News

Our monthly nutritional news letter with the latest research and thinking.

Fortification of the nation

The debate about fortifying the nation’s bread with folic acid is hot news again. On one side we have the magic bullet brigade headed by the Food Standards Agency who would have the nations bakers add folic acid to our bread. On the other side stands the complementary health brigade, organic farmers and just about anyone who wants to keep our food natural.
It is estimated that folic acid fortification in the UK would prevent between 70 and 160 babies being born with neural tube defects (NTDs) – also called spina bifida. It is also thought to decrease the risk of strokes and heart disease. All good things I’m sure you’ll agree. The US has been fortifying in this way since 1996 and Canada since 1998.
However, on the down side, many believe that increasing folic acid levels in isolation may lead to a sharp rise in colorectal cancer and Parkinson’s. Studies in the US are beginning to show that fortification is beginning to harm vulnerable older people. As the UK is planning a higher level of fortification than both the US and Canada could it be we’re taking a step too far and too soon?
For me, fortification doesn’t seem to be a solution at all. Supplementing the entire nation to save a small number without fully understanding the consequences doesn’t make sense. We would do far better to look at the way we are producing the food that we eat. We know that over half the folate in whole wheat is lost in the milling to white flour. Over processing of that flour depletes those levels still further until a perfectly well balanced food becomes nutritionally useless. Educating vulnerable groups on healthy eating would also seem a far better option.
Soon we may not have a choice but in the mean time fill up on seasonal vegetables (especially the dark green type), whole grains (but not the ones from a cereal box), nuts and seeds and a generous supply of beans and pulses.

Cholesterol and statins

I’m going to spend much more time on this in another news letter but I really wanted to raise the topic now. A close family member recently had a high total cholesterol reading of 6. They are otherwise fit and healthy with no obvious risk factors for heart disease and a willingness to change their lifestyle. They were immediately prescribed 40mg Simvastatin. 40mg is the most potent statin available from that particular manufacturer. Both the World Health Organisation and the statin manufacturers themselves recommend that statins are a last resort in lowering cholesterol, used only after nutritional and lifestyle factors have failed. When questioned the GP immediately agreed to refer my relative to a dietician and that the prescription was somewhat premature under the circumstances. They’re now undertaking a 3 month programme of nutrition, exercise and supplementation with a view to re tested at the end of that period. I’ll keep you posted on the results when they come in.
My point? Don’t be afraid to question exactly why you are being prescribed something and to find out what the alternatives are.
Contact me directly for more advice on how to lower cholesterol levels without the need for statins.

Multiple Sclerosis

As many of you know this subject is very close to my heart. I’ve recently been in touch with a great chap called Ashton Embury of Direct MS. He’s part of a fantastic group researching MS over in Canada. Ashton has written an article about chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCVSI) and I wanted to share it with any of you who have an interest in that condition. Don’t be scared by the title, this is a new and exciting angle on the possible treatment of MS. Feel free to pass it on. ccsvi a huge breakthrough in ms

That’s it for this month. Happy eating to all of you

These recommendations are not comprehensive and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor or pharmacist