Recent reports in the local and international press indicated that there is no scientific evidence that flossing your teeth prevents the forming of plaque or prevents tooth decay. The underlying message is one of why bother flossing it there are no proven benefits. Acting on a tip from his son’s
Regulations relating to the reduction of sodium in certain foodstuffs came into effect on 30 June 2016. Further reductions in the sodium content of these same foodstuffs will come into effect on 30 June 2019. (The Department of Health published these regulations in the Government Gazette of 20 March 2013.)
A lesser known type of starch, referred to as resistant starch, is far more beneficial to our health than “normal” starch. (Resistant starch = resistant to digestion.) Starch is digested and absorbed in the small intestines. It is broken down quickly during the digestive process, resulting in a large rise
One often overhears somebody saying “I cannot help having a high cholesterol level (or being overweight or diabetic), it is in my genes.” Is it true that we inherit these “bad” genes from our parents? Would genetic screening (“testing”) identify these “bad” genes? If we did indeed inherit these
Antibiotics are similar to highly motivated soldiers, armed to the teeth, which hunt down and kill the enemy – the enemy being “bad” (harmful) bacteria that cause infections in the human body. Antibiotics very effectively wipe out whole colonies of bacteria. When the battle cry runs out, these soldiers attack
1. What are gut bacteria Our bodies are crawling with bacteria! In the gastro-intestinal tract alone (starting with the mouth and ending at the anus) there are trillions of microorganisms, about 2kg worth of bacteria, lining this 8m long tube. And rightly so, as they are doing an excellent job
The mechanics of prostate cancer: There are no clear warning signs of early prostate cancer, besides possibly restrictive or obstructive urine flow. When symptoms do appear, they are indicative of an already enlarged prostate, which may be caused by being inflamed due to urinary tract infection, or a condition in
The signs and symptoms of colon problems may be caused by non-cancerous conditions, such as infection, hemorrhoids, irritable bowel syndrome, or inflammatory bowel disease. If you notice any of these symptoms, go see your doctor so the cause can be found and treated. Lifestyle factors that have the greatest effect
Gluten and wheat intolerant? Yearning for the wonderful (but forbidden) taste and smell of freshly baked bread? Why not try the sourdough option, as some people with intolerance to commercial breads (either to the yeast or the wheat or both) may not have the same sensitivities to sourdough bread. Only
Introduction Most mothers-to-be are well aware of the added responsibility to eat healthy food and be healthy during pregnancy, for their sake and for the sake of the baby. Many mothers however, may not be aware that the baby’s brain development has specific nutritional needs during different stages of pregnancy.
