Cenacle Treatment Centre

Can we trust what we are buying?

A report in the daily mail highlights the food fraud that we are exposed to. It appears food labelling is not as accurate as it should be and consumers are being led to believe they are buying better quality foods than they actually are. This problem is apparent in as much as 10% of the food we are buying and eating in restaurants.
Foods most at risk of fraud labelling are high-value foods such as wild salmon, free range chicken and eggs, extra virgin olive oil and even alcohol. These products can have damaging health implications. E.g. they may contain high levels of methanol which can cause blindness and even death in extreme cases.

At a time when we are being encouraged to focus on our diet and health, it appears the food manufacturers are more interested in financial profit than the health of the customers.
The Food Standard’s Agency is targeting this problem but perhaps the public should also be putting pressure on supermarkets to audit the quality of their food products and ensure we are buying what the label promises.

Can my diet affect baby’s sex?

Many parents would love to choose the sex of their baby but can their diet influence this choice? A recent poll revealed four out of ten couples would pay £1000 for this opportunity.

Many theories have been put forward over the years including studies suggesting a diet high in potassium and sodium, including vegetables, bananas, fish and meat may increase the chance of having a boy. To increase the chances of having a girl opt for foods high in calcium and magnesium such as milk, beans, cereals, cheese and nuts.

However, such evidence is limited and the main aim is to eat a diet that will prepare the body for a healthy pregnancy, birth and baby.
For more information on choosing the best foods to eat when planning a baby contact Hazel Lambourne

Links to Cancer

Experts from the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) have analysed over 7000 research studies looking at the link between diet, lifestyle and exercise and the risk of developing cancer. In order to minimise the risk of developing cancer they recommend:

• Maintain a healthy weight by avoiding foods high in saturated fat, sugar and fizzy drinks
• Avoid processed foods and eat mainly plant based foods such as fruit, vegetables, pulses and wholegrains
• Limit consumption of red meat to 1 lb/week. Avoid processed meats such as sausages, ham, pate, bacon
• Limit alcohol intake. 1 unit/day for women and 2 units/day for men
• Avoid foods high in salt and limit daily intake to 6g
• Choose good quality foods to supply vitamins and minerals rather than relying on supplements

Dangers of Alcohol in Pregnancy

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is a condition in newborn babies resulting from heavy alcohol intake during pregnancy.

It is now believed to be directly linked to antisocial behaviour amongst children and young people.

Alcohol crosses the placenta and damages brain development in the unborn child leading to conditions such as ADHD, hyperactivity, learning disabilities and poor social behaviour.
With binge drinking becoming increasingly popular in our society this risk has the potential to increase dramatically.
For more advice on healthy living ask a question

Junk food marketing and the affect on our children

Advertising of junk food is making it difficult for parents to choose healthy foods to feed their children.
It appears the government are not doing enough to control the marketing of junk foods. This is having an adverse effect on child health.

we are seeing a huge increase in childhood obesity, diabetes, heart disease, tooth decay, poor mental performance and antisocial behaviour.

not only are unhealthy foods promoted on TV but also on the internet and via text messaging.

In order to help this growing problem more pressure needs to be placed on the government to curb this advertising.

Fit or Fat – what are we feeding our children?

The current rise in obesity is not only affecting the adult population but also children – our future generation.
Parents are predominantly responsible for ensuring children receive well-balanced, nourishing diets but their choice is often easily influenced by the media - advertising fast, convenient foods – often high in saturated fat, salt and sugar.

The other major input into a child’s diet is the school canteen. The recent work of Jamie Oliver has done much to improve school dinners – swapping ready made foods of poor nutritional value e.g. chicken nuggets /beefburgers/chips – for the home made equivalent, baked potatoes, vegetables and fruit.

However, as highlighted by the BBC last week both parents and schools are fighting against the many take-aways, fast food outlets and sweetshops located near schools with tourist areas and inner cities faring the worst. Many pupils are opting to spend their dinner money in these unhealthy venues with dangerous consequences – notably an increase in obesity, diabetes, poor academic performance, early heart disease and dental disease.

Water, Water Everywhere?

Most people still don't drink enough water! You should be aiming for at least 2-3 litres a day. Water is very important in the body as it is essential for many functions. These include absorption of nutrients into the body, keeping blood pressure regulated, and using fat as an energy source. Increasing your water intake can improve your skin, help you keep more alert, and increase your concentration to name but a few. Don't worry about over watering your body as the kidneys can easily handle up to 12 litres of water a day. So simply put, Drink More, Live Better! For more information contact Dave Brownley at The Fitness Works.

Drug firms profit

The drug firm Galxosmithkline is under scrutiny by not researching the drug Seroxat a drug linked to a very high suicide rate in its users. The drug firm were accused of not releasing the information earlier.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) received data from clinical trials in May 2003 showing that patients under 18 had a higher risk of suicidal behaviour if they were treated with Seroxat than if they received a placebo. This company has profited off other peoples misery, but do you think its the companies fault creating a drug to prevent depression or is it us a nation not willing to deal with our own issues and can only find reassurance in a drug.

Can herbs help my depression

Depression in young males is very common between the ages of eighteen to twenty five, herbalist Richard Linton says that there are many herbs that can lift your mood combating depression. Oats, valerian, passion flower, rose and st johns wort are very effective in dealing with this condition.

Do anti-depressants work?

A report today from the University of Hull suggests that anti-depressants only help a small amount of severely depressed people and that many patients still remain depressed. In the Stockport area there is a waiting list to receive counselling on the NHS so many people have only one solution which is to take anti-depressants. Anti depressants increase levels of the mood changing chemical serotonin in the brain giving an uplifting feeling, though this report indicates that the effects of this pill are nothing more than a placebo.