Best supplements to ease PMS symptoms, according to experts
"As with diet and lifestyle changes, consistency and patience are key,' explains Smith. 'It takes between 90 and 120 days for mature follicles in the ovaries to be selected for ovulation. During that time, the health of the maturing egg will be influenced by your overall health, and the health of that egg dictates how much progesterone is created in that cycle. Low progesterone in the luteal phase (that starts just after ovulation and ends right before your period) can trigger a number of PMS symptoms. This is why staying consistent for 90 days is so important for any changes in PMS symptoms and why only using supplements when symptoms have started is unlikely to have the desired long-term impact."
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2 days ago
- The National
Scotland's top doctor warns of greatest threat to health this century
In his annual report, Professor Gregor Smith said the 'triple planetary health crisis' amounted to a public health emergency. He said the global healthcare system itself was 'substantially' contributing to the problem, producing around 5% of the world's emissions. Calling for urgent action on the issue, Smith said: 'Just as we as individuals do not exist in isolation, human and planetary health are intertwined. READ MORE: Nicola Sturgeon's memoir has cleared government security checks, documents show 'We are part of an interconnected ecosystem and whether it be new approaches to sustainable agriculture, materials or healthcare, this innovation is well established across Scotland. 'There is more we can do in areas such as sustainable diets to prevent ill health, reduce pressure on our health services and reduce our impact on the natural world. 'Shifting towards sustainable, healthy diets and cutting food waste are key opportunities for reducing emissions and pressure on nature, in Scotland and overseas. 'This can go hand in hand with improving our health and easing pressure on our NHS.' He added: 'Restoring and strengthening that connection between ourselves and the planet need not be seen as a problem. 'When it comes to the future health of both, it is part of the solution.' The health expert described Scotland's natural environment as an 'invaluable resource' to improve the health of its people, as well as the wider planet. In his report, the Chief Medical Officer also warned that the focus on finding efficiencies in the healthcare could lead to worse outcomes for Scots. He said he was 'concerned' that 'if we apply this lens of efficiency inappropriately to all aspects of healthcare, we may lose that vital connection and provide sub-optimal, transactional, industrialised care instead'. He added: 'There is a very real risk that this loss of connection will prevent us from seeing the people we care for as they wish to be seen and understanding what matters to them. It is this transactional approach to care that can lead to overtreatment, potential harm, wasted resources and to decision regret.' Looking to the future, Smith said artificial intelligence (AI) would begin to play a 'significant' role in the NHS 'in the very near future'. However, he said that AI could not replace the 'wisdom' of healthcare professionals, while stressing the importance of human connection in healthcare. READ MORE: Scottish train engineering firm lands major contract creating 40 new jobs The Chief Medical Officer said Scotland's healthcare system, and wider society, must urgently prioritise preventing disease, rather than treating it once it happens. He said: 'If we are to address the health challenges that lie ahead, it is not only our health and care system that must have a greater focus on prevention, but all parts of society, including national and local government, public services and the voluntary and commercial sectors. 'I remain optimistic that the forthcoming Population Health Framework will provide this much-needed focus. 'If we can support the people we care for to be healthier for longer, significant improvements in their health could be achieved, allowing them to experience life, contribute to their families and communities and remain economically active for longer too.'
Leader Live
03-06-2025
- Leader Live
Daily cup of chickpeas can lower cholesterol, researchers find
A small study found the simple bean could boost people's health and may be an affordable way to lower the risk of chronic disease. Over the course of 12 weeks, the study on 72 people with pre-diabetes (where blood sugars are higher than usual but not high enough for a diagnosis of diabetes) found improved cholesterol levels among those eating a daily serving of chickpeas (about 160g cooked weight). Meanwhile, eating black beans was also linked to reduced inflammation (with one cup of cooked black beans weighing about 170g). The study was presented at the annual meeting of the American Society for Nutrition in Florida, but has not yet been peer-reviewed. Morganne Smith, researcher at Illinois Institute of Technology, said: 'Individuals with pre-diabetes often exhibit impaired lipid metabolism and chronic low-grade inflammation, both of which can contribute to the development of conditions like heart disease and type 2 diabetes. 'Our study found that bean consumption helped significantly lower cholesterol and reduce inflammation in people with pre-diabetes, although glucose levels were not changed. '(We) showed the benefits of consuming beans in adults with pre-diabetes, but they are a great option for everyone. 'These findings could be used to inform dietary guidelines, clinicians or public health programmes focused on preventing heart disease and diabetes.' In the study, people were randomly assigned to eat either one cup of black beans, chickpeas or rice (as the control group) for 12 weeks. Blood samples were taken at the start of the study, at six weeks and at 12 weeks to track cholesterol, inflammation and blood sugar. Glucose tolerance tests were conducted at the beginning and end of the study. For the group consuming chickpeas, total cholesterol significantly decreased from an average of 200.4 milligrams per decilitre (5.2mmol/L) at the beginning of the study to 185.8 milligrams per decilitre (4.8mmol/L) after 12 weeks, researchers said. For those eating black beans, the average level of pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 – a marker of inflammation – was 2.57 picograms per millilitre at the start of the study and significantly decreased to 1.88 picograms per millilitre after 12 weeks. Ms Smith suggested swapping less healthy foods for beans (whether tinned, dried or frozen) could be good for those wanting to eat more healthily. She added: 'There are a lot of ways to incorporate beans into your regular diet as a cost-effective way to support overall health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. 'You can blend them to add some thickness to a soup base, add them as a salad topping, or pair them with other grains like rice or quinoa.' Tracy Parker, senior dietitian at the British Heart Foundation, said: 'Eating plant-based sources of protein like chickpeas, black beans and other beans, is consistent with the traditional Mediterranean diet that is linked to a reduced risk of heart and circulatory diseases. 'These are high in protein, low in saturated fat and excellent sources of fibre, which helps lower cholesterol and high blood pressure. 'This helps reduce inflammation which is a major risk factor of coronary heart disease. 'Just one portion – around three heaped tablespoons or 150g – provides about a third of the recommended daily fibre intake. 'Most pulses are cheap and are available already cooked and canned in water, making them an easy and nutritious addition to a balanced diet.'
South Wales Guardian
03-06-2025
- South Wales Guardian
Daily cup of chickpeas can lower cholesterol, researchers find
A small study found the simple bean could boost people's health and may be an affordable way to lower the risk of chronic disease. Over the course of 12 weeks, the study on 72 people with pre-diabetes (where blood sugars are higher than usual but not high enough for a diagnosis of diabetes) found improved cholesterol levels among those eating a daily serving of chickpeas (about 160g cooked weight). Meanwhile, eating black beans was also linked to reduced inflammation (with one cup of cooked black beans weighing about 170g). The study was presented at the annual meeting of the American Society for Nutrition in Florida, but has not yet been peer-reviewed. Morganne Smith, researcher at Illinois Institute of Technology, said: 'Individuals with pre-diabetes often exhibit impaired lipid metabolism and chronic low-grade inflammation, both of which can contribute to the development of conditions like heart disease and type 2 diabetes. 'Our study found that bean consumption helped significantly lower cholesterol and reduce inflammation in people with pre-diabetes, although glucose levels were not changed. '(We) showed the benefits of consuming beans in adults with pre-diabetes, but they are a great option for everyone. 'These findings could be used to inform dietary guidelines, clinicians or public health programmes focused on preventing heart disease and diabetes.' In the study, people were randomly assigned to eat either one cup of black beans, chickpeas or rice (as the control group) for 12 weeks. Blood samples were taken at the start of the study, at six weeks and at 12 weeks to track cholesterol, inflammation and blood sugar. Glucose tolerance tests were conducted at the beginning and end of the study. For the group consuming chickpeas, total cholesterol significantly decreased from an average of 200.4 milligrams per decilitre (5.2mmol/L) at the beginning of the study to 185.8 milligrams per decilitre (4.8mmol/L) after 12 weeks, researchers said. For those eating black beans, the average level of pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 – a marker of inflammation – was 2.57 picograms per millilitre at the start of the study and significantly decreased to 1.88 picograms per millilitre after 12 weeks. Ms Smith suggested swapping less healthy foods for beans (whether tinned, dried or frozen) could be good for those wanting to eat more healthily. She added: 'There are a lot of ways to incorporate beans into your regular diet as a cost-effective way to support overall health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. 'You can blend them to add some thickness to a soup base, add them as a salad topping, or pair them with other grains like rice or quinoa.' Tracy Parker, senior dietitian at the British Heart Foundation, said: 'Eating plant-based sources of protein like chickpeas, black beans and other beans, is consistent with the traditional Mediterranean diet that is linked to a reduced risk of heart and circulatory diseases. 'These are high in protein, low in saturated fat and excellent sources of fibre, which helps lower cholesterol and high blood pressure. 'This helps reduce inflammation which is a major risk factor of coronary heart disease. 'Just one portion – around three heaped tablespoons or 150g – provides about a third of the recommended daily fibre intake. 'Most pulses are cheap and are available already cooked and canned in water, making them an easy and nutritious addition to a balanced diet.'
