Food and Medical Politics
At the end of April, I wrote about research which assessed the relationship between vitamin D status and physical function in a group of elderly individuals [1]. Briefly, the results of this study found that lower vitamin D levels were found to associated with lower muscular strength and physical function in both men and women. […]
Specific conditions
While it seems we are frequently warned of the supposed skin-related hazards of sunshine, there is abundant evidence that sunlight exposure is associated with general benefits for health. For instance, sunlight helps protect against low mood and depression, as well as several forms of cancer. There is also evidence that it might help prevent multiple […]
Nutrients and Supplements
On Monday, I wrote about sunscreen, and in particular the apparent hazards associated with their use. One potential effect associated with sunscreen use if the blocking of vitamin D production in the skin. This is a shame, as this nutrient has a number of health-promoting properties, including relative protection from several forms of cancer. I […]
Food and Medical Politics
Here in the UK most parts have enjoyed a hot and sunny weekend. Yesterday, I spent a good portion of the day out in the sun, and there was a distinct whiff of sunscreen in the air. But it wasn’t coming from me: For some years now, I’ve been wary of using this form of […]
Brain and Behaviour
I’m a great believer in the health-boosting capacity of regular activity both for body and mind. I was therefore interested to read today the results of a study conducted by a team of researchers at the University of Essex in the UK which looked at the effects of walking on mood. The study involved comparing […]
Exercise and Activity
Earlier this month one of my blogs focused on the benefits of sunlight exposure, and in particular the seeming ability of higher vitamin D levels to protect us from a wide range of cancer. Vitamin D is believed to have other roles within the body, including some ability to help ensure normal muscular function. In […]
Sunlight
Here is the UK the weather has brightened a bit of late and, rather predictably, news stories are already starting to warn us that sunlight can boost skin cancer (specifically, malignant melanoma) risk [click here]. However, I do believe that when it comes to examining the relationship between a lifestyle factor and disease, we should […]
Specific conditions
In recent years evidence has been amassing which has linked vitamin D with protection from a variety of ills including osteoporosis, multiple sclerosis, low mood and several forms of cancer. Recently, US-based researchers have produced research which suggests that this nutrient has the capacity to ward off high blood pressure (hypertension too). A part of […]
Brain and Behaviour
Last week saw the publication of a study in the British Journal of Psychiatry which has found that the eating disorder bulimia nervosa is 5 times more common in cities than in more rural areas [1]. The authors of this study suggested that this difference may be due to the relative anonymity of a big […]
Brain and Behaviour
The contracted days and climatic changes that come at this time of year can us not only cold, but short on sunlight too. Getting adequate exposure to the sun’s rays is important for maintaining mood, and it’s action on the skin is also the main way the body meets its needs for vitamin D ” […]