Eat your way to a healthier gut.

I know I've written about healthy gut bacteria before, but here's another interesting article from BBC News on the benefits of some, but not all, fermented foodstuffs. The accompanying programme on BBC2 tomorrow 1st Feb at 8pm could well be worth watching.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-38800977

"Golden Brown" sadly not as welcome as it sounds.

As I was getting ready to leave for work this morning, I heard an article on the "Today" programme which advised the public not to fluff up their roasties, and keep them, (and toast, among other things) to a pale, as opposed to golden, brown.

Apparently the levels of a potential cancer-causing chemical called Acrylamide is increased in high-starch foodstuffs, when they are cooked above 120C.

Here's a detailed report from the BBC. It does feel a sad start to the week when even our roast potatoes carry a threat!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-38680622

New thoughts on stress.

Sadly I am looking out the clinic window at grey rain and not "Thundersnow!" as the radio delightfully announced this morning.

Now the festive season is behind us and most of us will have returned to our daily routines and all that entails. As stress seems to be a sadly common state for so many people, researchers are beginning to understand the significant physical impact this 21st century phenomenom has on our bodies. Do read this interesting BBC article explaining how stress is putting our hearts under severe, well, stress.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-38584975