Parasitic infections
Dear <<First Name>>
If you suffer from any of the above (or persistent headaches or anal itching) you could have a parasitic infection.
I used to only test for parasites if there was digestive discomfort and a recent visit to a third world country.
However a few years ago I read some research where they tested every salad bar in New York and found a 100% parasitic infection rate. Pretty scary stuff.
Parasites are transmitted in a number of ways including via animals, water, meat, soil on fruit and vegetables and dirty hands.
So now if anyone suffers from any digestive discomfort or has issues that can't be easily explained I check for parasites. They don't always come up but the frequency still surprises me.
Stool tests are not always accurate particularly if the parasites are in the upper part of the digestive system or elsewhere in the body.
In particular I have found a high correlation between people living in country NSW on tank water ( at any stage in their lives) and tapeworms.
So if you are concerned that you may have a parasitic infection come and get tested.
The good news is that in most cases they can be dealt with easily.
|
|
|
| Blueberries reduce Blood Pressure |
Reduce your Blood Pressure with blueberries
New research has found that eating one cup of blueberries a day can improve your heart in just 8 weeks.
Researchers from Florida State University found that post menopausal women eating one cup of blueberries reduced their systolic blood pressure (the top number) by 5%, diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number) by 6.3% and arterial stiffness by 6.5% compared to the control group.
They also found that levels of nitric oxide (which relaxes blood vessels) increased by 68% which probably explains the drop in blood pressure.
Blueberries are one of the healthiest foods you can eat and although no men were included in this research both men and women can adopt this delicious dietary strategy!
Other ways of reducing blood pressure include optimising Vitamin D levels, reducing your stress levels, drinking beetroot juice and reducing coffee intake.
(J Acad Nutr Diet,2015; pii:S2212-2672(14)01633-5) |
|
|
| Try the one leg challenge |
Test for dementia and stroke
Last year standing on one leg for 30 seconds or more with your eyes closed was a test of longetivity.
This year it's a test of the likelihood of dementia and stroke risk.
Japanese researchers believe that if you can stand on one leg for 20 seconds or more with your eyes open you are less likely to suffer from dementia or stroke.
1,300 people with average age of 67 were tested and 34% of those that couldn't mange it had suffered 2 or more micro bleeds to the brain.
The Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine team believe that if you struggle to stay balanced you are more likely to have narrowing or obstruction of blood vessels in the brain increasing the chance of cognitive decline and stroke.
(Stroke,2015;46:16-22)
|
|
Rice balls with sweet chilli sauce
Nutrient dense crispy rice balls are delicious as a meal or snack.
For recipe click here |
|
|
|
