridians of the body?
Research is under way in 8 hospitals across China, to look at whether different meridians in the body can affect people’s management of migraine, including quality of life scores, frequency, duration and severity of attacks. 480 patients with migraine will each received 20 acupuncture sessions,
This will add to previous studies which have shown a real benefit of using acupuncture to treat migraines using a combination of meridians. It will be interesting to see whether specific meridians can affect different aspects of migraine headache.
From: Trials. 2008 Oct 20;9(1):57. [Epub ahead of print]
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