Alzheimer’s and Dementia – Lowering Homocysteine Levels Can Help Reduce Risk and Progression.

Lowering homocysteine levels (a hormone like substance produced by the body) can help prevent Alzheimer’s and dementia. For the first time researchers at the UK’s Dementia Research Institute have discovered what they believe to be the mechanism that causes brain cells to self destruct. Continue reading “Alzheimer’s and Dementia – Lowering Homocysteine Levels Can Help Reduce Risk and Progression.”

Understanding Nutrition – Part 1

Chronic diseases (also known as non-communicable diseases or NCDs) are killing more people annually than any other cause. In fact, if we look at the chart below we can see that NDCs (cardiovascular disease, cancer, respiratory diseases, dementia, diabetes, etc.) killed 38 million people out of a total of 53 million in 2017 (the latest year for which I can find accurate data). That’s over 70% of all deaths!

Continue reading “Understanding Nutrition – Part 1”

How Blood Sugar Levels Affect Weight Gain

 

Weight gain is epidemic in the South Africa, with over 70% of women being overweight or obese (this is the highest in Africa). Even more frightening is that 13% of our children are overweight or obese (this is more than double the world average!).1 Being overweight increases the risk of cancer, heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s and dementia, respiratory problems, osteoarthritis and depression.2 The cost is enormous, not only in rands but also in pain and suffering. Continue reading “How Blood Sugar Levels Affect Weight Gain”

High fructose consumption causes liver damage and increases risk of heart disease, putting youngsters at risk.

Fructose in sodas causes health problems

Studies have shown that fructose, commonly found in soft drinks and processed foods can cause serious liver damage and increase the risk of heart disease. This raises concerns for millions of youngsters who consume soft drinks daily, along with processed and packaged foods. Continue reading “High fructose consumption causes liver damage and increases risk of heart disease, putting youngsters at risk.”

Heart Disease -Part 2

Hypertension

High blood pressure or hypertension (HT), often referred to as ‘the silent killer’, is another factor causing millions of deaths worldwide.   The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention say one in three Americans over the age of 20 have hypertension. And over 40 million people wind up in hospital each year with it. These statistics are similar in all the developed countries and, as poorer countries GDP’s increase, so does the incidence of HT. It’s estimated that HT causes ±7 million deaths worldwide annually. Continue reading “Heart Disease -Part 2”