There is growing evidence for the role of omega3 fish oil, not only in the etiology of major depression, but also as a treatment method. Given the numerous and undesirable side effects associated with conventional pharmaceutical treatments it is no wonder that many individuals actively seek natural alternatives, and the pure EPA fish oil (eicosapentaenoic … [Read more…]
Echium Plantagineum Originating from the borage family, this biennial plant with its striking purple flowers is native to western and southern Europe, northern Africa and south western Asia. In November 2009 the European Commission acknowledged that refined echium seed oil complies with the Novel Food Legislation granting it novel food status and therefore making Echiomega … [Read more…]
I’m giving a talk in a couple of weeks at the Bristol Eco Veggie Fayre on plant based sources of Essential Fatty Acids, focusing mainly on echium oil. If you want to find out more about how echium seed oil compares with other oils such as flax and hemp, check out this new website which … [Read more…]
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is becoming an increasingly common gut disorder in which the sufferer typically experiences: abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, excess wind, diarrhoea, and/or constipation, or an alternating combination of the two. Whilst the severities of these symptoms vary considerably between individuals, IBS has a profound effect on the sufferer’s quality of life. Many of the day to day activities that the majority of us take for granted can pose much more of challenge when you have IBS. You no longer simple take your body for granted, with careful forward planning essential in order to cope with the unpleasant, and often, embarrassing symptoms. Understanding IBS and what triggers the variety of symptoms is paramount to developing coping strategies.
The Atkins diet has caused quite a debate with regards to its use and safety ever since Dr. Atkins launched his ‘Diet Revolution’ in 1972. So what’s wrong with it exactly? For starters, the diet totally excludes all carbohydrates, which are actually an absolutely vital component of our diet. By excluding them, the body must … [Read more…]
General practice is the formal point of entry into the mental health care system, and GPs act as the ‘gatekeepers’, playing a central role in this help-seeking process. A good GP is therefore central to ensuring that individuals receive the best and most appropriate mental health care possible. It is also important to remember that … [Read more…]
I was invited out to a dinner party a few weeks ago, joining a group of friends that I had known for many years but some of whom I had not seen for some time. By the time we had finished desert and were sipping our coffees the conversation turned from general catch up to … [Read more…]
I have recently written an article on EPA fish oil and its role in Alzheimer’s disease, as there are currently around 700,000 people in the UK with dementia (it is believed that these figures are set to rise to one million in the next 10 years because of the ageing population) and new research adds … [Read more…]
Whilst most people in the UK are familiar with alcohol-related liver disease as a result of heavy drinking, which is on the rise, many of us are unaware of the problems associated with another form of liver disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) – also known as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). A recent review of four … [Read more…]
Currently there are around 700,000 people in the UK with dementia and it is believed that these figures are set to rise to one million in the next 10 years because of the ageing population. The National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidance is that people with dementia should only be offered antipsychotic … [Read more…]