Latest articles on Nutrition

About stomach acid Stomach acid, gastric acid, hydrochloric acid – these all refer to the acid that is naturally produced by the cells lining the stomach. Too frequently, stomach acid tends to get a bad press as it is considered to be the cause of many digestive symptoms; and consequently, medications that suppress its secretion are prescribed by the medical profession. This article demonstrates why we need stomach acid, why very often you may have too little rather than too much, the...

Until around 1900, heart disease was so rare that doctors would congregate by the bed of a sufferer to learn about this unusual condition. Yes, genes are relevant, and stress, but genes haven’t changed much in a century, and life was always stressful. So what has changed, and what can we do about it? Milk sugar causes heart attacks One change is refrigeration. In the past, milk tended to be converted to butter and cheese, as those kept well. With refrigeration, milk kept well....

The gut barrier is our greatest physical barrier. It separates us from the outside world, covering a space of 400m² and requiring 40% of our energy. Its mission is to protect us from toxins and micro-organisms while allowing the passage of nutrients through it. Among the cells of our gut are the tight junctions or narrow junctions; these are one of the main mechanisms of regulation of the passage of substances into our interior (1). Intestinal permeability The tight junctions are not...

Migraine management has moved on since the days when a sufferer’s only option was to pop a pill and lie down in a dark room, waiting for the cranial storm to pass. Yet understanding this common neurological condition has confounded and eluded scientists for centuries, with the resultant ‘golden ticket’ being prevention rather than cure. Recent thinking, however, has opened up a whole new approach to assist the one billion sufferers affected worldwide. Read on for...

The menopause occurs when ovulation ceases and oestrogen production decreases; it usually happens at an average age of 51 (range 40–58). Approximately 75–80% of women suffer some menopausal symptoms; it normally lasts for two to five years, but sometimes longer.  Symptoms of the menopause The most common menopausal symptoms include hot flushes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, sleep disturbance, mood swings, forgetfulness and lack of concentration. Despite there being quite a...