How many hours of sleep did you get last night? According to the National Sleep Foundation, adults aged between 26-64 years, should receive 7 to 9 hours of sleep but not less than 6 hours or more than 10 hours. In clinic, l will often discuss sleep quantity and quality. Although l consider sleep to be a non negotiable and
Feeling stressed, anxious, angry or sad while eating will have a short and long-term effect on the functions of the gastrointestinal tract. Research continues to report that exposure to stress results in alterations of the bidirectional microbiota-gut-brain axis interactions (“brain-gut axis”).⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀“The major effects of stress on gut physiology include: 1) alterations in gastrointestinal motility; 2) increase in visceral perception; 3) changes
Fibromyalgia (FM) is a prevalent syndrome, characterised by chronic widespread pain, fatigue and impaired sleep. Those that suffer from FM also have to contend with the fact that it is an “invisible disease” and not immediately apparent to others. FM can be debilitating and will often have a significant impact to the quality of life. It also continues to be
The old adage ‘breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dine like a pauper’ could be the best way to lose weight and stay healthy.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀A new study in the journal of Sleep (April 12 2019) demonstrated that a daytime eating schedule promoted weight loss and a positive profile for fuel oxidation, energy metabolism, and hormonal markers, compared with
There is an emerging amount of evidence in gastrointestinal research that associates gut microbiota with factors that impact host circadian-metabolic axis, such as light/dark cycles, sleep/wake cycles, diet, and eating patterns. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀Researched published in the journal Microorganisms (January 31, 2019) outlines how “gut bacteria possess their own daily rhythmicity in terms of composition, their localization to intestinal niches, and functions.”⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀“Current evidence
Energy drinks are a growing industry with a market value predicted to reach $61 billion by 2021. Although commonly promoted as supplements that can boost performance and cognition, it is well known that excessive consumption of energy drinks can result in numerous and detrimental side effects.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀It is estimated that about 30% of teenagers between the ages of 12 through 17
Is there a link between low vitamin D levels and resistant hypertension? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀A study published in the journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypertension (April 2, 2019) believes that there is, and found a statistically significant association between Vitamin D deficiency (levels lower than 20 ng/ml) and resistant hypertension (a blood pressure >140/90 mmHg despite the concurrent use of 3 antihypertensive agents
A new Australian study could change the type of oils you use for cooking. Researchers found that extra virgin olive oil is the most stable and safest to use at high temperatures. Cooking with coconut oil was almost on par, however failed to come close when comparing levels of naturally occurring antioxidants. Seed oils (also called vegetable oils) such as
There continues to be a growing body of evidence that adopting healthy dietary interventions can help lower anxiety and depressive symptoms. “Researchers at the University of Manchester conducted a meta-analysis of 16 randomised controlled trials (RCTs) with 45,826 participants, that assessed the effects of dietary interventions on the symptoms of depression and anxiety The findings, published in The Journal Psychosomatic
Canada’s long-anticipated revised food guide was released on Tuesday morning. It has sparked much controversy by removing food industry influence and particular food groups, mainly those pertaining to the dairy, cattle and sugar industries. The new food guide suggests: ~ Eating a variety of vegetables and fruits~ Choosing whole grains~ Eating “protein foods” where plant-based proteins, like legumes, beans, and