Health Blog
Vitamin B6 for IBS
Norwegian researchers have demonstrated an association between vitamin B6 and Irritable bowel syndrome. Data generated on nutrient intake from the analysis of IBS sufferers food diaries revealed significant associations between symptom severity and low B6 levels. Source: Ligaarden SC, Farup PG (2011). Low intake of vitamin B6 is associated with irritable bowel syndrome symptoms. Nutr [...]
FODMAP diet good choice for IBS sufferers
New research by Staudacher et al (2011) has demonstrated the superiority of what’s known as the FODMAP diet at helping to provide relief for those suffering from IBS. The UK based study found that the FODMAP diet provided more effective symptom relief than standard dietary advice for this condition.
Exercise and zinc combination for a temporary boost in testosterone levels
Cyclists given 4 weeks of zinc supplementation were shown to have higher total and free testosterone levels after exhaustive exercise.
Protect your hearing from loud noises by taking antioxidants
If you often expose your ears to loud noises either through your work or recreationally then supplementing antioxidant nutrients may help to lessen any potential hearing damage.
Mice supplemented with β-carotene, vitamins C and E, and magnesium showed less noise induced hearing loss in comparison to a set of mice not receiving these supplements (Le Prell et al 2011).
IBS diarrhoea predominant symptoms linked to multiple allergies
New study by Vivinus-Nébot M et al (2011) in Am J Gastroenterol. IBS sufferers with a more allergic background demonstrate a more severe form of this condition.
Questionnaires were used to assess IBS symptom severity and laboratory tests of gut immune functioning/activation and also the permeability of the gut. Results showed that those with more than 3 allergic factors had more severe IBS symptoms.
Collagen supplement for improved bone health
Taking a hydrolysed collagen supplement may improve bone mineral density, useful perhaps for those wishing to reduce their chances of osteoporosis.
Giving mice a supplement of hydrolysed collagen helped to reduce bone loss.
Eat chocolate for enhanced exercise performance
Epicatechin a major component of cacao (raw chocolate) has shown itself capable of enhancing muscle endurance capacity.
Mice given epicatechin had enhanced treadmill performance and muscle fatigue resistance.
Dairy bacteria help to reduce intestinal inflammation
Dairy lactobacillus delbrueckii bacterial strains modified inflammation when tested on human intestinal cells. One of these strains was able to reduce colitis in a mouse model of intestinal inflammation.
Lactoferrin helps the acne condition
Lactoferrin is a whey protein extracted from milk. It has shown anti-inflammatory capability, and as such may well benefit those suffering from the commonly inflammatory condtion acne.
A study by Korean researchers demonstrated that acne sufferers supplemented with lactoferrin achieved significant improvements in their condition: less inflammatory acne lesions, and less sebum in the skin, when compared to a placebo group (acne sufferers who did not receive lactoferrin).
Acne made worse by whey protein
Whey protein a favourite supplement of those engaged in bodybuilding and sports may well be a bad idea if you suffer from acne.
Research by Melnik (2011) showed that whey protein was a particularly potent stimulator of insulin and IGF-1 release. These two hormones have the potential to increase the production of sebum and keratin, substances that when produced in excess can cause blockages in hair follicles, resulting in spots.
