Approximately 40–50% of people who experience depression suffer from more than one episode and are therefore categorised as experiencing the recurrent type of this disorder. Identifying predictors for recurrence in these patients is important for a better understanding of its course and for providing opportunities to improve preventive interventions (1). The link between diet and … [Read more…]
Within the UK, dietary intakes of long chain omega-3 fatty acids are well below current recommended levels for optimal cardiovascular health. Whilst adequate intake of the long chain omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acids (DHA) can be achieved by eating fatty fish at least 1–2 times per week, (equivalent to 250–500mg/d of … [Read more…]
Whilst many forms of depression can be easily treated in primary care, many people chose not to undertake, or are certainly reluctant to begin, the journey that takes them on this route of self-help. Whilst there is a high prevalence of mental health problems and disorders that develop in adolescence and early adulthood, pharmaceutical intervention … [Read more…]
The message that we need to ‘increase our omega-3 intake’ is one that most of us are aware of. We regularly hear how fish oils, can help protect our heart and reduce cardiovascular disease, offer hope to dementia patients, or in some cases even propose the possibility of a future treatment for cancer. These are … [Read more…]
Yet another Ritalin horror story hits the headlines! It seems that every week I can open a newspaper, or magazine, or turn on my PC, and be faced with another story, or article, or news headline, in which I am informed of the the increasing trend in incidence of children with neurodevelopmental disorders (autism, dyslexia, … [Read more…]
Statins, also known as HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, work by preventing the pathway to cholesterol production and are generally prescribed for individuals who are at high risk of heart attack or stroke. It seems that, even in healthy people, these drugs can cut the risk of heart attack by around 30%. Good news, you’d think, considering … [Read more…]
The National Obesity Forum (NOF) has announced that National Obesity Week (NOW) kicks off on the 23rd January 2011. Originally established by medical practitioners in May 2000, NOF aims to raise awareness of the growing health impact that being overweight or obese is having on patients and the National Health Service (NHS). Given that obesity … [Read more…]
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…]