News

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

Stress and modern life – Nutritional news – issue 1

Welcome to the first Jamie Richards Nutrition news letter. Over the coming months I hope I’m able to keep you up to date with the latest nutritional news and research. This issue is going to concentrate on stress in modern life.

I have recently been lucky enough to attend a seminar on stress by Australian naturopath Ben Brown. Ben is fast turning into a nutrition hero of mine and I shamelessly (with his kind permission) use some of his material in this first news letter.

Modern life is stressful.

The Journal of Integrative Medicine published a paper in November 2008 that states ‘we are more ravaged by the consequences of stress than at any time in previous history. It is estimated that 75% to 90% of visits to primary care physicians are for stress-related problems’. One theory developed is that we no longer live in small isolated communities and that frequent contact with strangers, conflicting social roles, wage labour, education that questions social beliefs and working in bureaucracies – may contribute to syndromes such as depression, anxiety disorders, substance abuse and ADD/ADHD.

As I drifted off for a moment during Ben’s seminar (sorry Ben, I can drift off to the best of them) I began to think of a breast cancer charity I have done a little work for called Bosom Buddies. They struck me as such a close knit, supportive group. They share similar beliefs and provide unconditional support to each other during the best and the worst of times. It struck me that this may be just the sort of support many of us are lacking during our everyday lives and not just at times of critical illness. I’d like to dedicate this first news letter to the Bosom Buddies and all their members past and present.

Green tea combats high blood pressure, high cholesterol and inflammation.

Stress is possibly the largest single factor in developing cardiovascular disease. Green tea is rich in plant chemicals known as polyphenols, thought to protect us against cardiovascular disease. In a recent study (February 2009 – Journal Nutrition) 111 healthy adults ages 21-70 were randomly assigned supplements of green tea extract or placebo. Measurements taken after a 3 week period showed a significant decrease in blood pressure and total and LDL cholesterol levels. In addition to these improvements, a reduction in oxidative stress and inflammation markers was recorded. The research suggests that regular intake of green tea may be beneficial for people with mild to moderately high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol or elevated inflammation; all independent cardiovascular risk factors.

Vitamin D deficiency – bare your bum to the sun.

Forgive me now for going on about vitamin D over the coming months but the picture in the UK is rather bleak right now. It is estimated that up to 80% of us are chronically deficient in this vital nutrient during the winter and spring. The picture is worse for the elderly and the chronically ill who rarely get outdoors even during the summer months.

Why is this so important for you? Vitamin D is truly a universal nutrient, involved in too many of the body’s processes for me to list here but let’s start with stress and depression. Several recent studies have shown that low vitamin D levels are associated with higher incidences of PMS, seasonal affective disorder, mood disorders and major depressive disorder. More recently still it has been shown that vitamin D may help protect against cognitive deterioration and dementia.

What can you do?

The New England Journal of Medicine says that it is very difficult to obtain sufficient vitamin D from dietary sources. Regular exposure to the sun isn’t possible in the UK and excessive exposure will increase the risk of skin cancer. So, sensible exposure to the sun, when available, of 10-15 minutes to a pale part of your body and the use of supplements is needed to fulfil the body’s requirements. See your GP or a nutritional therapist in order to get your levels tested.

For some simple relaxation techniques, go to the lifestyle section of this website

Upcoming events

Wednesday April 8th 2.00pmish. The first day of a new weekly 20 minute slot for me on Bristol Community radio This week we’ll be talking about vitamin D deficiency and if it is now a serious public health issue.

Thursday April 16th 6.00-7.00pm. The Better Food Company is once again lucky enough to host a short talk by George Cooper. This is part 2 of a journey through food and takes a look at fat, glourious fat. Why we need it, how best to get it and what to avoid along the way. There will be plenty of samples to taste and I’ll be supporting George with additional nutritional information. Best of all, it’s completely free!

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