How Much Tea is Too Much? Try 150 Bags Per Day!

March 27, 2013 By

How Much Tea is Too Much? Try 150 Bags Per Day!Ask any true Brit and they’ll tell you that the one thing you can never have too much of in life is tea. Sadly, they’d be steering you down a pretty dangerous path if you were to follow such advice, at least according to a new reports published in the New England Journal of Medicine this week

Roughly summarized, the report concerns a woman of 47 from Detroit who recently underwent treatment for ongoing and excessive pain in her arms, legs, hips and her lower back. In addition, she had also lost every single one of her teeth. It therefore didn’t take a medical genius to figure out that there was something seriously wrong with her bones, which prompted a series of X-Rays and the eventual discovery of skeletal fluorosis – a hugely painful condition.

The medical team then went on to check the levels of fluoride in her body with a blood test, which should have been somewhere around the 0.10mg per liter or less for a healthy person. According to the report in the journal, she was running at 0.43mg per liter.

Her condition was one that’s known to be relatively common amongst individuals that consume excessive quantities of water with high fluoride levels, though there are virtually no areas across the US that are prone to such water quality deficiencies. There are certainly none in the area the woman was from, but she did reveal to the medical team that she was prone to drinking quite a lot of tea.

And when she said ‘a lot’ of tea, boy did she mean it.

Black tea doesn’t contain a great deal of fluoride, but of course it’s danger to the body increases in line with how much of the stuff is consumed. Studies have found that skeletal fluorosis can be triggered by excessive tea consumption, but it is a huge rarity and said consumption has to be off the scale.

So, how much tea was the patient drinking? Well, she informed the team treating her that for the last 17 years at least, she had drunk a full pitcher of tea made with up to 150 tea bags…per pitcher and per day.

We’d have to agree that qualifies as excessive.

Chewing Gum No Friend to Dieters – Increases Meal Size, Decreases Nutrition

March 27, 2013 By

Chewing Gum No Friend to Dieters – Increases Meal Size, Decreases NutritionAs far as tools for weight loss go, dieters across the US have long put so much faith into chewing gum as a means by which to cut down the calories. After all, it’s pretty much calorie-free, it physically prevents you from eating at the time, chewing has the potential to burn at least a few calories per hour and some even see gum as an appetite suppressant.

So, weight loss gold in a tasty and minty form, right?

Wrong…or so it would appear.

According to the results of a new study carried out at Ohio State University, as soon as a person chewing a stick of gum discards it, they resume their standard eating habits and consumer just as many calories as they would if they’d never bothered with the gum at all. And perhaps worse still, along with perhaps offering no benefits whatsoever in terms of weight loss, the study also brought to light the potential for gum to breed certain nutritional deficiencies.

By taking a look at the food diaries of dozens of participants of which half were instructed to chew gum, those who did so were found to eat fewer meals each day, though larger meals with higher calorie contents and fewer essential nutrients. What’s more, the study even went so far as to suggest that gum chewers are inherently less likely to eat sufficient quantities of fresh fruit during the course of a day, which was attributed in part to the unpleasant taste mint chewing gum lends to sweet fruits if consumed in fast succession.

Those behind the study were keen to stress the point that gum chewing isn’t in any way a negative or detrimental habit, but in accordance with the findings shouldn’t be depended upon as a tool for guaranteed weight loss. And what’s more, ‘serial’ gum chewers might be well-advised to keep track of their eating and snacking habits to make sure that there innocent sweet-treat isn’t in fact robbing them of something they really need.

Cut Down on Processed Meat and Live Longer – New European Study Suggests

March 7, 2013 By

Cut Down on Processed Meat and Live Longer – New European Study SuggestsFor those looking for more reason that weight loss alone to steer clear of processed foods, lowering your intake of sausages, pies and TV dinners could make you live longer.

According to the results of a long-term study carried out by the University of Zurich in Switzerland, processed meat could not only have strong links with weight gain and obesity, but also increase the risk of cancer and heart disease. Of the half million people included in the study, data indicated that those consuming large quantities of meat products are statistically more likely to die at younger ages.

Rather alarmingly, processed meat consumers appeared to be at a 44% higher risk of early death than those with lower consumption levels. Premature death rates were seen to rise steadily in accordance with the level of processed meat consumption.

The main causes of death for those consuming excessive amounts of processes meats were heart disease which was increased in risk by 72% and cancers at 11%.

Leading the study, Professor Sabine Rohrmann reported that “Risks of dying earlier from cancer and cardiovascular disease also increased with the amount of processed meat eaten.

“Overall, we estimate that 3% of premature deaths each year could be prevented if people ate less than 20 grams of processed meat per day.”

The news follows the increasingly widespread horsemeat scandal that has prompted millions the world over to more closely scrutinize the processed foods they buy and consume.

Data produced following the study also highlighted the way in which those who ate larger volumes of processed meat were also more inclined to lead unhealthy lifestyles. Men in particular were found to have higher alcohol intakes, while both sexes ate considerably less fruits and vegetables and smoked more cigarettes.

“Red meat can still be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet,” the researchers advised.

“Opting for leaner cuts and using healthier cooking methods such as grilling will help to keep your heart healthy. If you eat lots of processed meat, try to vary your diet with other protein choices such as chicken, fish, beans or lentils.”

CDC Paints Sobering Picture of Unstoppable Superbugs in US Hospitals

March 7, 2013 By

CDC Paints Sobering Picture of Unstoppable Superbugs in US Hospitals A strain of untreatable bacteria has sparked growing concern in the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, where officials are beginning to question whether or not the superbug can be halted in its tracks before going epidemic.

Speaking on the severity of the problem this week, director of the CDC Thomas Frieden issued a sobering warning that “These are nightmare bacteria that present a triple threat. They’re resistant to nearly all antibiotics. They have high mortality rates, killing half of people with serious infections. And they can spread their resistance to other bacteria.”

The strain sending shivers up and down the medical community of the United States is known as carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae or CRE for short, which has shown up in a handful of elderly care facilities and several hospitals. On a positive note, there hasn’t yet been a reported case of CRE occurring in the general public domain.

Sadly, Frieden and others from the CDC remain convinced that should the exponential growth in superbug outbreaks not be brought under control, the treatment of many minor and routine infections may become to a great extent impossible.

For the most part, those susceptible to superbugs are individuals suffering from problems with their immune system and usually either living or spending significant lengths of time in medical facilities. In the space of a decade, the Enterobacteriaceae family’s resistance to all-known antibiotics rocketed from 1% in 2011 to over 4% in 2011.

This is now expected to grow even further unless immediate and comprehensive action is taken, according to the CDC.

Worryingly, the tone from the CDC seems to be one of a general pessimistic nature and little reassurance has been offered that the strain can be brought under control before reaching disastrous epidemic levels. In the absence of having any real influence over the problem, the public is once again being advised to practice the most rigorous personal hygiene when making nursing home or hospital visits and also be wary of the cleanliness of overseas facilities.

Salt Consumption: How Much Do We Really Need

December 27, 2012 By

New studies continue to provide important evidence that excess sodium promotes structural and functional impairment of the heart, blood vessels, and kidneys.  Over time, these impairments usually progress to severe diseases, cardiac failure, end-stage renal disease, and death.

 

Salt Shaker by mconnors/morgueFile

When the American Heart Association (AHA), issued a sodium reduction advisory in 2011, that prompted six other independent studies to be conducted.  In 2011, the AHA recommended that all US adults maintain a sodium intake of not more than 1500 mg/d.  Generally speaking, most US adults consume more than twice that level of salt daily.  Children ages 1-3 years should have less than 1,000 mg/d daily, and children ages 4-8 years of age should consume less than 1,200 mg/d daily.  The six studies did not agree with the AHA’s recommendations and claimed inconsistencies in the AHA’s report.  One study even suggested that low sodium intake was as unhealthy as a high sodium intake diet.

 

Undeterred, the AHA decided to investigate the six studies that contradicted their findings.  The results were disclosed in the AHA’s journal Circulation, and the AHA still stands by their 2011 recommendations.  After analyzing facts and evidence from the other studies, the AHA found significant weaknesses in each study’s interpretations, and how each study was conducted.  The AHA continues to recommend a maximum intake of 1500 mg/d for adults.

 

Since most US adults consume an excess of salt from sodium additives during food processing, a new collaboration of interested organizations has emerged to help combat this battle.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the US Food and Drug Administration, the US Department of Agriculture, and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute are now looking into ways to strengthen US surveillance of sodium content in processed foods.  Sodium is often an unnecessary food additive in the era of refrigeration.

 

The AHA recommends portion control and less dependence on commercially processed foods.  By choosing to eat minimally processed foods such as perishables, and foods that are prepared at home, a lower intake of salt can be achieved.  Researchers do agree that even a modest salt reduction will likely result in improved health benefits.

 

References: Circulation Journal

AARP

 

Celebrity Chefs Under Fire for Recipes Less-Healthy than TV Dinners

December 19, 2012 By

Celebrity Chefs Under Fire for Recipes Less-Healthy than TV DinnersIf you’re in the mindset of thinking that supermarket ready-meals are the spawn of Satan and TV celebrity chefs like Jamie Oliver are out to make the world a healthier place, it might be time to reconsider. According to the results of a new study carried out in the UK, recipes devised and promoted by famous chefs including Jamie Oliver and Nigella Lawson are in fact significantly less healthy than pre-packed convenience meals on the shelves in the nation’s biggest supermarkets, including Tesco and Sainbury’s.

The report suggests that the recipes the chefs list in their cookbooks were found to have higher concentrations of sugar, fat and overall calories, though scored more favorably than the supermarkets in terms of salt.

Researchers at the University of Newcastle carried on the study on 100 main-course meals from four of the most famous and influential chefs in the UK, compared to 100 similar ready-meals and TV dinners from the major supermarkets. On average, it turned out that the meals promoted by the chefs were considerably more likely to score “Red” in the World Health Organization’s nutritional guidelines than their supermarket equivalents.

“Both ready meals and those by TV chefs are not as healthy as they could be,”  according to the researchers while speaking to the BBC this week. “We’re not bashing TV chefs, among them are chefs that have done a huge amount for healthy eating and tackling obesity.”

The chefs at the center of the controversy are yet to pass comment.

Pepsi Launches Cholesterol-Lowering, Fat-Blocking Soda – Scientific Community Unconvinced

November 19, 2012 By

Pepsi Launches Cholesterol-Lowering, Fat-Blocking Soda – Scientific Community Unconvinced Pepsi has launched a massive counteroffensive aimed at consumer health groups and critics not entirely impressed with the company’s efforts to further public health. According to the soft drink giant, a newly unveiled product has the potential to reduce harmful cholesterol, block fat and generally promote good health.

The only problem for Pepsi is the fact that evidence seems to point elsewhere.

Designed to take the Japanese market by storm, Pepsi “Special” includes dextrin in its composition, which is a type of dietary fiber. Those behind the new version of Pepsi and its promoters have said that the inclusion of dextrin will not only lead to the blocking of fats, but will also help the body to prevent surges in triglycerides and maintain healthy blood pressure.

Sadly, this is not exactly backed up to a huge extent by the scientific community.

Right off the bat, the inclusion of indigestible fiber in a diet does not in fact “block” the absorption of fat – rather it just flies through the body trying to find an exit as fast as possible. The idea of using such fiber as a tool for weight loss isn’t unheard of, but evidence points to negligible benefit, if any at all.

With regard to Pepsi Special’s ability to lead to lower cholesterol levels however, this is where the claims have been met with greatest disapproval. There is currently no evidence to suggest that drinks with a high level of dextrin will in fact lead to such benefits, unless by way of consuming the drinks leading to a lesser appetite.

And of course, weighing up these minor and in most cases debatable benefits against the known health concerns that come hand-in-hand with most sodas paints an entirely less comforting overall picture.

As such, probably best not to expect Pepsi Special to make its way through the FDA and appear on the shelves in the US anytime soon.

Soda Companies Introduce Calories Count Campaign – To the Surprise of Critics

October 10, 2012 By

Soda Companies Introduce Calories Count Campaign – To the Surprise of CriticsMajor soft drink companies including Coca-Cola and Pepsico are to revamp their automatic product vendors in order to let the public know the calorie content of the drinks they are buying. The new scheme, which will also see greater numbers of low-sugar and sugar-free drinks added to the machines, is to debut in Chicago at the beginning of 2013.

The move represents further efforts by some of the biggest names in the business to shake off a rally of criticism, which has accused sugar soft drinks as being a key contributor to the national obesity crisis.

Under the official project name of Calories Count, the plan of the American Beverage Association is to eventually rollout the scheme across the country, should its initial run in Chicago prove successful, according to a statement released on Monday.

Consumer groups and health campaigners known to openly criticize soft drinks companies have largely celebrated the announcement of the scheme, admitting of their collective surprise at the proactive nature of the gesture by brands usually know to massively push their products on the public.

Over the last ten year, overall annual sales of leading-brand soft drinks have been steadily decreasing, as thousands of new beverage choices have proved increasingly popular with the American public In addition, highlighting the high sugar and calorie-content of popular carbonated drinks is also said to have contributed to a decline in sales.

In order to compensate and meet the shifting demand, Pepsi and Coke have both increased their scope quite enormously to begin offering everything from sports drinks to mineral waters, adding to their low-calorie and sugar-free portfolios practically by the day.

With vending machined accounting for an estimated 12.5% of all soft drink sales on an annual basis across the US, the new calorie counting initiative has the potential to reach tens of millions of consumer and thus have a drastic impact on health, according to the proposal.

Similar measures are already being introduced across the majority of fast food restaurants and other national chains across the US, where calorie and fat contents are now listed as standard alongside menu items. Any restaurant with 20 or more branches within the US is now required by law to do so.

According to the American Heart Association,a single standard-sized can of carbonated soft drink contains on average 130 calories and up to eight teaspoons of sugar. New York City has already seen the sale of soft drink in quantities above 16-ounces banned by Mayor as of March next year – the man widely considered to be the biggest threat to the industry today.

The new soft drinks Calories Count initiative will begin with trials in Chicago and San Antonio, where large stickers will be applied to vending machines clearly detailing the calorie and sugar-content of the products on offer.

 

Potential Breakthrough in MS Management

October 6, 2012 By

MS ResearchA possible new mechanism for controlling multiple sclerosis (MS) has been identified by a researcher at the University of Adelaide.

In a study of how particular enzymes in the immune system control cell activation and movement, Dr Iain Comerford from the University’s School of Molecular and Biomedical Science, colleague Professor Shaun McColl and two PhD students focused on a molecule called PI3Kgamma.

“There’s already been worldwide interest in PI3Kgamma in relation to other human inflammatory disorders, such as diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis, and our study links this molecule and MS,” said Dr Comerford, who completed his research during a three year Multiple Sclerosis Research Australia fellowship.

The University of Adelaide study, published recently in the online journal PLOS ONE, showed that when a genetic alteration stopped PI3Kgamma, nerve cells showed a high level of resistance to experimental autoimmune encephalitis (EAE), which is an animal model developed for laboratory work to study MS.

The findings suggest that the nerve system would be protected against the forms of damage typically caused by MS.

When the molecule PI3Kgamma was present, researchers found evidence of severe damage to the myelin which insulates the nerve fibre (axion) of a nerve cell.  This damage caused myelin loss and spinal cord inflammation.

The research team followed these results by using a drug which blocks activity of PI3Kgamma at the earliest indications of disease onset.  The drug was found to block the development of EAE and clinical signs of the disease were reversed.

Calling the results very promising, Dr Comerford said, “We’ve shown that by blocking PI3Kgamma, we can reduce the activation of self-reactive immune cells, reduce the release of inflammation-inducing molecules from immune cells, and also result in a dramatic reduction in the movement of immune cells into the central nervous system.

“Our hope is that future therapies for MS might target this molecule, which could very specifically dampen the damaging inflammation in the central nervous system.

“It will now be crucial to determine whether targeting these molecules could be a safe and effective way to treat MS in humans.”

Multiple sclerosis is incurable at present.  This inflammatory disease causes the myelin sheathes around the axions of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord to become scarred or reduce.  The results can cause a wide range of symptoms for sufferers of the condition.  The degree to which those symptoms impact on the patient’s life also varies over time.

Internet Addiction Could Become Recognized Mental Health Disorder

October 5, 2012 By

Internet Addiction Could Become Recognized Mental Health DisorderIt’s official – internet addiction looks to be making its way to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders as a fully recognized mental health condition. While the authors agree that extensive further study is needed before the decision can be finalized, Internet Use Disorder is considered to be a growing problem across the Western World and considerable more harmful than it is given credit for.

As such, mental health specialists and campaigners for safe use of the internet are calling for renewed vigilance and awareness of the symptoms of IUD, along with advice for those concerned about their own online habits.

In general, IUD shares several key characteristics with all other common addictions plaguing society. Speaking on the subject of IUD, the American Psychiatric Association have stated that the condition is characterized by a strong and insatiable “preoccupation” with the internet or with online activities, negative effects and symptoms when the internet cannot be accessed, the need to spend greater and more intensive time online to enjoy any real satisfaction, failed attempts to cut down internet use, loss of existing interest, detrimental effects on social or family relationships and a generally withdrawn mood when offline.

Scientific research into IUD has been furthered extensively over recent years, as the world in large becomes more and more dependent on the internet as an expected daily standard. Studies have shown that some of those with seemingly advanced cases of IUD have actual changes noticeable in their brains – specifically the areas responsible for the processing of emotions and attention maintenance.

Intriguingly and rather worrying at the same time, these kinds of changes are exactly the same as detectable in individuals with addictions to certain drugs, including heroin and cocaine.

Separate studies into the brain’s dopamine system have also highlighted a potential link between internet addiction and the number of dopamine receptors found in certain areas of the brain – receptors credited with feelings of reward and pleasure.

Perhaps the biggest question of all arising from these and several other studies is that of should IUD be accepted as a genuine mental health condition and one of significant threat to the public, how exactly should it be treated? And what’s more, where should the line be drawn to allow a person to monitor his or her own safe internet use, or that of their family?

The latter of the two may be unanswerable, as while certain horror-stories of parental neglect and socially maladjusted children arising from internet overuse may be rife, most agree that tolerance levels will differ exponentially between individuals. What’s more, some have also suggested that certain people in the corporate world are able to function and perform on an entirely higher plain by making concerted efforts to spend 90% of their lives glued to their screens – all of their own accord.

Sadly, the idea of potential treatment methods is no less complicated as in most circles of life it has become 100% mandatory to use the internet several times a day simply to get by. This isn’t the kind of addiction where a person could co “cold turkey” and cut themselves off in a heartbeat, nor in a realistic sense could they be expected to wean themselves off the web while surrounded by access portals at every turn.

It will of course depend on whether or not IUD becomes a recognized mental health disorder as to whether or not sufficient time and money is pumped into research for its treatment and ultimate cure. The matter is still therefore at this juncture wide open to debate.

 

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