The general population is increasingly being exposed to a variety of “toxic” substances and, as a result, our environmentally polluted world is causing a myriad of health problems. Whilst we generally understand the concept of toxins that come from external sources- for example, car fumes, tobacco smoke, drugs, dental fillings, environmental pollution, etc., we are … [Read more…]
A ‘nice cup of tea’ has been, for decades, associated with healing; for making things better or just as an excuse to sit down and talk. In fact, ‘tea and talk’ is the theme for this year’s awareness of World Mental Health Day, an international event which is annually held on 10th October. The event … [Read more…]
Methyl mercury, a pollutant produced by various industrial activities, is a potent neurotoxin that has now caused serious contamination issues within our oceans. As a fat soluble molecule, methyl mercury enters the food chain and accumulates in the flesh of the fish that then may end up in our supermarkets. Consuming larger, longer living fish … [Read more…]
Breastfeeding is both natural and safe, giving your baby the best possible start in life. When born, infants have no gut faecal flora (healthy gut bacteria), microbes that play an important role in immune defence. The initial milk produced when breastfeeding is known as colostrum, and is high in a specific antibody (IgA) that plays … [Read more…]
The media may be saturated with the message that omega-3s are good for us, but it seems that there is still a lack of knowledge over what omega-3 is, and what exactly we are consuming when we eat foods that are fortified with omega-3. In the latest omega-3 report – 2010 US Consumers’ Choice: Omega-3 … [Read more…]
Last week saw a rather unusual story in the headlines in which a jack Russell took it upon itself to remove an infected toe from his sleeping owner. Jerry Douthett, a 48-year-old musician from Rockford, USA, had been out drinking, and on returning home had fallen into a deeper than usual sleep. He awoke, some … [Read more…]
There has been a flurry of journal publication lately focusing on methods that can help stave off cognitive impairment and dementia. According to the most recent study, published in this month’s British Medical Journal, making dietary and lifestyle changes that ultimately reduce the risk of developing diabetes and depression, could have a significant impact on … [Read more…]
The message that we need to consume our 5-a-day (about 800g of fruit and vegetables in total) is one that appears to be making a positive impact on people’s food choices. By eating fruits and vegetables that are of a variety of different colours, you can get the best all-around health benefits. Fruit and vegetables … [Read more…]
There was a time when the phrase ‘cloning’ only really existed in science fiction novels and the minds of small boys. However, our ability to progress scientifically blossomed in 1996 in the form of Dolly the cloned sheep; hitting the headlines, she caused quite a stir, highlighting the endless possibilities of such a feat as … [Read more…]
For many sufferers, depression brings on many kinds of emotions and feelings including anxiety, guilt and shame, so it’s not surprising that many people fail to seek help. Often, many of the feelings that are associated with depression are, in part, caused by a general lack of understanding of the condition, not only by the … [Read more…]