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What are ultra processed foods?

Ultra processed food (UPF) is the term used to describe foods where multiple ingredients have been combined to produce foods such as crisps, biscuits, mass produced breads and cakes, sugary drinks, cereals, pizzas, sausages, and other processed meat products.    Foods are classified by the NOVA system which places foods into four categories, including ultra … Continued

Sunscreen – mineral or chemical?

Staying safe in the sun is fundamental to our health, especially during the summer months when the sun’s rays are at their strongest. As you reach for the sunscreen, you may wish to consider what ingredients are being used. There are two main types of sunscreens to choose from, mineral and chemical based.  Mineral based sunscreens  … Continued

Clean Air Day, The UK’s largest air pollution campaign 

Thursday 15 June is Clean Air Day, a day of action to raise awareness about air pollution around the UK. This year’s theme is ‘Clean up our air to look after your mind‘, sending a strong message to us all about the health risks posed by air pollution, both physical and mental. Every year, air … Continued

Genetically modified (GM) food

GM food is an example of a GMO, a term used to describe a genetically modified organism where its gene pattern has been modified or engineered, either by adding or taking away genes to make it develop differently. Crops can be genetically modified to be resistant to pesticides and herbicides such as glyphosate. GM crops … Continued

Do you take your shoes off indoors? 

Removing your shoes at the door is customary in many homes, and in some cultures it’s seen as a mark of respect to leave your shoes outside. But there might also be some good health reasons to ask anyone coming into your home to remove their shoes first.    Bacteria is carried on the soles … Continued

What can you do if you get the flu?

For the last two years our health focus has been largely on coronavirus, but it looks like the common cold and flu is back with a vengeance. So, what can you do to make a good recovery if you get the flu or nasty cold?  Eat and drink well It’s tempting to eat fast, processed, or … Continued

How do children manage exposure to environmental pollutants? 

Infants and children are at risk of exposure to the same levels of environmental pollutants as their parents. They are especially susceptible to these pollutants because their body organs including those that control detoxification are immature and still developing.    Children are especially at risk during sensitive periods of development and rapid growth when their … Continued

Early onset cancer rates

Since 1990 deaths from cancer have been rising in people under the age of 50 in many countries across the world. Rises have been recorded in a wide range of cancers including breast, liver, kidney, thyroid, and numerous others.   5.7 million people died globally in 1990 from cancer, increasing to 8.9 million by 2019. … Continued

Air pollution exposures linked to mutations in lung cells  

Exposure to air contaminated by pollution has been linked to changes in lung tissue which can increase the risk of lung cancer.     Air pollution can be measured by the levels of microscopic particulate matter which has a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometers (PM2.5). PM2.5 is generated by vehicle exhaust fumes and combustion of … Continued

Glyphosate detected in the urine of 99% of pregnant US women

Glyphosate has been detected in 99% of urine samples of 187 pregnant women tested during their first trimester in a study based in Indiana, US. High levels of glyphosate were also subsequently associated with lower birth weights.     Exposure to glyphosate has been associated with adverse developmental outcomes in numerous animal studies, but not as … Continued

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