Food & Drink
Vitamin D may help prevent and treat osteoporosis, high blood pressure and cancer
Vitamin D may play a vital role in the prevention and treatment of diseases associated with ageing but not enough research has been done in the area, scientists explain in the Journal of Aging and Gerontology.
The number of people aged 65 years and older is expected to more than double from 2012 to 2060. Older adults are at risk for vitamin D deficiency due reduced time outdoors and poor skin absorption of the nutrient. Continue reading
Exposure to mercury through seafood may be a risk factor for rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren’s and lupus
Women of childbearing age who are exposed to mercury could be at a higher risk of autoimmune disorders such as lupus, Sjögren’s, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease and multiple sclerosis, says a study published in Environmental Health Perspectives.
Experts found that mercury – even at low levels generally considered safe – was associated with autoimmunity disorders, which cause the body’s immune system to attack healthy cells by mistake. Continue reading
Deadly nightshade foods and arthritis: urgent need for research based on strong anecdotal evidence
potatoes – tomatoes – aubergines – peppers – goji berries
• People with arthritis used to be told to eat less foods from the deadly nightshade family as a way of reducing symptoms.
• In recent years this thinking has been widely dispelled as a myth.
• There is no scientific evidence that suggests that foods from the deadly nightshade family exacerbate arthritis symptoms. But equally, there is no research concluding that they don’t.
• Bearing in mind the wealth of anecdotal evidence from people with arthritis that eliminating all (or particular) nightshade foods from their diet has made a fundamental difference to their symptoms, it is somewhat surprising that no studies have been done in the area.
• It could be that some people have individual reactions to particular foods and do see an improvement in their symptoms if they eliminate them. Perhaps some of us have genes that make us more susceptible to the effects of solanine, or another component of deadly nightshade plants. Why wouldn’t experts put deadly nightshade plants to the test in light of all the anecdotal evidence in the area? Continue reading
Potassium salts improve bone health and limit osteoporosis risk
The potassium salts (bicarbonate and citrate) play an important part in improving bone health, says research published in Osteoporosis International, and the good news is that they are plentiful in fruit and vegetables. Continue reading
Lower body fat mass can predict spinal weakness in women after menopause
A link has been found between lower body fat mass and increased risk of spinal bone loss in postmenopausal women, says research published in Osteoporosis International.
A total of 204 men and 513 women aged at least 50 years were involved in the Australian study. Continue reading
