Specific conditions
Recent times have seen breast cancer making its way up the political agenda, and awareness of this condition and the coffers of breast cancer charities have been augmented through fund-raising activities such as sponsored moonlit walks and the sale of pink ribbons and wristbands. On a recent trip to the United States I discovered that […]
Healthy Eating
In a recent column I explored how keeping blood sugar levels stable in the small hours helps to promote restful sleep and reduces the risk of unwanted awakenings in the night. This week, I was reminded of another food-related influence on slumber by a study which found that many individuals with sleep issues suffer from […]
Herbal Medicine
As the cold season is upon us, and bird flu neurosis reaches fever pitch, there is a good chance increasing numbers of us will be looking at ways of protecting ourselves from viral invasion. One commonly used natural remedy for the prevention and treatment of the viral infections such as cold and flu is the […]
Brain and Behaviour
In a column last month I explored the link between dementia and a substance called homocysteine, and suggested that higher intakes of certain nutrients may lower the levels of this blood constituent and help keep our wits about us as we age. October also saw the publication of a study in the Archives of Neurology […]
Brain and Behaviour
The rising popularity of cosmetic surgery in the UK and a proliferation of body makeover shows on TV point to our increasing preoccupation in allaying the visible signs of ageing. While it seems that many of us have a desire to protect ourselves from any external evidence of ageing, my experience is that there is […]
Brain and Behaviour
With so much emphasis being placed these days on the mortal hazards of overweight and obesity, it can sometimes be easy to forget that unduly low body weight poses risks for health too. Sufferers of anorexia nervosa, for instance, can exhibit such extreme weight loss that hospital treatment is deemed necessary. It is well known, […]
Nutrients and Supplements
With mobile phones making their way into younger and younger hands, I suspect increasing numbers of parents will be feeling some concern about the costs associated with these contraptions. However, according to a recent report, mobile phone users may have a price to pay that is not merely financial: the Chartered Society of Physiotherapists (CSP) […]
Nutrients and Supplements
Despite perennial warnings regarding the capacity of ultra-violet light to induce skin cancer, plenty of us are still to be found soaking it up the sun when the opportunity arises. I was interested to read some recent research from America which suggests that many individuals keen on sporting a tan exhibit signs of addiction to […]
Children's Health
Folic acid enjoys a reputation as the pre-eminent pregnancy nutrient, one that is based on its ability to help ward against what are known as neural tube defects (NTDs) such as spina bifida. However, recent evidence suggests that folic acid may have broader benefits for babies: a study has suggested that adequate levels of folate […]
Nutrients and Supplements
Over the years, vitamin C has established itself as the pre-eminent nutrient for combating the common cold. Some individuals regularly take supplements of this vitamin in the belief that this will reduce their risk of succumbing to the sniffles or something more serious. Others will load up on vitamin C once an infection has taken […]