Diabetes/Metabolic Syndrome
Diabetes is a condition characterised by elevated levels sugar in the bloodstream, derived primarily from sugars and starches in the diet. One obvious approach to this condition would be, then, to cut back on carbohydrate intake. I have known many, many diabetics take this approach and reap the reward in terms of better blood sugar […]
Brain and Behaviour
Many individuals would like to live to a ripe old age, but at the same time dread the thought of losing their mental capabilities as they do this. One nutritional strategy that may well have some merit in preserving the function of the ageing brain is to ensure a good intake of omega-3 fats, especially […]
Diabetes/Metabolic Syndrome
A year ago I reported on some research which had found a link between elevated levels of a substance called C-reactive protein (CRP) and worse outcomes for women with breast cancer. CRP levels tend to be higher in individuals with insulin resistance (where insulin levels tend to be high but the tissues in the body […]
Diabetes/Metabolic Syndrome
Diabetes is condition characterised by higher-than-normal levels of sugar in the bloodstream. It’s a problem caused by either not enough insulin and/or insulin not doing its job. Either way, the result is generally raised levels of sugar. One effect of this is a greater tendency to combine with protein in tissues (called ‘glycation’) which can […]
Diabetes/Metabolic Syndrome
Metabolic syndrome is a term used to describe a constellation of supposed risk factors for disease including excess weight around the midriff (abdominal obesity), raised blood pressure, raised levels of blood fats known as triglycerides and raised blood sugar. The condition is associated with an enhanced risk of cardiovascular disease (heart disease and stroke) as […]
Cholesterol and Statins
Cholesterol-reducing drugs are big earners for the pharmaceutical industry, despite the fact that cholesterol reduction is of dubious benefit and these drugs don’t work too well in terms of savings lives. In addition, some evidence of late has called into question the mantra that ‘lower is better’ when it comes to levels of supposedly unhealthy […]
Diabetes/Metabolic Syndrome
Accumulated weight around the mid-riff (abdominal fat) is associated with an increased risk of chronic conditions including cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. One of the mechanisms that may cause the build-up of fat around the middle concerns secretion of the hormone insulin, which is produced principally in response to rising levels of sugar in […]
Diabetes/Metabolic Syndrome
I believe that what represents an ideal diet varies from person to person, but one thing I’m clear about is that many health professionals and even our Governments advise intakes of carbohydrate that are greater than is good for us. In particular, while starchy carbohydrates such as bread, potatoes, rice, pasta and breakfast cereals have […]
Children's Health
While not all dietary approaches are applicable or beneficial to everyone, there are some, I think, that generally hold true. Here’s one: if you want a long and healthy life, do what you can to ensure stability in blood sugar and insulin levels. What this means usually means in practice is the regular eating of […]
Diabetes/Metabolic Syndrome
Previously, such as here, here and here, I have written about the potential health benefits of coffee, and specifically its relationship with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. I was therefore interested to read a recently published study that, once again, assessed the relationship between coffee and health. The focus of this study […]