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 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…]
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…]
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…]
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…]
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…]
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…]
Each year on 10th October, the Mental Health Foundation marks the day by raising awareness about mental health and well-being. Whilst we would probably all consider ourselves as reasonably tolerant and open minded, there is still quite a significant stigma about depression. If we haven’t experienced depression directly, it’s highly probable that we know someone, … [Read more…]
The general public are reliant on the media for their most recent update on “what to eat and what not to eat” and so it’s terribly important that studies are reported objectively and fairly – and, of course, that we are given the whole picture. It is not a very new concept that eating fish … [Read more…]