Sugar and salt are damaging the health of Americans by raising blood pressure and cholesterol -- and regulation may be the only way to help, researchers agree.
Two reports published on Tuesday take aim at the much-loved ingredients and add to a growing body of scientific opinion that Americans won't be able to eat more healthily without help from the food industry.
Americans have been eating more and more sugar and salt in recent decades and most of it is not sprinkled on food. It is in the burgers, sodas and processed foods that are hastily gobbled by adults and children alike, the reports show.
Education efforts to help Americans cut down on salt have not worked and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration should start regulating the industry to help remove it from food, a panel at the Institute of Medicine said.
Regulators and the food industry agree that Americans cannot give up salt cold-turkey and will have to be gradually weaned off it. Sodium adds flavor and texture to food to make it palatable and can extend its shelf life.
In another study Dr. Miriam Vos of Emory School of Medicine in Georgia and colleagues found that the more sugar people ate, the worse their cholesterol levels.
"Just like eating a high-fat diet can increase your levels of triglycerides and high cholesterol, eating sugar can also affect those same lipids," Vos said in a statement.
Studies have shown Americans are eating and drinking far more sugar than in years past. The use of processed sugar products like high fructose corn syrup can be linked directly to diabetes rates.
The food and restaurant industry has been lobbying for self-regulation, arguing that Americans need to control their own eating habits. But the science shows it is difficult to eat a typical American diet without consuming too much salt and sugar.
MANDATORY POLICY
The trend points in one direction: more regulation of food.
While a move to limit sugar is not imminent, Iowa Senator Tom Harkin and Representative Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut said they would push the FDA to crack down on salt, which clearly contributes to an epidemic of high blood pressure.
"What we're all hoping is this is going to be federal policy so it becomes mandatory. I think slow and steady is the right way to go," Dr. Alice Lichtenstein of the American Heart Association said in a telephone interview.
"If across the board reductions in sodium in our food supply become law, then I think a gradual, stepwise approach is probably best in the long run to ensure that it actually happens and there is acceptance from the people."
New York City, which has banned smoking and artificial trans-fats in restaurants, has pledged to coordinate a nationwide effort to reduce salt in restaurant and packaged foods by 25 percent over five years.
As for sugar, California state Senator Dean Florez introduced legislation in February to tax sodas and other sugar-sweetened drinks and use the proceeds to bankroll programs to fight childhood obesity.
California has also imposed menu-labeling rules and banned trans-fats in restaurants and on soda sales in public schools.
The American Beverage Association, whose members include Coca-Cola (KO.N) and Kraft Foods (KFT.N) have strongly, and successfully, opposed efforts to tax soda.
However the food industry has been more amenable to offering lower-salt foods and the FDA suggests it will work with manufacturers to make the transition painless.
The Obama Administration and Congress have shown strong appetites for regulating the food and restaurant industry. Newhealthcare reform legislation requires large chain restaurants to give calorie counts on menus.
(Additional reporting by Julie Steenhuysen in Chicago; editing by Chris Wilson)
Showing posts with label health. Show all posts
Showing posts with label health. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Saturday, July 12, 2008
A balanced diet can improve your thinking
WASHINGTON: A balanced diet and regular exercise not only protects one from heart disease and cancer, it also helps insure the brain against mental disorders. “Food is like a pharmaceutical compound that affects the brain,” said Fernando Gsmez-Pinilla, University of California LA and professor of neurosurgery and physiological science.
“Diet, exercise and sleep have the potential to alter our brain health and mental function, said Gomez-Pinilla. He has spent years studying the effect on food, exercise and sleep on the brain. “This raises the exciting possibility that changes in diet are a viable strategy for enhancing cognitive abilities, protecting the brain from damage and counteracting the effects of ageing.”
Gsmez-Pinilla who analysed more than 160 studies about food’s affect on the brain, said that Omega-3 fatty acids — found in salmon, walnuts and kiwi fruit — provide many benefits, helping fight mental disorders like depression and mood disorders, schizophrenia, and dementia.
“Dietary deficiency of omega-3 fatty acids in humans has been associated with increased risk of several mental disorders, including attention-deficit disorder, dyslexia, dementia, depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia,” he said, reports Eurekalert.
Children who had increased amounts of omega-3 fatty acids performed better in school, in reading and in spelling and had fewer behavioural problems, he said. In an Australian study, 396 children aged between six and 12 years, who were given a drink with omega-3 fatty acids and other nutrients showed higher scores on tests measuring verbal intelligence and learning and memory after six months and one year than a control group of students.
This study was also conducted with 394 children in Indonesia. The results showed higher test scores for boys and girls in Australia, but only for girls in Indonesia. These findings have been published in the July issue of the journal Nature Reviews Neuroscience.
“Diet, exercise and sleep have the potential to alter our brain health and mental function, said Gomez-Pinilla. He has spent years studying the effect on food, exercise and sleep on the brain. “This raises the exciting possibility that changes in diet are a viable strategy for enhancing cognitive abilities, protecting the brain from damage and counteracting the effects of ageing.”
Gsmez-Pinilla who analysed more than 160 studies about food’s affect on the brain, said that Omega-3 fatty acids — found in salmon, walnuts and kiwi fruit — provide many benefits, helping fight mental disorders like depression and mood disorders, schizophrenia, and dementia.
“Dietary deficiency of omega-3 fatty acids in humans has been associated with increased risk of several mental disorders, including attention-deficit disorder, dyslexia, dementia, depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia,” he said, reports Eurekalert.
Children who had increased amounts of omega-3 fatty acids performed better in school, in reading and in spelling and had fewer behavioural problems, he said. In an Australian study, 396 children aged between six and 12 years, who were given a drink with omega-3 fatty acids and other nutrients showed higher scores on tests measuring verbal intelligence and learning and memory after six months and one year than a control group of students.
This study was also conducted with 394 children in Indonesia. The results showed higher test scores for boys and girls in Australia, but only for girls in Indonesia. These findings have been published in the July issue of the journal Nature Reviews Neuroscience.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Want a Healthy Heart? Increase Potassium/Sodium In Diet
by Abby Kapoor
Published on July 10, 2008 - 0 comments
Want a Healthy Heart? Increase Potassium/Sodium In Diet
Your eating habits affect your heart! How true. A new study found that eating a healthy diet with high level of minerals such as potassium, magnesium and calcium can slash down the risk of heart diseases, stroke and high blood pressure -- in short it can increase one’s life expectancy.
The best way to fight heart disease is to keep a check on the high blood pressure, also known as hypertension which is one of the main causes of coronary diseases. Eating diet rich in minerals magnesium, potassium and calcium such as fresh fruits, green leafy vegetables, low fat milk, low fat yogurt or low fat cheese can do the trick.
The experts says that people who are solely vegetarian or those who include high amount of minerals such as magnesium, potassium, calcium and low amount of sodium in their diet have lesser kidney and cardiovascular diseases. This may be due to the reason that magnesium, potassium and calcium are known to lower the blood pressure.
Lead author of the study, Mark C. Houston, M.D. said, “If we were to achieve the correct potassium/sodium ratio through dietary means, there would be less hypertension and cardiovascular disease in the population as a whole."
The diet of Americans contain high amount of sodium and consume double the sodium and about half of the potassium that is recommended by current guidelines.
The study says if people in US start following the diet which includes more potassium intake; the total number of people with known high blood pressure-- levels higher than 140/90 mm Hg might come down by more than 10% and would also increase the life expectancy.
In the same way, research shows that having magnesium rich-diet, at least 500 to 1,000 mg/d and calcium more than 800 mg/d may also be related with both a decrease in blood pressure and risk of developing hypertension. The information regarding these minerals, however are though not definitive.
The American Heart Association, the World Health Organization, the British Hypertension Society and the European Society of Hypertension have recommended diets that lay more importance on fresh fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy products, including the landmark DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) trial.
The findings of the study appear in the July issue of The Journal of Clinical Hypertension.
Blood pressure is the pressure of blood in the arteries (blood vessels). An individual is said to have high blood pressure or hypertension when he has the blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg or above each time it is taken.
Approximately 70 million people in United States and nearly half of people above 65 years and 1 in three middle-aged people in UK have high blood pressure, which leads to increased risk of heart failure or heart related diseases. According to the American Heart Association, heart disease claims life of an individual in every 37 seconds and is the leading cause of death in the US.
Another 70 million American people have the condition of “high-normal” or “pre-hypertensive” blood pressure levels (120/80 mm Hg to 130/85 mm Hg) and 90% of these people will develop hypertension by age 65.
High Blood pressure is also known as a "silent killer" as many people may have no noticeable symptoms. The best way to treat and prevent high blood pressure is by making few lifestyle changes such as shedding extra pounds if you are overweight, exercising regularly, cutting down on salt, stopping smoking, moderate alcohol consumption and eating a well balanced diet. If needed, medication can lower blood pressure. One must go for regular check ups.
This week only, twin studies conduced separately -- one by the Alzheimer's Society and another by an Imperial College London team showed that by controlling high blood pressure in middle years, one can reduce his chances of developing dementia in older age.
Another twin studies found that increased consumption of the omega-3 fatty acids in oily fish and vegetable cooking oils appear to help prevent heart attacks, while the omega-6 fatty acids in vegetables and nuts help keep blood pressure low.
Published on July 10, 2008 - 0 comments
Want a Healthy Heart? Increase Potassium/Sodium In Diet
Your eating habits affect your heart! How true. A new study found that eating a healthy diet with high level of minerals such as potassium, magnesium and calcium can slash down the risk of heart diseases, stroke and high blood pressure -- in short it can increase one’s life expectancy.
The best way to fight heart disease is to keep a check on the high blood pressure, also known as hypertension which is one of the main causes of coronary diseases. Eating diet rich in minerals magnesium, potassium and calcium such as fresh fruits, green leafy vegetables, low fat milk, low fat yogurt or low fat cheese can do the trick.
The experts says that people who are solely vegetarian or those who include high amount of minerals such as magnesium, potassium, calcium and low amount of sodium in their diet have lesser kidney and cardiovascular diseases. This may be due to the reason that magnesium, potassium and calcium are known to lower the blood pressure.
Lead author of the study, Mark C. Houston, M.D. said, “If we were to achieve the correct potassium/sodium ratio through dietary means, there would be less hypertension and cardiovascular disease in the population as a whole."
The diet of Americans contain high amount of sodium and consume double the sodium and about half of the potassium that is recommended by current guidelines.
The study says if people in US start following the diet which includes more potassium intake; the total number of people with known high blood pressure-- levels higher than 140/90 mm Hg might come down by more than 10% and would also increase the life expectancy.
In the same way, research shows that having magnesium rich-diet, at least 500 to 1,000 mg/d and calcium more than 800 mg/d may also be related with both a decrease in blood pressure and risk of developing hypertension. The information regarding these minerals, however are though not definitive.
The American Heart Association, the World Health Organization, the British Hypertension Society and the European Society of Hypertension have recommended diets that lay more importance on fresh fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy products, including the landmark DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) trial.
The findings of the study appear in the July issue of The Journal of Clinical Hypertension.
Blood pressure is the pressure of blood in the arteries (blood vessels). An individual is said to have high blood pressure or hypertension when he has the blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg or above each time it is taken.
Approximately 70 million people in United States and nearly half of people above 65 years and 1 in three middle-aged people in UK have high blood pressure, which leads to increased risk of heart failure or heart related diseases. According to the American Heart Association, heart disease claims life of an individual in every 37 seconds and is the leading cause of death in the US.
Another 70 million American people have the condition of “high-normal” or “pre-hypertensive” blood pressure levels (120/80 mm Hg to 130/85 mm Hg) and 90% of these people will develop hypertension by age 65.
High Blood pressure is also known as a "silent killer" as many people may have no noticeable symptoms. The best way to treat and prevent high blood pressure is by making few lifestyle changes such as shedding extra pounds if you are overweight, exercising regularly, cutting down on salt, stopping smoking, moderate alcohol consumption and eating a well balanced diet. If needed, medication can lower blood pressure. One must go for regular check ups.
This week only, twin studies conduced separately -- one by the Alzheimer's Society and another by an Imperial College London team showed that by controlling high blood pressure in middle years, one can reduce his chances of developing dementia in older age.
Another twin studies found that increased consumption of the omega-3 fatty acids in oily fish and vegetable cooking oils appear to help prevent heart attacks, while the omega-6 fatty acids in vegetables and nuts help keep blood pressure low.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Drink toned milk 'for a healthy heart'
New York (PTI): Downing as little as one glass of toned milk daily could keep the heart healthy by protecting it against a range of serious conditions, including stroke and heart disease, a new study has claimed.
A team of international researchers has found that adults who drink at least one serving of low-fat milk or milk products have 37 per cent lower odds of poor kidney function linked to heart disease than those who don't drink regularly.
According to the researchers, the study suggests that milk protein, vitamin D, magnesium and calcium may contribute to milk's potential heart health benefits.
In fact, they came to the conclusion after measuring the kidney function of more than 5,000 people, all adults aged between 45 and 84, the latest issue of the 'American Journal of Clinical Nutrition' reported.
The researchers tracked eating patterns and tested albumin-to-creatinine ratio -- a measure that when too low, can indicate poor kidney function and an extremely high risk for cardiovascular disease -- of the participants.
They found that people who reported consuming more low-fat milk and milk products had lower ACR, or healthier kidney function. In fact, low-fat milk and milk products was the only food group evaluated that on its own was linked to a significantly reduced risk for kidney dysfunction.
An overall healthy diet, including low-fat milk and milk products, whole grains, fruits and vegetables was also associated with a benefit -- 20 per cent lower ACR or even healthier kidney function, the study revealed.
So, drink milk to a healthy heart!
A team of international researchers has found that adults who drink at least one serving of low-fat milk or milk products have 37 per cent lower odds of poor kidney function linked to heart disease than those who don't drink regularly.
According to the researchers, the study suggests that milk protein, vitamin D, magnesium and calcium may contribute to milk's potential heart health benefits.
In fact, they came to the conclusion after measuring the kidney function of more than 5,000 people, all adults aged between 45 and 84, the latest issue of the 'American Journal of Clinical Nutrition' reported.
The researchers tracked eating patterns and tested albumin-to-creatinine ratio -- a measure that when too low, can indicate poor kidney function and an extremely high risk for cardiovascular disease -- of the participants.
They found that people who reported consuming more low-fat milk and milk products had lower ACR, or healthier kidney function. In fact, low-fat milk and milk products was the only food group evaluated that on its own was linked to a significantly reduced risk for kidney dysfunction.
An overall healthy diet, including low-fat milk and milk products, whole grains, fruits and vegetables was also associated with a benefit -- 20 per cent lower ACR or even healthier kidney function, the study revealed.
So, drink milk to a healthy heart!
Turmeric, a New Weapon Against Obesity and Diabetes?
By R.B., published Jun 24, 2008
Published Content: 538 Total Views: 196,536 Favorited By: 29 CPs
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Turmeric, a common Asian cooking spice, may help combat obesity and diabetes according to results from a study presented at the recently held ENDO 2008, the Endocrine Society's annual meeting in San Francisco, CA (USA).
Dr. Drew Tortoriello, from the Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center at Columbia University Medical Center, and his colleagues, investigated the effect that this traditionally used herb may have on diabetes and obesity. They believe that since these diseases are caused by inflammation and since turmeric is believed to relieve turmeric, it may have some beneficial effects on both conditions.
Researchers utilized an animal system to study the effect of turmeric on obesity and diabetes type 2. Blood glucose levels and glucose and insulin tolerance tests of mice which were fed with turmeric based diets were compared to mice which were not fed turmeric. They found that obese mice, which ingested turmeric in their diet, had less inflammation and were less susceptible to develop diabetes type 2 when compared to the control group (mice which did not take turmeric).
They have an hypothesis for the effect of turmeric in obese turmeric fed mice. that curcumin, an anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant ingredient in turmeric, reduces the propensity of these mice to develop the known insulin resistance syndrome. This in turn reduces the possibility of these obese mice to develop inflammation.
In addition, turmeric ingestion was associated with a minimal but significant decline in body weight and fat content. This suggest, according to the authors of this study that curcumin, the main antioxidant component of turmeric, may have a beneficial effect on body weight reduction.
Furthermore, researchers tested the effect curcumin not only in high-fat-diet-fed male mice (where they saw the beneficial effect of turmeric) but in lean wild-type mice. The benefits of a diet rich in curcumin were observed in both groups.
Turmeric, a New Weapon Against Obesity and Diabetes?
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Published Content: 538 Total Views: 196,536 Favorited By: 29 CPs
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Rating: 4.3 of 5
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Turmeric, a common Asian cooking spice, may help combat obesity and diabetes according to results from a study presented at the recently held ENDO 2008, the Endocrine Society's annual meeting in San Francisco, CA (USA).
Dr. Drew Tortoriello, from the Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center at Columbia University Medical Center, and his colleagues, investigated the effect that this traditionally used herb may have on diabetes and obesity. They believe that since these diseases are caused by inflammation and since turmeric is believed to relieve turmeric, it may have some beneficial effects on both conditions.
Researchers utilized an animal system to study the effect of turmeric on obesity and diabetes type 2. Blood glucose levels and glucose and insulin tolerance tests of mice which were fed with turmeric based diets were compared to mice which were not fed turmeric. They found that obese mice, which ingested turmeric in their diet, had less inflammation and were less susceptible to develop diabetes type 2 when compared to the control group (mice which did not take turmeric).
They have an hypothesis for the effect of turmeric in obese turmeric fed mice. that curcumin, an anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant ingredient in turmeric, reduces the propensity of these mice to develop the known insulin resistance syndrome. This in turn reduces the possibility of these obese mice to develop inflammation.
In addition, turmeric ingestion was associated with a minimal but significant decline in body weight and fat content. This suggest, according to the authors of this study that curcumin, the main antioxidant component of turmeric, may have a beneficial effect on body weight reduction.
Furthermore, researchers tested the effect curcumin not only in high-fat-diet-fed male mice (where they saw the beneficial effect of turmeric) but in lean wild-type mice. The benefits of a diet rich in curcumin were observed in both groups.
Turmeric, a New Weapon Against Obesity and Diabetes?
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/837869/turmeric_a_new_weapon_against_obesity.html
Submit your original video, text, audio and images to Associated Content to gain exposure and even earn cash. Get started.
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Turmeric, a New Weapon Against Obesity an...
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Monday, June 2, 2008
Active social life helps prevent memory loss in older adults (Re-issue)
Washington, June 1 (ANI): Older people who love to interact and socialise in parties, are less likely to experience memory loss, a problem long been associated with aging, says a new study.
While memory loss is feared to have devastating effects on the quality of life among older people, researchers at Harvard School of Public Health have proved that elderly people with active social lives may have a slower rate of memory decline.
“We hope this study adds to and advances our growing understanding of the important role that social forces play in shaping health,” Live Science quoted researcher Karen Ertel, a postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Society, Human Development and Health at HSPH, as saying.
In earlier studies it was mentioned that an active social life may cut the risk of dementia and cognitive decline among the elderly. While memory loss is considered to be a strong risk factor for dementia, researchers wanted to know if memory loss is also linked with social connectedness.
For the study, researchers collected data from 1998 to 2004 from the Health and Retirement Study, a large, nationally representative population of U.S. adults 50 years and older.
In 1998, 2000, 2002 and 2004, the memory was examined by reading a list of 10 common nouns to survey respondents. They were then asked to recall as many words as possible immediately and after a five-minute delay. Also, the researchers took into account social integration in relation with marital status, volunteer activities, and contact with parents, children and neighbors.
It was found that those with the highest social integration had the slowest rate of memory decline from 1998 to 2004. In fact, memory decline among the most integrated was less than half the rate among the least integrated. All these findings were irrespective of age, gender, race and health status in 1998.
Also, the protective effect of social integration was found to be largest among individuals having less than 12 years of education. There was no evidence that the results could be due to reverse causation, that is, poor memory or memory decline causing social withdrawal.
“Social participation and integration have profound effects on health and well-being of people during their lifetimes. We know from previous studies that people with many social ties have lower mortality rates. We now have mounting evidence that strong social networks can help to prevent declines in memory. As our society ages and has more and more older people, it will be important to promote their engagement in social and community life to maintain their well-being,” said Lisa Berkman from HSPH.
“We need to understand more about how social integration reduces the risk of memory decline in order to target interventions that can help slow the decline. Future research should focus on identifying the specific aspects of social integration most important for preserving memory,” said Ertel.
The results are detailed in the upcoming issue of the American Journal of Public Health and in a May 29 advance online edition. (ANI)
While memory loss is feared to have devastating effects on the quality of life among older people, researchers at Harvard School of Public Health have proved that elderly people with active social lives may have a slower rate of memory decline.
“We hope this study adds to and advances our growing understanding of the important role that social forces play in shaping health,” Live Science quoted researcher Karen Ertel, a postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Society, Human Development and Health at HSPH, as saying.
In earlier studies it was mentioned that an active social life may cut the risk of dementia and cognitive decline among the elderly. While memory loss is considered to be a strong risk factor for dementia, researchers wanted to know if memory loss is also linked with social connectedness.
For the study, researchers collected data from 1998 to 2004 from the Health and Retirement Study, a large, nationally representative population of U.S. adults 50 years and older.
In 1998, 2000, 2002 and 2004, the memory was examined by reading a list of 10 common nouns to survey respondents. They were then asked to recall as many words as possible immediately and after a five-minute delay. Also, the researchers took into account social integration in relation with marital status, volunteer activities, and contact with parents, children and neighbors.
It was found that those with the highest social integration had the slowest rate of memory decline from 1998 to 2004. In fact, memory decline among the most integrated was less than half the rate among the least integrated. All these findings were irrespective of age, gender, race and health status in 1998.
Also, the protective effect of social integration was found to be largest among individuals having less than 12 years of education. There was no evidence that the results could be due to reverse causation, that is, poor memory or memory decline causing social withdrawal.
“Social participation and integration have profound effects on health and well-being of people during their lifetimes. We know from previous studies that people with many social ties have lower mortality rates. We now have mounting evidence that strong social networks can help to prevent declines in memory. As our society ages and has more and more older people, it will be important to promote their engagement in social and community life to maintain their well-being,” said Lisa Berkman from HSPH.
“We need to understand more about how social integration reduces the risk of memory decline in order to target interventions that can help slow the decline. Future research should focus on identifying the specific aspects of social integration most important for preserving memory,” said Ertel.
The results are detailed in the upcoming issue of the American Journal of Public Health and in a May 29 advance online edition. (ANI)
Gut nutrition
Nutritional therapist Julia FitzGerald offers easy tips for healthier living. This week: how to look after your gut
We each carry more than two pounds of bacteria in our digestive systems. Most of it is "friendly", lining the gut and acting as a filter that allows nutrients through the intestinal wall and into the bloodstream, while keeping undigested food and waste out.
A woman buys bananas
Bananas are excellent for promoting good bacteria
These bacteria produce vitamins B and K and other nutrients that nourish and protect the gut lining, helping to reduce the risk of colon cancer. They also counterbalance the "bad" bacteria, which could otherwise cause diarrhoea.
The growth of parasites, yeast and harmful bacteria in the gut are stimulated by diets high in sugar or alcohol. Antibiotic use, stress and air travel can disrupt this delicate balance, which leads to bloating, diarrhoea, constipation and food sensitivities.
(Interestingly, healthy gut flora in babies is linked with a reduced incidence of eczema.) To avoid these symptoms and look after your gut flora, follow these simple dietary tips:
Eat foods such as onions, leeks, chicory, Jerusalem artichokes, bananas, asparagus, beans, peas, oats and soybeans, which contain inulin, a fibre that good bacteria feed on.
advertisement
Click to learn more...
Add garlic to your diet: it is an antimicrobial that kills certain types of bacteria and reduces the level of yeast in your gut.
Avoid so-called probiotic drinks - yogurt marketed as dietary supplements - because they contain added sugars or sweeteners. They're expensive, too.
Instead, choose cultured foods such as live yogurt, which contains good bacteria; try Yeo Valley Organic Whole Milk Natural Yogurt (£1.39, 500g, available from supermarkets nationwide).
Reduce your intake of refined carbohydrates and sugar (white bread, pasta, pastries, cakes) as they promote yeast growth. Replace them with high-fibre alternatives, such as vegetables, seeds and whole grains.
We each carry more than two pounds of bacteria in our digestive systems. Most of it is "friendly", lining the gut and acting as a filter that allows nutrients through the intestinal wall and into the bloodstream, while keeping undigested food and waste out.
A woman buys bananas
Bananas are excellent for promoting good bacteria
These bacteria produce vitamins B and K and other nutrients that nourish and protect the gut lining, helping to reduce the risk of colon cancer. They also counterbalance the "bad" bacteria, which could otherwise cause diarrhoea.
The growth of parasites, yeast and harmful bacteria in the gut are stimulated by diets high in sugar or alcohol. Antibiotic use, stress and air travel can disrupt this delicate balance, which leads to bloating, diarrhoea, constipation and food sensitivities.
(Interestingly, healthy gut flora in babies is linked with a reduced incidence of eczema.) To avoid these symptoms and look after your gut flora, follow these simple dietary tips:
Eat foods such as onions, leeks, chicory, Jerusalem artichokes, bananas, asparagus, beans, peas, oats and soybeans, which contain inulin, a fibre that good bacteria feed on.
advertisement
Click to learn more...
Add garlic to your diet: it is an antimicrobial that kills certain types of bacteria and reduces the level of yeast in your gut.
Avoid so-called probiotic drinks - yogurt marketed as dietary supplements - because they contain added sugars or sweeteners. They're expensive, too.
Instead, choose cultured foods such as live yogurt, which contains good bacteria; try Yeo Valley Organic Whole Milk Natural Yogurt (£1.39, 500g, available from supermarkets nationwide).
Reduce your intake of refined carbohydrates and sugar (white bread, pasta, pastries, cakes) as they promote yeast growth. Replace them with high-fibre alternatives, such as vegetables, seeds and whole grains.
Playing golf 'adds five years to your life'
By Kate Devlin, Medical Correspondent
A round of golf means being outside for four or five hours, walking at a fast pace for six to seven kilometres
But golf could have greater health benefits than walking and even more strenuous forms of exercise, according to research in Sweden which shows that playing the game adds an average of five years to your life.
The study's authors, from the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, calculate that this adds an extra five years on to the average player's lifespan.
Professor Anders Ahlbom, who led the study of 500,000 golfers, said that many aspects of the game were beneficial to health.
"A round of golf means being outside for four or five hours, walking at a fast pace for six to seven kilometres, something which is good for the health," he said.
"People play golf into old age, and there are also positive social and psychological aspects to the game that can be of help."
Prof Ahlbom said that other factors outside the golf course, such as the fact that people who enjoy sport also generally lead a healthier lifestyle, could play a part in the findings, published in Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports yesterday.
However, he said that it was "likely" that playing the game itself had a significant impact on health.
The effect was stronger for golfers from blue collar backgrounds than players with professional jobs, the study found.
The lowest death rates were found among players with the lowest handicaps.
They are 47 per cent less likely to die at any time than non-golfers of the same age.
"Maintaining a low handicap involves playing a lot, so this supports the idea that it is the game itself that is good for the health," Prof Ahlbom said.
A round of golf means being outside for four or five hours, walking at a fast pace for six to seven kilometres
But golf could have greater health benefits than walking and even more strenuous forms of exercise, according to research in Sweden which shows that playing the game adds an average of five years to your life.
The study's authors, from the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, calculate that this adds an extra five years on to the average player's lifespan.
Professor Anders Ahlbom, who led the study of 500,000 golfers, said that many aspects of the game were beneficial to health.
"A round of golf means being outside for four or five hours, walking at a fast pace for six to seven kilometres, something which is good for the health," he said.
"People play golf into old age, and there are also positive social and psychological aspects to the game that can be of help."
Prof Ahlbom said that other factors outside the golf course, such as the fact that people who enjoy sport also generally lead a healthier lifestyle, could play a part in the findings, published in Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports yesterday.
However, he said that it was "likely" that playing the game itself had a significant impact on health.
The effect was stronger for golfers from blue collar backgrounds than players with professional jobs, the study found.
The lowest death rates were found among players with the lowest handicaps.
They are 47 per cent less likely to die at any time than non-golfers of the same age.
"Maintaining a low handicap involves playing a lot, so this supports the idea that it is the game itself that is good for the health," Prof Ahlbom said.
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