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Author: Chantelle Holland

Gut health during the festive period

Gut health during the festive period

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The excesses of the festive season can be hard on the gastrointestinal system of even the healthiest of people. For those with underlying gut issues, such as IBS, the post-Christmas period can bring heightened levels of discomfort and renewed commitment to restoring their digestive health. Reducing inflammation and rebalancing gut flora will help to alleviate bloating and restore regularity. A simple diet of soft, easily digested, mostly cooked foods is easy to adhere to and much less daunting than any…

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Walking workstations for the office

Walking workstations for the office

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Research carried out in the United States has released new evidence of the health benefits of walking while working. Physical inactivity and sitting for prolonged periods of time are increasingly being linked to a high risk of digestive complaints, obesity and related diseases; hence more research is looking at ways of incorporating exercise in an office-based workplace. Walking workstations consist of raised desks with a walking exercise machine positioned underneath, so that rather than sitting at the desk, the user…

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Mediterranean diet helps reverse metabolic syndrome

Mediterranean diet helps reverse metabolic syndrome

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The Mediterranean diet is often touted as a healthy way to eat. A new study from Canada has now reported convincing data of its benefits, following a large long-term trial. Over 5000 men and women were recruited to take part in the trial. All the participants were aged 55 to 80 years old with a high risk of heart disease. The participants were asked to follow one of three diets: a Mediterranean diet supplemented with extra virgin olive oil; a…

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Low vitamin D linked to acute asthma attacks

Low vitamin D linked to acute asthma attacks

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With winter well underway, here’s a timely reminder to ensure you have good levels of the sunshine vitamin D, especially if you are an asthma sufferer. A new paper, published in the journal Allergy, has reported a significant link between low vitamin D levels and an increased risk of asthmatics suffering an acute attack. The research team studied the medical records of over 21 000 asthma patients, and found those deficient in vitamin D were 25 per cent more likely…

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Meditation shown to improve creativity

Meditation shown to improve creativity

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Although meditation is an ancient therapeutic practice, it has been steadily gaining in popularity in recent years. There are many documented benefits from meditation, however a recent study from The Netherlands has reported new evidence that regular meditation can promote creative thinking and may ultimately offer long-lasting positive influence on human cognition. Importantly, the researchers found improved creativity even for the meditation novice, so you don’t have to be experienced in meditation to gain immediate benefits. The study asked participants,…

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Safety of energy drinks questioned

Safety of energy drinks questioned

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A new report published in the journal Frontiers in Public Health has added urgency to the concerns many health professionals have over regular energy drink consumption, especially for young people. The review, co-written by an official of the World Health Organization, states that the consumption of energy drink by young people, especially with alcohol, presents a significant public health concern requiring further research and potential regulation. Concerns centre on the health effects of regular high intakes of caffeine contained in…

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Green Tea Boosts Memory

Green Tea Boosts Memory

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A study conducted in Japan has reported significant memory-boosting benefits of green tea extracts. The study involved participants consuming two grams of a green tea powder daily for three months, with the results showing significant improvements in cognitive test scoring at the end of the study period. The research team commented that the benefits may arise due to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of compounds known as catechins and high levels of theanine present in green tea. They conclude that…

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